This modular, metal-clad condominium offers below-average prices
Onyx, an 11-story condominium in North Chelsea, is the brainchild of businessmen Evan Haymes and Matthew Bronfman, both of whom are heirs to their family's fortune. For co-developer Haymes, it's the real estate-focused Haymes Investment Company, while for Bronfman, it's Seagram, the Canadian whisky giant. The duo considered the project a neighborhood gem, hence the name. Completed in 2006 by architecture firm FX Collaborative, the part-industrial, part-modernist facade features an interesting combination of aluminum-framed windows and black metallic panels with exposed stainless steel bolts. While the modular structure is appealing from the street level, the interior finishes within the units are slightly underwhelming, especially when compared to the high-end finishes typical of newer luxury condos. Fortunately for buyers, the building’s prices are adjusted accordingly: For many of Onyx’s units, prices hover around $1,650 per square foot, which is much lower than Chelsea’s average of $2,128 per square foot.
Residents can enjoy two roof decks and a gym
Like the in-unit finishes, the amenities aren’t as souped-up as those in new condominiums. “The gym is decent, but it’s not excellent,” says Karan Chopra, an associate real estate broker at Douglas Elliman. “Scored one out of 10, I would probably give it a ranking of six or seven. The saving grace about the gym is that it has a little bit of a terrace. So as you're working out, if you need to take a phone call or catch your breath, you can step out and take in some sun before coming back in.” Another of the building’s perks is the private, ground-floor parking, which is accessible from the lobby but only offers five spots. There are, however, two rooftop decks. “To me, the north-facing one is more impressive because you can see the New York Public Library, Hudson Yards, Penn Station,” Chopra says. “The south-side roof is much larger, maybe double the size, and it’s furnished, but it has mechanical units, so it’s loud.” There isn’t an indoor resident’s lounge, but the attended lobby is thoughtfully designed and features an original plaster relief sculpture by fashion designer Vera Wang.
Finishes are lackluster, but large windows modernize the units
For buyers who prefer a modern set up, the oversized picture windows are perhaps the best feature within the units, though the open floor plans — of which there are 21 variations — may be a close second. In select units, the windows run floor-to-ceiling and wrap the corner. A dozen residences offer private outdoor space, including the three 11th floor penthouses where large roof decks are accessed by floating steel stairs. “The original units have heated marble floors, a beautiful [glass mosaic] backsplash and an open kitchen layout,” Chopra says. “But there are other products out there that are probably more impressive. This is a 2006 building, and we’re in 2024.”
For the area, condos are spacious and competitively priced
It’s the size and price point that set Onyx apart, according to Chopra. “If you're transacting in Chelsea, this is probably one of the more attractive buildings in terms of value. In other buildings in Chelsea, you’ll find a 900- or 1,000-square foot two-bedroom. Here, you get substance and size. For a two-bedroom in Chelsea, 1,265 square feet is a generous footprint.” One-bedroom condos typically sell between $975,000 and $1.25 million, while two-bedrooms are priced from $1.49 million to $2.75 million. There are only four three-bedroom residences within the building, each at varying price points and square footage. For instance, one recently sold for $1.9 million, while the other, a penthouse, garnered $3.25 million. Even though the units are generously sized, every residence has additional storage available in the basement. “The storage units are not like a five-by-five cage. These are gigantic storage units that are licensed to each unit. It's not deeded, so you don't have to pay taxes on it,” Chopra says.
Convenience is a big plus for owners
Set on the corner of 26th Street and Eighth Avenue, Onyx residents experience an ideal mix of two neighborhoods: Chelsea and Midtown South. Right across the street from the building, The Fashion Institute of Technology brings a creative presence to the area, as well as the casual eateries and coffee shops that cater to students and locals. Three blocks north of Onyx, Penn Station and Madison Square Garden are considered by many to be the heart of Midtown Manhattan. “I think having Penn Station right there is a really big selling point,” Chopra says. “Should your parents or family want to come visit, it’s a quick commute to your home. And with all the train stains right there, you have so much access.” The A, C, E and 1, 2, 3 lines are the closest options, but eight more trains are available from the 34th Street-Herald Square transit hub a half mile away.
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Quantarium
Current List Price
Sold Price
Area Factors
Moderate Crime
Crime Score®
5/ 10
Biker's Paradise
Bike Score®
96/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
98/ 100
Rider's Paradise
Transit Score®
100/ 100
Sources: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Walk Score
Sources: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Walk Score
WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Powered by CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks. Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Environmental risk data is provided by First Street Foundation® and is designed to approximate risk and not intended to include all possible scenarios.
Parks in this Area
Penn South Playground
2 min walk
Basketball
Tennis
Playground
Sandbox Playground
2 min walk
Pinwheel Park
5 min walk
Trails
Playground
Chelsea Park
5 min walk
Basketball
Picnic Area
Soccer
Chelsea Waterside at Hudson River Park
6 min walk
Basketball
Dog Park
Soccer
Greeley Square Park
10 min walk
Chelsea Green
12 min walk
Picnic Area
Playground
Waterpark
Herald Square
12 min walk
Picnic Area
Trails
Concessions
The High Line
12 min walk
Trails
Events
Botanical Gardens
Schools
Source:
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