Introducing Urban Oasis
If urban living is your idea of a dream come true, soon you will have a chance to live the dream in the capitol of the world.
HGTV has teamed with house planner Jack Thomasson and world-renowned designer Vern Yip to create a posh pad located in the heart of New York City. The location? The Residences at W New York-Downtown. The space? A 900-square-foot fully-furnished residence that boasts sweeping views of the city — including the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
Our online virtual tour of this amazing space begins on August 12, 2010. Then, starting on September 1, we invite you to enter once daily on HGTV.com and FrontDoor.com for your chance to win the apartment and a luxury vehicle. Our first on-air tour of the home premieres on Monday, September 6, 2010, at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT. Mark your calendar! And make plans to visit this blog regularly for updates, exclusive videos and more.
I'd move there if I won. And yes, I'd do it in a New York minute.
It would be a great weekend home. I worked in Manhattan for 15 years and left a job I loved because the commute was too long. I try to get into the City as much as I can but this would allow me to really spend more time there enjoying everything it has to offer. I love NY!
When I used to occasionally purchase Lotto tickets, I would justify it thinking, "At least I can dream about having my own home." Then I discovered HGTV dream home, and green home, and it keeps getting better! When Vern Yip was involved in the Trading Spaces program, I knew I would like the result — always tasteful, never cluttered. What a view — and this dream doesn't even cost me $1. Thanks, HGTV!
That's hilarious… but you hit the nail on the head with that one…. dreams via HGTV do not require you to give your hard earned cash to the state… unless you win of course.
lots more than a dollar with taxes & maintenance fees
I would have to sell that beautiful place to pay the taxes — would plan on staying a few weeks and enjoy the condo, those incredible views, and the sights and sounds of New York. Of course if the dream doesn't come true, I am still richer than I was buying that $1 lottery ticket!
This project is amazing! I love NYC.. always wishing that someday my daughter and I could get back there. This design team created a masterpiece, once again! Modern City living is in my heart!
I don't think NYC would be for me, but there are lots of other people who it would appeal to. So to these people I wish you luck. Even though it's not for me, I can't wait to see it. I know it will be gorgeous.
City living is not for me, but my sister might be interested, as well as so many others. I will enjoy seeing what Jack T. and Vern Y. come up with — I'm sure it will be fantastic!
I don't think I would be crazy about living in NYC. It would be a nice place to visit though. Maybe keep the residence as a vacation place and rent out otherwise. Or, just sell it and take the money to build my dream cabin in the woods.
Ooh- exciting…new is always exciting. This must be why they were asking our input on a NYC location. Now, so many things over the past couple of months (when this had to be in the planning stage) make sense.
Can we get an "Urban Oasis" tab under the Dream Home like the Green Home currently is? It makes more sense having it there rather than under "On TV."
So… I guess that Vern was doing this in his "spare time" in NYC while filming design star…hmmm…maybe one of the final Design Star challenges will deal with it.
So…looking at NYC stuff online, 900sf can typically have 2 bedrooms…can you release that in your next tidbit of information prior to the tour. While 900sf is a squeeze, in an urban location that can fit a small family. Careerwise- it seems like a great place…especially for the many writers here on the blog.
(See- HGTV does listen…a lot of people were asking for city life.)
Here's the link to the condo. It looks like it is only a one bedroom: http://ny.curbed.com/archives/2010/07/22/milliond…
Thanks for the link…there is a good point about the possibility of renting it.
Thanks for the link. I know the area as a previous boss' son lived there at the time of the WTC disaster. I would never live there but it definitely is a great rental opportunity to someone who wants to live in the financial district.
I lived in NY all my life before moving to VA. We lived in an 800 square foot – 1 bedroom apartment with two kids – we all slept in the same room. It is tight but it is all what you are accustomed to…
Scripps network is going to be busy as DIY blog cabin has very similar dates.
Once they write the algorithims, the computer does all the work.
Having lived on Long Island for a year, having a flat in the city would be fantastic! I would love to explore all of the neighborhood restaurants, enjoy the architecture, people from all over the world, live and breathe the real New York experience!
I remember one of the bloggers posted this on the blog cabin web site a few weeks ago. If I remember right it is valued at something like 1.5 million. I wonder what the property taxes are on this condo? Here's the link that the DIY Blogger posted: http://ny.curbed.com/archives/2010/07/22/milliond… There is a lot more information here than "Mean Mary" gave us – as usual! ^_^
You would think that they would have found this article leaked almost two weeks ago and let us know before now.
