Curious about what kind of private outdoor space is available these days—for I believe that one day it won’t be cold and rainy—I spent the afternoon going to open houses in Tribeca.

ONE YORK #9AB
Price: $8,885,000
What One York says: “Situated at the entrance to Tribeca and Soho, this boutique property features only 33 residences that are modern, substantial and unique: generously proportioned rooms, timeless finishes, the very best luxury appliances, and true New York views in every direction. 315 square foot outdoor space. Mafi Austrian Wide Plank Oak Flooring. Valcucine Vitrum Full Glass Kitchen Cabinetry. Miele, Sub Zero and Bosch appliances. Calacutta Gold Marble Flooring in Master Bathroom. Fully Automated Swiss-Engineered Parking. Outdoor 28-foot Heated Pool. 2,200 square foot Sundeck and Outdoor Shower. Private Health Club and Spa Services by O-Diesel. 200 sq ft Individual Temperature Controlled Storage in Cellar.”
My two cents: This is actually two two-bedrooms being combined into one 3,500-square-foot one with 4.5 baths (or you could buy one apartment or the other, if you like). The look is slick and minimal, the better to show off the extraordinary views. One has to presume that some folks are turned off by the location on Sixth Ave., just off Canal—you’d call it One York, too—but with views like this, I’d find it hard to care. The outdoor spaces—a shard of a balcony and a narrow, diamond-shaped terrace—are OK, but not the point. The point is the exceedingly cool robogarage (I think I’ll wait and run a photo in my next Foto Friday roundup; update: here it is), the gym—with an on-staff trainer and fridges stocked with water and Gatorade—and the fact that with floor-to-ceiling windows and so much openness around you, you don’t really need outdoor space. But is it worth $8.9 million? Give me $8.9 and I’ll let you know in a few years.

171 DUANE #PH5
Price: $3,195,000
What Brown Harris Stevens says: “The ultimate in loft living at the top of Duane Park! A highly desirable layout and location combination that’s rarely available, this 3BR/2 bath beauty of a penthouse is the epitome of what a luxury Tribeca loft should be, with 2 stories of bright open space, beautiful new arched and oversized south facing windows, refined finishes throughout, plus an incredible private landscaped roof terrace stretching 24 x 83 feet! This impeccably designed home occupies a full floor in an intimate pet-friendly building on Historic Duane Park, at corner of Staple Street; arguably Tribeca’s best block. True loft and luxury living can be found in this 200+ year old building in a space that’s been superbly renovated with all the modern furnishings, yet smartly retains its historic past. Exposed joist ceilings that soar to 13′ and large skylights lend drama and airiness to the ambiance. Rich antique pine and walnut floors add warmth and character. Limestone flooring in the kitchen, dining room and baths induce a chic contemporary feel. The discerning chef will love preparing culinary delights in the large modern kitchen equipped with generous marble counter space, premium appliances (a stainless steel Dacor range and microwave, Miele dishwasher and Sub Zero refrigerator), and custom Tucker Robbins light fixtures over the bar. Meals can be enjoyed in the separate dining area, then guests can step down to the large open living room graced by a wall of windows and wood-burning fireplace with a limestone ledge. Or take it outside for entertaining under the stars amidst the lower Manhattan skyline. The master bedroom features California closets and a private bath with Duravit fixtures designed by Phillippe Stark. Stainless steel from Neo Metro adorns the guest bath. Other distinguishing amenities include a sound system on each floor and on the roof deck, 42″ wall-mounted plasma HDTV, custom window draperies, abundant closets, central air conditioning, and a Miele washer and dryer. A private basement storage unit also comes with the apartment.”
My two cents: I loved this apartment. The elevator is tiny—the potential buyers with strollers had to be smoking something to even bother—but if you’re waiting on Staple Street, who cares? (The stairs, meanwhile, open onto Duane.) This is the building that Tribeca Girls is in, and I’m not sure there’s a lovelier location than on Duane Park. The design is interesting in the right ways—I kept thinking the owner must be an architect or designer—although some won’t like the glass-walled master bedroom, and the other two bedrooms are tiny. (Small rooms discourage guests from lingering, I say.) And the outdoor space—a roof deck with nice sky and pretty surrounding architecture—is divine. Although I am curious why two other apartments in the building are also for sale.

41 MURRAY #5
Price: $2,550,000
What Warburg says: “Soaring 14 ft. white washed exposed wood beam ceilings and original brick are accented with modern materials throughout this handsomely renovated penthouse loft (approx 2000 sq.ft.).Wide staircase leading up to the entire private 850+sq.ft. roof space. Industrial stainless steel, granite and tiled kitchen complete with vented Wolf stove, Sub Zero fridge, Kitchen Aid dishwasher and a full size washer/vented dryer. 2 large bedrooms and bathrooms including a master interior bedroom complete with large dressing room and en suite wainscoted bathroom. Dual unit central air conditioning/heating systems, hot water heater, Pella windows and oak floors complete this home.”
My two cents: A classic Tribeca loft with a lot to admire—a gorgeous wood ceiling and a dramatic metal staircase leading to a large roof, with a cool glass box skylight thing—although in some ways the potential is a big part of the appeal. You could pop a skylight into the southern part of the loft, flooding it with light, and do the roof deck in style—or even build on it. (As is, it’s a tar beach with not a ton of sky; those photos are mine, by the way, which explains their relative crappiness. BTW there’s a fenced in basketball hoop in the back right of the horizontal one! Different building, of course.) The location, on the same block as several bars and a strip club, isn’t exactly a selling point, nor is the windowless master bedroom—unless, like me, you like sleeping in as much darkness as possible.

270 BROADWAY #17D
Price: $2,385,000
What Stribling says: “Unique double corner 2 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom with private 700 sqft terrace. Enjoy River views from an open living and dining area with access to the terrace. The apt features a Bulthaup kitchen complete with Meile stove & double ovens, SubZero refrigerator and Miele washer/dryer. Large Master bedroom also has terrace access and great north exposures. The enormous 2nd bedroom has many built-ins and excellent west and southern exposures. Building amenities includes full service staff, 3 exercise rooms, children playroom, storage and a roof deck with amazing views.”
My two cents: Gorgeous terrace, perfectly proportioned—I wanted to spend an hour just looking down into other people’s roof decks (in neighboring buildings). I’m not a huge fan of the Tower 270 part of the building—the white brick is a bit Murray Hill, and I always feel like I’m entering a hotel, what with the long marble hallway gilded with lilies and the dark elevators that talk to you. And yet there are worse things, and it comes off like a very nice hotel! Also, once inside the apartment, who cares? (Although you see a lot of white brick from the terrace.) The apartment is prettily done and has a smart layout, with bedrooms on opposite ends. There isn’t really a dining area though—unless the weather is nice, of course. Which it will be, soon. Right?