Midtown has traditionally been known as a business and tourism hub, a place where you were more likely to pass through than live. But in recent years new luxury development has capitalized on the neighborhood’s convenient location and attracted a wave of residents. Here’s a look at some of what’s currently available.

Where: 100 West 58th Street, #9G
Size: 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Asking: $1,295,000
Listed by: Tom Postilio and Mickey Conlon

The area just south of Central Park has seen a lot of change in the past few years with the arrival of new skyscrapers, but one thing it is not known for is apartment buildings with true architectural pedigree. The Windsor Park, a newly converted condominium originally designed in 1929 by the legendary Rosario Candela, with renovations by Gwathmey Siegel and Associates, is the exception. Steps from Central Park, Carnegie Hall and the “Plaza District” and its fantastic retail options, this two bedroom apartment is classic while still being contemporary.

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Our foray into Midtown yesterday got us thinking more about the neighborhood and its conveniences — like being walking distance from Central Park, the Theater District and the city’s best shopping, as well as the quick access to nearly every other desirable neighborhood in Manhattan. With that in mind, let’s highlight some of our other favorite listings in the area.

Where: 1600 Broadway, 17-D
Size: 1 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom
Asking: $985,000
Listed by: Emily Beare and Elizabeth Beare

Imagine the buzz and excitement of Times Square being right at your doorstep. Rising 17 stories above the din of Crossroads of the World, this one-bedroom oasis with floor-to-ceiling windows and a private balcony is perfect for those who want to be immersed in the sights and sounds of New York City. Best of all, the full-service building sports a number of luxury amenities, like a lounge/bar area, landscaped outdoor space, state-of-the-art gym and putting green. Just remember, live here and you’re going to be getting a lot of phone calls from friends and family around New Year’s Eve time.

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Where: 211 East 51st Street, PH-B
Size: 3BR/5BA
Asking: $6,495,000
Listed by: Tom Postilio

Step into this contemporary masterpiece in Turtle Bay and you’ll see what the fuss is all about. Totally redone, the 3,175-square-foot duplex penthouse at this new condominium conversion has a 7-room layout that flows perfectly, and customized interiors by Mojo Stumer, including dramatic double-height ceilings and walls of glass that fill the spaces with light. The plan for this penthouse has been executed beautifully. Among the winning details: every bedroom has an en-suite bathroom, and terraces wrap the perimeter of each level. Pictures are worth more than words, however, so click through to Tom Postilio’s listing and see what we mean by “perfection.”

When people think of Midtown, images of theaters, neon lights and tourists are evoked. But the area is also home to swaths of New Yorkers who want to be where the action is, but still have a comfortable place to call their own. Here are three of our favorites in the neighborhood.

Where: 247 West 46th Street, #1203
Size: 2 bedroom/2.5 bathroom
Asking: $1,960,000
Listed by: Lindsee Silverstein

Totally fresh and contemporary, we love this home for bringing the grand proportions typically reserved for much larger homes to a two-bedroom layout. Situated right on 46th Street, this unit is in The Platinum condominium, one of the neighborhood’s top buildings. Designed by renowned architect Costas Kondylis, the building is like a resort, featuring a common landscaped terrace with cabanas and stone fireplace, and amenities like a 6,000-square foot lounge with a fitness center, yoga studios, sauna, spa treatment room and game room. (more…)

Where: 34 East 38th Street, 4-B
Size: Studio/1 bathroom
Asking: $429,000
Listed by: Elizabeth Kee

Who says you have to break the bank to live in a gorgeous brownstone off Park Avenue? This studio breaks the mold, offering loft living in a traditional brownstone in Murray Hill, a neighborhood filled with gorgeous historic townhouses that don’t get nearly the amount of press as their Upper East Side and West Village brethren. This isn’t your typical studio, and it’s a great mix of old meets new, with original moldings, a pass-through kitchen, new soundproofed hardwood floors and a full renovation. And our favorite part? The grand fireplace that draws one’s eyes immediately, harkening back to a different era. Speaking of a different era, here’s 34 East 38th Street and its lovely surroundings: (more…)

