Luxury condo lofts to be created at 21 Astor Place.

For over four decades, the distinctive neo-romanesque triangular shaped building at 21 Astor Place in Greenwich Village served as a home for District 65 of the United Auto Workers. Not only did it house the union's offices, but health and dental clinics for its members, a classroom, a dining room and even a theater.

Now, just months after it was acquired at a bankruptcy court auction by an investment consortium headed by Brad Zackson, chairman of the Dynamic Group of Companies, the distinctive 11-story commercial property is about to become a different kind of home - a luxury loft condominium.

"The building lends itself beautifully to a residence, with 12 to 18 foot ceilings and windows on three sides." asserts Carolyn Schlam, director of marketing for the Dynamic Group, who says that her company plans to create a total of between 65 to 74 loft apartments on the building's upper floors. The first floor, currently occupied by a book store and a restaurant, and possibly

the second, will remain commercial.

According to Schlam, units will range from approximately 850 to 2,000 square feet and will include luxurious extras such as mezzanines, jacuzzis, shower steam rooms, overhead storage bins, and unique architectural details and appointments. Because of the building's unique configuration, all of the units will have excellent light and breathtaking views from the upper floors.

Plans are presently being prepared by architect Shael Shapiro of the WYS Design Partnership and sales are expected to begin late this year, with occupancy sometime in 1995. Dynamic Worldwide Development Group, a member of the Dynamic Group of Companies, will carry out the renovation, which will include design of a new Art Deco lobby.

"This is one of the most exciting locations in the city," said Zackson. "We're thrilled to be a part of this historic building's rebirth."

Bounded by Cooper Square on the east, Astor Place, Broadway and 8th Street, the property stands on the site of the original Astor Place Opera House, scene of an infamous 1849 riot in which over 30 people lost their lives. The present structure was built in 1890 by George Hainey as the Mercantile Library Building.