Yes, I am aware that it’s spelled “drearier,” but you get the point!
I shot a video a few months ago about the dark and dreary crevice that’s being created by building Charlie, Glas, and Hudson so close together, but I didn’t entirely blame the unit-owners since there was no guarantee that those condos would eventually be built.
Today’s video, however, demonstrates that some people buy units in dark and dreary corners as clearly shown on a developer’s blueprints!
The video does not accurately capture just how awful this little “pocket” truly is.
This building is “U” shaped, and there was a building to my right that I didn’t show in the video. The units that make up that “U” will never see a single, solitary second of natural light, and it’s incredible to think that this was all by design!!
Consider that when a developer eyes a piece of land for a new condominium, he usually goes right to his architect and says, “What can ya build?”
It’s the architect that has the eye for the building and the foresight for the land, and as a result, we’ve seen some pretty crazy designs.
I’ve mentioned in the past how I’m not a fan of 75 Portland Street because it is also somewhat “U” shaped and thus most of the “courtyard” units stare directly at eachother. I love King West, I love anything that Freed has built, and I love some of the units in this building, but that terrible design has automatically eliminated about 50% of the units from contention, in my mind.
I’m not saying that every condominium should be a perfect square, but the condo in my video is absolutely awful. There is nothing remotely interesting or rewarding about those units that all face eachother in that dark and dreary area that will one day be called a “courtyard” by the residents who will look for any positive to spin.
The fault for this one, however, lays with the owners themselves for buying in pre-construction off floor plans that clearly show the shape of the building.
If you don’t have the foresight, knowledge, and experience to picture how awful the units in that “U” shaped corridor will some day be, then you shouldn’t be buying pre-construction off floor plans!
Oh well! At least “there’s a buyer for every condo.”
Right?
Sam
at 8:48 am
Hi David,
I guess the U-shape maximizes the number of units you can put on a lot?…I’m sure the only reason someone buys an inner unit is $$$$. “1 bed + Den from $299,000” inevitably refers to a 2nd floor unit, facing the ‘courtyard’…When I bought my unit (resale), I felt compelled to check out nearly-identical inner units because they were notably discounted. I asked myself “How much do I really need natural light? I can put lamps everywhere…I’m sure I won’t spend that much time on the balcony anyway” etc but in the end the dreariness of these blackhole-like spaces was just too much. My neighbor, Voldemort, loves the darkness but I’m very happy I opted for natural light.
Joe Q.
at 9:35 am
I’m reminded of the town(s) nestled in Alpine valleys in Switzerland (or Austria?) that are in shadow for much of the year due to the surrounding mountains. At least they get a reprieve for a few months per year.
Stan
at 9:12 pm
How about 75 Portland St.’s court yard? The building is in a long, tight U-shape. Everyone on the inside can look into every other unit across from them. The clear glass balconies do not help the matter, I suspect. Worth a video? 🙂
Stan
at 9:21 pm
Here’s the google overhead view of 75 Portland. That is tight!! I call this developer “Greed” as there’s only one description for the tiny, horrendously-packed-in nature of his recent projects (75 Portland, 500 Wellington, even 550 Wellington, and the Thompson Residences that will be sandwiched somwhere in-between these projects.
http://tinyurl.com/3deuo44
And what of the trifecta of tightness: Soho Met vs. Bisha vs. M5V condos! Take a look at the tiny space between (behind) these buildings.
buk
at 11:01 pm
welcome to liberty village; where poor design meets dog lovers.
Clifford
at 12:21 am
No view is safe. So even if you purchase a unit with an unobstructed view, odds are it will be obstructed since condos are popping up everywhere.
Also, not everyone likes an abundance of natural light. I rented a place with no window in the living room for 3 years. LOL
Lastly, it’s funny, in Manhattan, people are spending $1M+ on units that look right at a brick wall. I guess you can say a great view isn’t important to everyone.
Condo Communities
at 12:27 am
Hmmm the “U” shape looks interesting, but like Sam said the light factor may not be an issue for some people assuming you use the right lighting in your condo. In my opinion natural light is the best light and is necessary for health. I’ll opt in for Natural Light!
Dogbiskit
at 8:25 am
I bet most of those purchasers are investors who only see $$$. Would be interesting to find out how much they actually make on the flip. One would think the buyer pool for these dog units would be small but it seems these days a lot of peeps are willing and happy to buy snake oil.
Ian C
at 9:14 am
I work on Peter, and when Charlie goes up, I don’t think that east facing Hundson owners will ever get their windows cleaned because there is no room to fit a person in between to clean them.
I don’t recall seeing a window so close to another building. A wall – sure – a couple of inches… But a window? Crazy…
When they add a couple more floors it will be frightening…
calcho
at 11:32 am
In some cities where high-rise/multi-unit living is the standard, most buildings are NOT in fact perfectly square, but have parts that jut out to maximize light for all units. For example, a cross-shaped building when viewed from above. I’ve been in buildings where most units have windows on THREE sides, instead of the standard one side in Toronto!
meow
at 11:55 pm
I have to have sunlight streaming into my place. It is important to me. My boyfriend on the other hand lives in courtyard apartment similar to what you have shown and he keeps the blinds pulled all day and night. Some people don’t mind living in a bat cave…but I imagine most people prefer light and a view.