Construction is underway to build the 16-story condominium known as BLUE on the former vacant lot at 105 Norfolk Street, near the corner of Delancey Street. Designed by Bernard Tschumi Architects, the curved and angular building takes its name from the panes of blue glass that will make up its exterior. Construction began in September 2005, and the Lower East Side condo is scheduled to be completed by 2007. The $18 million building is being developed by On the Level Enterprises Inc.
This luxury residential tower will consist of 32 apartments ranging from one- and two-bedroom units to full-floor lofts with large terraces on higher floors. Prices range from $750,000 to $3.5 million.
Residents enter the condo through a plaza with planted bamboo and sculptural rocks. The sloped window wall with colored glass frames on the building's exterior is a feature inside the units. The apartments will be designed with sustainable materials including bamboo floors. The condo will feature a 24-hour doorman, storage units, a roof deck, and 3,000 square feet of commercial space on the first floor.
The building is rising on what was once a parking lot for Ratner’s, the legendary kosher dairy restaurant that closed in 2002. The site was augmented by the purchase of air rights from three adjacent commercial buildings.
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