You remembered! Well, information is leaking to the web community, perhaps to generate a little blogger buzz. Here is today's installment from Curbed.com, NYC's premier property blog–including living room/kitchen, bedroom and bath pictures, and a floorplan for the Urban Oasis giveaway. Enjoy.
http://ny.curbed.com/archives/2010/08/03/inside_t…
Incidentally, HGTV cleverly controlled the price of admission to this fancy condo/hotel by taking the lowest floor to customize a residence–floor 33–and selected finishes with program sponsors. Those HGTV planners are not only listening to us, they're smart too. Vern Yip's design has so much more soul than a standard modern box. I'm dreaming of viewing the Statue of Liberty and sunsets daily from my living room! (Can you say, "major upgrade?" Good luck everyone.
I always remember your posts Peter. I couldn't believde the $1400 + monthly taxes and maintenance fees. And that would be after about $700K in income taxes. No wonder millionaires are moving out of NYC in record numbers. Thanks for the latest link. It looks even smaller inside than I expected! Nice view of the water though.
peter: Thanks so much! We don't have to beg. I loved the deep window sills where people can sit. Loved the half galley kitchen. Loved the bedroom. Cannot understand that bench in the corner and the round shaped thing. Could not believe the wasted space in the bathroom. Where is the nearest washer and dryer? Do you think Vern would mind if I brought up a few living green plants to put in that corner?
I'd either move there or use it as a vacation getaway- let the W rent it when I was unable to use it!. Stayed at the W — WOW.
I found this- its adifferent link. http://www.condo-living-west.com/nyblog/2009/01/p…
I would love a home in the city. My husband worked there all his life and knows all the quaint shops and out-of-the-way locations. It would be fantastic to keep my mountain home and have a city home (apartment). I jokingly refer to it as bilingual living…giving the kids a chance to learn the thinking and behavior that goes with both locations. Wonderful!
So excited to have another sweepstakes that start this year!
(How did they keep this a secret?)
Has everyone checked out the link on the right of the page?
http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv-urban-oasis-2010/show/in…
love the corner windows!
just noticed it myself and came back to post it. The lines inside are pretty cool too. I also noticced the size of the living room isn't that big…so, maybe they did squeeze two bedrooms in.
This is one of the links you will find on the other pages. It lets you explore the building
http://123washingtonstreet.com/
This is one of the links you will find on the other pages. It lets you explore the building
http://123washingtonstreet.com/
What a view!
This is so exciting! I have always thought that it would be a great idea for HGTV to giveaway a luxury condo in a big city……..and now it is finally happening! Not only that but the giveaway begins this same year! I would love to win this condo and live in the Big Apple! Thank you HGTV!!!
So- if they keep doing urban oasis, which other locations do you think they should do?
My answer Seattle.
San Francisco is my favorite city!
I would have to say Seattle or Honolulu.
I agree, Seattle would be a great next location. I wonder if they could do one in Vancouver Canada? From what I hear it is one of the most liveable cities in the world.
That would be cool…don't know what restrictions would apply on a foreign location.
I don't know about most liveable, but I am sure it is right up there with the most expensive!
Seattle Absolutely !!!! Or the eastside of Seattle/Lake Washington … Bellevue or Kirkland!
Yes PLEASE !!
Or Boston Back Bay …
Our family could immediately benefit from Kirkland/Bellevue/Seattle or Boston Back Bay YES
what an oasis…
Those of us working ….need to be located in cities where we can continue working!!!
Hooray … what a great idea!!
I vote for Seattle too. Portland, OR would be a close second for its livability. San Francisco wowed me in my younger days and has so many great restaurants. Los Angeles has that Hollywood glamour, and San Diego has the beautiful weather year around. There are so many West Coast cities to dream about!
Great question! I would agree with Seattle. My other favorites are Boston and San Francisco.
Down Town Houston Texas inside the loop!!! Lived in Texas for a year gave birth to my son in Houston and it was great!! Although you can never go wrong building a lite house on the Outer Banks relaxing dream come true:)
Wow! Another big giveaway from HGTV
There are two different blogs for this. I just commented on the other one.
Amazing doesn't even cover it.
This isn't just big news, it's shocking. Did anyone see this coming? I know we talked about two Dream Homes and the possibility that there could be a loft in the city and a place in the country. Wow! I realize it's a bit separate from the Dream Home giveaway, but Jack is involved, so wherever Jack goes a dream tends to follow. ; )
I think this would explain some of the clues. ; )
I would love to visit New York, and see all the sites, but it wouldn't really be practical for me to live there, however an extended visit would be marvelous.
