Commercial condos a plus for UN missions & consulates.

Two Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, which was recently converted for sale as a commercial condominium to serve the needs of missions and consulates, is nearing completion of a $2.3 million renovation and is available for immediate occupancy.

This 15-story, black glass office tower is the only commercial condominium in such close proximity to the World Headquarters of the United Nations offering state-of-the-art office space and, potentially, residential space for immediate occupancy.

Under the direction of architect and designer Michael Lynn, president of Project Consulting Associates, Two Dag Hammarskjold Plaza has achieved recognition for its complete landscaping transformation and thorough mechanical system upgrade.

"Two Dag Hammarskjold Plaza was designed for the most sophisticated users," Lynn said. "We have installed a state-of-the-art security system and fire command station that will be monitored 24 hours a day at a central control station located in the concierge's desk; cameras which monitor the elevators, stair towers and the plaza; card-access in each elevator and at the seconday entrances to the building. Our goal is to insure the comfort and safety of our tenants."

The renovation includes individually sub-metered electricity, air conditioning units exclusive to each floor and 130 linear-feet of floor-to-ceiling windows, providing natural light and exceptional views on three sides encompassing a panorama as far as the East River. Additionally, the toilet rooms on each floor have been completely renovated and two ADA toilet rooms in the cellar have been installed.

Exterior renovations include the redesign and re-landscaping of the extended plaza and the addition of metal halite lighting to allow for both indoor and outdoor plant growth.

The tower, which offers 14 floors of 6,450 square feet (equal to approximately 600 meters), is located on Second Avenue between 46th and 47th Streets, one block away from the United Nations and three blocks from Grand Central Station.

"In addition to the amenities that Two Dag Hammarskjold offers, the cost-savings opportunity for missions and consulates is unmatched," said Erik Schmall, of Newmark & Company Real Estate, the exclusive leasing agents for the building. "Prices at Two Dag Hammarskjold range from $280 to $295 per square foot. In comparison, prices for a townhouse near the United Nations, the prevalent choice for missions and consulates, average $500 per square foot - and that's before you add on the tremendous costs of renovation and take into account the difficult resell associated with townhouses and brownstones," said Schmall.

"A single floor at Two Dag Hammarskjold Plaza is the equivalent of almost four floors of a townhouse or brownstone," said Lynn. "Two Dag Hammarskjold Plaza is much more efficient in its layout, and it is available in near move-in condition," he added.

Additionally, condominium ownership at Two Dag Hammarskjold also enables missions and consulates to benefit from their tax-exempt status and recognize significant savings on real estate, sales and other taxes.