Building: 99 John Deco Lofts

Let’s say you dreamed of living in the Empire State Building, which is not going to happen. What’s the next best thing? That could very well be the 99 John Deco Lofts, an Art Deco beauty designed by the same architects (Shreve, Lamb and Harmon) who gave Manhattan the Empire State Building.

Built in 1933, the 99 John Deco Lofts building straddles the Financial District and the South Street Seaport and is an imposingly attractive structure decked out in limestone and granite. The building renovations were completed in 1999, delivering 442 loft apartments that vary according to 100 distinct floor plans configured as studios, 1-and 2-bedrooms as well as a few 3- and 4-bedroom units and penthouses.

Inside, it’s pretty darn nice, with upscale condo units decked out in sleek finishes. What people like about the building is the Old World construction that features solid 16-inch concrete walls, classic architectural details and unique floor plan layouts. Many of the apartments feature balconies and views, courtesy of the tiered upper floors.

This original design feature allowed for a Zen garden to be installed on the 5th floor as well as a landscaped rooftop terrace that provides stellar views of the East River and the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges. There’s a fully-equipped fitness center; residents’ lounge with fireplace; pool table; screening room; games and kitchen.

While there’s easy access to nearby shopping (Hermes, anyone?) residents approve of the in-house access to a gourmet grocer, drug store, parking garage (at additional cost) and valet. With close proximity to the 2, 3, 4, 5, A, C, J and Z subway lines, it’s easy to access all the other NYC neighborhoods, too.

Description provided by David Schwartz