Living on a sailboat part-time sounds exciting. Maybe that luxury car will turn into a sailboat.
Can anyone bend the interpretation of "Luxury Vehicle" to really be a luxury sailboat??
Sorry Cami the vehicle is an Accura ZDX. Here's the link: http://ny.curbed.com/archives/2010/07/22/milliond…
I love the idea of living on a luxury sailboat … in Seattle area!!
But wouldn't it be nice to see somone who could really use the house win. So far they all own homes already in really nice areas. I have worked all my life but because of ongoing illness, I work to pay bills and rent I have never been able to buy a house. It wouldn't even need to be a Luxury dream home. A one floor 2 bed 2 bath with a dishwasher is a dream home to me.
Wiki says….A vehicle (Latin: vehiculum) is a device that is designed or used to transport people or cargo. Most often vehicles are manufactured (e.g. bicycles, cars, motorcycles, trains, ships, boats, and aircraft).[1]
That luxury vehicle could be a sailboat.
Yep I said it!! You all know how much I love to speculate, and see things that aren't there. LOL.
THAT IS SOME TOWER! ! ( Would love to see out a window.)
Check it out… http://www.gwathmey-siegel.com/portfolio/proj_det…
"The W New York-Downtown Hotel & Residences is a 57-story tower rising at the southern edge of New York City’s World Trade Center Memorial Site, one block from the planned Freedom Tower, at 123 Washington Street. The first luxury hotel and residential tower to be built in Lower Manhattan, it is also the first new project not part of the WTC complex to begin construction since 9/11. "
GREAT…. http://123washingtonstreet.com/site.aspx?r=0 (music too)
I wouldn't mind rubbing shoulders with the Statue of Liberty!
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/whotels/property/ar…
Thanks ZIP for the link.
http://123washingtonstreet.com/site.aspx?r=0 Checking it out!! (music too)
LOVED LOVED Loved all the views out the windows!
The furnished residence that is shown looks like a luxury abode from Star Trek. Okay for some.
I see HGTV is keeping their Peek-a-Boo bathroom legacy alive here too! LOL
Don't know what happened, but this site is no longer available. I've been trying to view on various computers over the past few days. It was a very cool site. Loved the music.
.http://123washingtonstreet.com/site.aspx?r=0 Checking it out!! (music too)
Green acres is the place for me.
Farm livin' is the life for me.
Land spreadin' out so far and wide
Keep Manhattan, just give me that countryside.
Yep Kathy. Been to NYC many times. They can keep it! ^_^
Ditto! I've driven right through NYC and 'I don wanna' do it again.
:):)
Ed: Were your many trips to NYC for business? You seem to have so much information about taxes. Are you a CPA? Did you see any Broadway shows while in NYC? What don't you like about NYC.? Sorry, I'm asking far too many questions.
Ed, you are one of my favorite bloggers, always ready with answers and information. Thank you.
The things I like least about NYC are the crowds and the extremely rude people. Not a CPA, I just research taxes where appropriate. With the Bush tax cuts set to expire in December the winner of this condo could pay almost 50% in taxes, depending on their state taxes. Don't remember the shows I went to there. Thank you for the compliment Katydid! Oh and I forgot the high cost of everything! ^_^
Lived in Brooklyn in my 20's. Okay back in the 70's. Totally different today. Give me the country anytime.
The country is nice. But in NYC you meet interesting people from literally all over the world. It can be very expensive, but if you are willing to downsize, and forego the expense of a car, you'd be surprised how you can get by even on a relatively modest income. The many parks, libraries and even some museums are available for free. Broadway is expensive, but off- and off off broadway offer exciting live performances at affordable prices. Last time I travelled, I took a car service to the airport: cost $45. On the return, I used public transit: cost just over $2 and I was home in one hour. The Big Apple can surprise you. Honestly it's a great place to call home.
Seriously………this is the best news I have had all year! I want this condo!!!
When I win it I will sell it to you. ^_^
Sorry…..I am going to win this condo.
It will be nice to see what green things can be done in NYC – surprise me…………
BB: I've already suggested a few plants in the corner of the stark living room. This condo is on the "lower" 33rd floor. If I had to garden on the roof with my recent vertigo affection that might be a bad surprise.
I've been to New York many times and love it—-especially at Christmas——–but I would never make my home there. Upstate New York is beautiful, but the thought of the "car hassle" to get in and out of the city—been there done that a couple of times—-no thanks.
