Located at 414 Washington Street, a quaint cobblestone street just off Laight Street and steps from the Hudson River, this development offers space, light, views, and a very trendy neighborhood to boot. Of course, it all comes at a premium price. Still, those whose budget can handle a median price above $5 million may be interested in the Pearline Soap Factory Lofts.
Pearline Soap Factory Lofts History
In the 1800s, the Pearline Soap company used 414 Washington Street as its factory headquarters in the once industrial-laden neighborhood of Tribeca. These days, many former factories and warehouses have been converted into condominiums. Pearline is no exception. Designed by Karl Fischer Architect and billed as “seven exclusive residences” with water views, word of these spacious loft condominiums traveled quickly and piqued many discerning buyers’ interest. Over the years, famous residents have purchased homes here, including Justin Timberlake.
Units & Pricing
Originally nine loft units were scheduled to be converted from this factory. However, that number was reduced to seven. A duplex unit on the first floor spans 2,040 square feet and contains both the ground floor and a spacious lower level. Marketed as a one-bedroom apartment, this unit has a spacious bedroom on the upper level along with the open kitchen-living-dining area and bathroom. It is the most affordable home in the building and last sold for $2 million in 2010. The other units are all floor-through apartments offering three or four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and approximately 3,000 square feet. The second-floor residence is the only four-bedroom home in the building, while the upper floors are all three-bedroom units. The penthouse boasts a full floor plan, but it also has a 950-foot private rooftop terrace.
Prices at 414 Washington Street aren’t for the faint of heart. Asking prices for the larger units almost always exceed $5 million, with the penthouse being last listed for $12 million in 2021.
Interiors
The lofts here are very spacious. The smallest apartment has 2000 feet, and all the other residences are all over 3,000 feet. Most living areas have four exposures and views of Washington or Laight Street from a total of 14 floor-to-ceiling arched windows. Window treatments won’t be an issue as each unit comes equipped with auto window shades. Ceilings are also ten feet tall, many of them are barrel-vaulted ceilings, and all interior doors are an astounding eight-foot tall. Brazilian teakwood floors are found throughout the apartment, in all rooms with the exception of the bathrooms.
Floor plans showcase a very open living-dining area of about feet. The duplex one-bedroom is an exception as it has about 370 feet for the living-dining area, not including its rec room/office. The large kitchen opens out into the living-dining area creating a “great room.” Bedrooms are oversized as well.
These lofts have all of the unique features and design finishes that buyers would expect in this multi-million dollar price range. Kitchens have platinum hoods, granite and stainless steel countertops. The Walnut cabinets and island are highlighted by an Ashwood coffered ceiling and floor-to-ceiling windows. Subzero refrigerators and wine coolers, Wolf cooktops and double ovens, and Miele dishwashers complete the package.
Bathrooms are also windowed and designed with designer finishes that should sufficiently meet the expectations of most buyers. The master bathrooms have travertine tile floors and walls, rain and body spray showerheads, and European artisan handcrafted glass tile shower floors. The radiant heat flooring, six-foot double-sized soaking tub, maple vanity with glass top, double sinks, and Toto and Kohler fixtures put the “lux” in luxury. The other bathrooms were also finished with travertine tile floors and walls, and maple or zebra wood cabinetry, granite countertops, and vessel sinks. Miele washer-dryer system included in the units as well.
Amenities
Initially, there weren’t any plans for a private doorman for this residence. But after complaints from would-be buyers and real estate critics, there will now be a part-time doorman in addition to the virtual doorman system which includes the fiber optic communication box. The loft apartments are accessed by private keyed elevators which let out directly onto the apartments. Also featured in each unit are the Lutron system, used to control the lighting and window treatments by remote, and Sonos stereo system. There is also a common courtyard space which many of the units have a view of and a possible common roof deck. (The penthouse private rooftop deck square footage somehow fluctuates between 950-2000 SF. We think there may be plans for a common rooftop area).
Area
The Pearline Soap Factory building is located at the northern tip of Tribeca, steps from Soho and Chinatown. It is also not far from a strip of restaurants and shops found on West Broadway and Hudson. Being so close to Laight Street, this development is also not far from the Holland Tunnel and the West Side Highway, providing easy access to drivers heading to New Jersey or north of Tribeca. It also provides a decent amount of traffic and noise, mostly from nearby Leight Street. Buyers who drive will be pleased to know that there are several parking garages nearby, including one on Laight Street.
Public transportation requires a bit of walking as the nearest major street, Laight Street, loops around the Holland Tunnel. This requires at minimum a ten-minute walk to the nearest train station. However, there are several train stations and bus stops all within walking distance of this development. Some are just closer than others. Washington is a relatively quiet street, tucked away from Tribeca’s budding nightlife, but providing easy access to Hudson River Park and the waterfront along the Hudson River. Hudson River Park offers many amenities to its visitors, including greenways for biking, jogging, skating, and walking. Also offered are miniature golf, tennis courts, a skate park, and boating, among others.
Tribeca, the neighborhood has become a very trendy area, with long-time and newer residents forming a community that welcomes professionals, families, and celebrities alike. City living at its hippest, it features some of the most innovative art exhibitions and unique dining spots like Nobu and the Chanterelle. It is also developing a shopping district with big chain stores moving in like Whole Food Market, Barnes & Noble, among others. Independent boutiques and shops are also a mainstay in this area. Needless to say, if you live at the Pearline Soap Factory, you have the best of NYC at your doorstep.