Arabella 101 on Avenue D Almost 100 Percent Full

Suzanne Rozdeba

Arabella 101, the new rental building that began leasing apartments last August, is almost filled to capacity on Avenue D, where luxury apartments and new businesses are quickly and dramatically changing the landscape.

Today The Local got a tour of the 78-unit building, located at 101 Avenue D between 7th and 8th Streets, where only three apartments are still up for grabs. Green, and seeking LEED certification, Arabella 101 offers studios for $2,400-$2,995 a month, and one-bedroom apartments for $2,800-$3,400 a month (although half the units are at an “affordable” rate).

The apartments, which feature bamboo flooring and stainless-steel Whirlpool appliances, are located above The Lower East Side Girls Club. Sean Sorise, the property manager for the building, being developed by The Dermot Company, said they plan on co-hosting events with The Lower East Side Girls Club, and building a “strong partnership” together.

The building’s amenities include a roughly 3,000-square-foot rooftop deck, with incredible views of the neighborhood, Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, and Williamsburg Bridge. There is also a bike storage room, fitness room with pool table and ping-pong table, and laundry facilities.

“We’re hoping to bring a luxury feel to this neighborhood, along with modernization and comfort,” said Mr. Sorise. He said its presence, along with other high-rises and new businesses sprouting up, is a positive change for Avenue D. “Ten years ago, you wouldn’t think about putting a building here,” he said. “The neighborhood is on the rise.”

Carmelo Espinosa, the building’s super who was born and raised in the East Village, said neighborhood reaction has been positive regarding the building, located across the street from the Jacob Riis Houses. “People are happy having a new building in the neighborhood. There is more of a police presence around, and the neighborhood is a lot cleaner. People in the neighborhood appreciate that. It helps us out,” he said.

Tenants are mostly “young professionals, young couples, students whose parents want them to live in a nicer building,” as well as doctors, lawyers, entertainment industry insiders, and some retired couples, said Mr. Sorise.

The three, remaining apartments are a studio (furnished) and a one-bedroom, both $2,995 a month, and a one-bedroom for $3,195 a month.