The view is amazing from this condo—–brought back memories of the World Trade Center for me. I stood on the top and looked out over this exact view nine months before they fell. I have a beautiful picture I took from our ferry, coming back from Ellis Island one evening. The sun had turned the Twin Towers into two incredible copper columns.
I would have to trade that car in on a boat. ; )
For all the indecision about the sidebar(comments et cetera) on the right hand side of the blog—-now that it isn't on this blog page—–it looks so—-blank—and bare—-and I think I miss it—and I think I hope they don't change it—-and I miss seeing who is posting at the moment—— Go figure. LOL
Okay, I may be busy and having the time of my life here in Santa Fe, but not too busy to miss checking in to the Dream Home blog. I know MARY thought she'd toss out this amazing info about the NYC Dream Pad and I 'd miss out on the excitement—but oh no, I'm onto it in a New York minute!
Still, it's been a long and eventful day, so I'll have to catch up with all the extraordinary news in a day or two. Tomorrow's a busy day for me on the Turquoise Trail, and evening entertainment, so as exciting as this news is, I pick up on the blogging end of things later—after I let it all sink in!
Be sure to buy a dreamcatcher or two. I have a dreamcatcher necklace that I wear during Scripps giveaway times. Hasn't helped me win yet though… Hmmmm, well….See if they have any magic beans or something.
For those asking about property taxes, or otherwise thinking about how practical it would be to hold on to this delightful prize, here are some details. According to StreetEasy.com, the most comprehensive site for historical NYC property listing information, the W New York Downtown Hotel & Residence, unit 33A, will be expensive to maintain:
http://streeteasy.com/nyc/sale/191215-123-washing…
Property taxes are subject to a ten year tax abatement, meaning that taxes are super low for five years ($88 per month), then rise, so that by year ten, the condo is fully taxed. Currently the city's website that has tax assessment info is unavailable, but I'll check back later to get the long term cost estimate. The bottom line is that with monthly common charges of $1314, the total initial cost is $1402 per month. It's safe to say the winner will sell the prize or try renting it for $5,200 per month, like this owner is asking for a similar unit:
http://streeteasy.com/nyc/rental/666646-rental-12…
ok you changed my mind I am entering. I could get my house here fixed on the rental income. I don't make $5200 a month. I could put some aside for when the apartment is empty. Even consider retiring early & build me a pool. invest in a larger home for my daughter & her family. I barely make a third of that & after they take out for insurance taxes etc. Looks like I am gonna have to buy health insurance when I retire in 10 yrs anyway. so . . not a bad plan . . . but have you seen the floor plans of the Vernont home . . . all that wood & forest & cool air & turning leaves. rambling again – everyone has to be good at something. i'm random
I posted this link in response to another blogger's post. Here's curbed.com latest reveal on the prize, including pictures and floorplan:
http://ny.curbed.com/archives/2010/08/03/inside_t…
The floorplan is a one bedroom, one bath unit and the car is an Acura ZDX. At an estimated value of $1.5 million, I'm guessing there is no parking space, which cost approximately $500 per month to rent in Manhattan.
http://img.streeteasy.com/nyc/image/96/2679396.jp…
Are you sure this is the correct floorplan? This unit only has 803 sq. ft. The condo they are giving away has 900 sq. ft.
In NYC you can never trust the quoted square feet of condo built after the year 2000 or so. Thats about when developers started exaggerating the stated size of their condo units. That floorplan is the correct one. If it says 803, so the apt likely is 803 square feet OR LESS. I'm guessing the 900 square feet quote includes a percentage of the common elements (hallways) attributable to the unit.
The floorplan matches the pictures fairly well, so if its not exact, its close.
What is everyone's favorite feature of the luxury pad? I'm really digging the herringbone pattern on the bathroom floor, and also the sleek modern loo with a view!
I like the fact the sofa is so versatile – recliner, bed(s).
I do like the bathroom….. very sleek! Needs a bidet tho!!!
Is there a picture of the fabulous shower? I only saw the "W" sample condo's shower.
The views would be awesome. The kitchen/dining area looks well done for the small space.
It seems like one of the big challenges has to be storage. They mention the dining room table. I keep looking for storage — saw what could be quite a bit behind doors in the bedroom. Amazing how much information bloggers have gleaned — especially peter_nyc!
I love this condo! Fantastic layout, decor, view and location! I really would love to have this one!<3
With this sweepstakes we will get to enter twice a day, once on HGTV.com and once on FrontDoor.com. Pretty cool.
Now what do you all think about the pad being on the 33rd floor. Is 33 your lucky number?
