Gwathmey Astor Place

The East Village, even though very gentrified now, was always the center of the most radical political and artistic activities in NYC. This recently completed residential building, new and controversial in style and impact, has brought the forces of the old and new into visual conflict. Some love it, some hate it, some praise the interiors and very much dislike the exterior (article). Surrounded by old buildings that still have the feeling of the tenement about them, even if they cost the earth to live in these days, this "starchitected" building raises the stakes considerably - prices start at $3 million and go to $12 million. About half of the units are sold, rumor has it to wealthy media people along the lines of well known actor and director types. We are trying to imagine the changes that will certainly come when these people actually move in and start interacting in a neighborhood still full of cheap student restaurants, street vendors and fierce hold out residents from the old radical days. But as usual, we get used to changes and upheavals quickly and eventually this place will blend into the background once it gets weathered in a bit ...