Educating buyers pays off for Halstead in Harlem.

Halstead Property, LLC and Senior Vice President, Norman Horowitz, have been named the exclusive sales and marketing agent for the newly restored Gateway Condominium, at 2098 Frederick Douglass Boulevard--at the nexus of three remarkable neighborhoods--Harlem, Morningside Heights and the Upper West Side. Halstead's Director of Project Marketing, Stephen G. Kliegerman, made the announcement.

The Gateway brings together an architectural synergy of the old and the new. The first phase has successfully been completed--the full renovation of 33 units in a prewar building which gives the historic neighborhood a fresh, new look.

Matthew Gaetano, developer for The Gateway Condominium, reconstructed the entire interior of the building, keeping only the brick and terra cotta facade.

The second phase of the project, the construction of 42 ultra-contemporary residential units, will be completed by the first quarter of 2006.

The Gateway Condominium will feature studios, one, two, three-bedroom and combinations range from $275,000 to $ 1,100,000. There is also retail spaces on the ground floor, totaling 7,500 s/f that the developer plans to lease to an upscale bakery, hardware or restauranteur, and 750 s/f has already been leased to Society Cafe, a trendy coffee juice and sandwich shop with al fresco (sidewalk) dining.

Stephen G. Kliegerman, executive director of project marketing for Halstead Property, said, "We are proud to be part of a development which will offer community residents the opportunity to invest in the neighborhood by setting aside 14 of the new construction units only for people who reside in Community Board 10, guaranteeing the community will not only retain residences and home ownership in their community but also reap in the benefits of the renaissance of Harlem," he added.

Sales at the Gateway Condominium are off to a booming start with over 70% of the units having contracts out within the first two weeks of marketing. Thanks to upgrades that were implemented, such as Slim-line individually controlled air conditioning, fitness club, optional electric fireplaces, etc.

Said Kliegerman, "We projected and received overwhelming demand for the residences in every size and format offered and broke records for absorption rates within the shortest time ever recorded in an Uptown conversion.

"Through effective marketing and a commitment to providing luxury amenities at prices that are still well below the city's average for newly constructed or renovated Condominiums, we have been successful at attracting buyers who previously had not considered Harlem by educating the consumer with information about neighborhood attractions, ease of access to public transportation and Central Park/ Morningside Park, and the creation of a new in-demand area in lower Harlem referred lovingly, once again, as "Central Park North" and its environs.

Said Halstead Senior Vice President Norman Horowitz, "We are at the nexus of three renowned neighborhoods, Harlem, Morningside Heights and the Upper Westside and all the conveniences and culture that now through them is another example of why we're in the midst of the ongoing Renaissance.

"Within a few short blocks, one can find great schools, fine retail shops and historic landmarks such as Columbia University, Cathedral School, Dance Theatre of Harlem,, Cotton Club, Houdini's birthplace, City College of New York, Central Park and Morningside Park, Harlem USA Mall, five subway and numerous bus lines, a new Central Supermarket and pharmacy. There is diversity for everyone whether you're single or have a family, young or old."