I'm hoping my lucky number is "won"…. B)
cute! My favorite # is 13-
I was born and raised in Queens, now living in Virginia. I would move back to NYC in a minute!!! I am putting reminders on my calendar to enter every single day. The W Down Town is a great hotel in a great location. I miss the city that never sleeps!!!!
Thanks HGTV! It looks like we have a new angle on home contests with this Vern Yip decorated
apartment. There is so much to see and do in NYC. What's next in HGTV World? You keep
outdoing yourself every year.
Okay, now…I know I've been a little out of touch lately, mostly due to my oldest son getting married in Charleston this past weekend, but WOW, WOW, and WOW! HGTV…you outdid yourselves right before our very eyes! JACK…I don't even know what to say! Oh, you…you ARE the Dream Man!
MARY…How do you do it? Keeping all of those secrets tucked away and then…BOOM…a giant SURPRISE for all of us bloggers! One of these days I want to have some cosmos with you and see if I can get more secrets out of you! ^_^
Anyway, I am a little speechless (which is pretty hard to do to this HGTV SuperFan)!
Thank you HGTV, once again, for making all of our dreams come true! You may "start at home" but you certainly "end with a bang" each and every time! HGTV…YOU'RE the BEST!
Living the Dream!
Hey Lynn, I 've been out of touch lately too. so, I decided to take a quick peek before bed and I've been just sitting here staring at the screen in awe and disbelief, and like you, I kept saying WOW , WOW, WOW. I did manage to look at the photo's and I 'am speechless too. It is Just so unbelievable Beautiful. ( The Views Wow) And I agree with everything you said too… HGTV is the Master of Surprises I have to say. Their aim is to please and that they do. This will be a Grand Prize for one Happy HGTV Fan. Even though I'm to old for a move to NY. I have always wanted to visit at least once in my life and see everything. And ,That was my very first thoughts when I saw this Was , WOW ,HGTV was offering a Special Prize of Maybe a Week in NY in a Beautiful Luxury apartment …. Now I could go for that in a NY minute LOL….. I even thought Regis And Kelly here I come. LOL They would have to be at the Top Of my " To See List," among the many others. Oh, Well, that's what we do best here is Dream , so I'm going to go and do just that . Good night my friends, Sweet Dreams. AliB
Hi AliB! Thanks for posting your thoughts! I hope you did have Sweet Dreams my friend!
Can you believe it? NYC? Pretty exciting, huh? I live right outside of Philadelphia so I'm hoping that they will have tours…I could actually make it to that one pretty easily!
Hope all is well!
Living the Dream!
Lynn SC or WV for Charleston?
Hi OmahaLady!
The wedding was in Charleston, South Carolina. It's hard to believe that today they have been married for one week! My, how time flies…of course…it seems like only yesterday that my son was born and now he's married! Crazy how quickly time moves along, huh?
Living the Dream!
The luxury vehicle could readily transport me between my Upstate NY home (REALLY UPSTATE in WNY) and MY NYC Diva Pad – Husband won't go up in an elevator or stay in upper rooms of a hotel. What a shame. I'll just have to live a double life – the life *I* was meant to live! Design by Vern? Yip-PEE! Heavens, the choir I could audition to sing with in NYC! I know my daughter would love to visit me – She's been dying for a NYC shopping spree. I'm in!
An urban oasis would be “Pefect”
Yes! Yes! Yes!
As a new blogger, I am curious. What is the number followed by "p" that increments?
If you hold your mouse over the 15p next to your name it will tell you that: this is the user's reputation score. It is a score based on number of posts and other nebulous factors.
My reputation pales in comparison with yours — thanks a lot for the information!
Nancy
LOL – I wish they would remove it.
Who knew the real estate in Manhattan was so unbelievably sky high! The condo is tiny for $1.5 Million. And….no parking included!
Give me a "V"!
Give me an "E"!
Give me a "R"!
Give me an "N"!
Give me a "Y"!
Gie me an "I"!
Give me a "P"!
What does that spell?
Living the Dream!
what were you spelling? did I miss something – I wouldn't be surprised.
Hi joplays!
V-E-R-N Y-I-P! Vern Yip, the designer of this NYC Dream. Best of luck to you throughout this contest!
Living the Dream!
I pictured this condo much larger. It is not at all what I expected. NY is soooooooo expensive!
This is so exciting! Thanks to all of you who have listed the links for this Urban Oasis…..I loved checking out the condo floor plan and Verns wonderful designs…..900 sq ft seems small, but it appears to be well laid out.
NY….I've never had the opportunity to visit…..honestly can't say I'd want to live there…..but I love living the dream!