Where: 100 West 58th Street, #4-H
Size: 1 bedroom/1 bathroom
Asking: $825,000
Listed by: Tom Postilio and Mickey Conlon

It’s a new year, but let’s not forget about the old, because in New York City, a dash of the past mixed with the present can go a long way. For example, when it comes to prestige in real estate, nothing beats a Candela classic. The Windsor Park is just that, a prewar Rosario Candela-designed brown-brick beauty converted to condominiums. It may hark back to another era, but there’s a contemporary feel in this building as well, thanks to renovations designed by Gwathmey Siegel & Associates, the prestigious firm that has worked on the Guggenheim Museum and Yale’s Art and Architecture Building, among many others. This one-bedroom apartment, priced well under $1 million, is like getting your foot in the door of two distinct architectural styles at once. Perfect for those with a resolution to try new things.

The Columbus Circle Holiday Market

Is it too late to find a fantastic holiday gift for someone special? Or two? Or ten? Not in New York City, of course. We asked some of our top CORE agents to share their last-minute picks for great holiday shopping. Procrastinators can thank us, well, later.

Columbus Circle Holiday Market [link]
Neighborhood: Columbus Circle/Central Park South
Tips: This is my favorite market for holiday gift shopping since you will find a wide range of unique goods such as handmade clothing, jewelry, toys, ornaments, artwork and gourmet foods from boutique vendors and craft purveyors. You’ll be sure to find something for everyone on your list! It’s only open until Christmas Eve.–Lisa Graham

C. Wonder [link]
Neighborhood: SoHo
Tips: Co-founder of Tory Burch mixes with Chanel and Goyard. It’s a fun, chic store that’s super affordable…there’s something for everyone, including guy stuff. I purchased a tote bag that offers a monogram, palm tree cocktail plates for a Yankee swap party with a “beach style” theme, nylon attaché cases, and monogram wine corks and cheese boards.–Lawrence Treglia

Tiffany & Co. [link]
Neighborhood: Midtown
Tips: When racking one’s brain for the perfect gift, last minute or otherwise, Tiffany always shines. Even at its busiest, it radiates a calming energy. Their personal shoppers take the drag out of holiday shopping, as there are no lines or bargain hunters to contend with. And let’s face it, even the most jaded New Yorker must admit that the timeless mystique of Tiffany’s legendary blue box is intoxicating. (Holly Golightly knew this.)–Tom Postilio and Mickey Conlon

Lord and Taylor [link]
Neighborhood: Murray Hill
Tips: They have everything in every price range for women, men, and kids. It’s one-stop shopping, and there are no crowds!–Susan Rubell

The Shops at Columbus Circle [link]
Neighborhood: Columbus Circle/Central Park South
Tips: Particularly Sephora, Whole Foods, Williams-Sonoma and Godiva. I love the convenience of having a variety of options all in one place in my neighborhood. For example, I can run down to Whole Foods and have a basket of cheeses made with delicious meats and pick up a gorgeous bouquet of flowers. Then I can easily run up to Williams-Sonoma and Godiva to help complete the gift baskets. And in the midst of shopping madness you can take in a coffee and a pastry at Bouchon.–Adrian Noriega

Chelsea Market [link]
Neighborhood: Chelsea
Tips: There are vintage vendors in a pop-up space. In addition, there are additional pop-up stores at 19th street and 10th avenue and 15th street and 10th avenue offering various items. I bought cool vintage belt buckles, a knife set and a vintage mink wrap.–Lawrence Treglia

The Upper Breast Side, Bank Street Bookstore, J. Crew, American Apparel and Paul Smith
Neighborhood: Upper West Side
Tips: The Upper Breast Side for cute baby gifts like swaddle blankets, socks that look like Converse sneakers, ballet slippers and awesome headbands. The Bank Street Bookstore for the best kids’ and teen books and the most knowledgeable sales people. J. Crew and American Apparel for scarves, gloves, and hats. And Paul Smith has the best stocking-stuffers and men’s gifts.–Natalie Rakowski

West Elm [link]
Neighborhood: Chelsea
Tips: There is something for everyone’s home here. I often walk through the block-long store, entering on West 17th Street and exiting on West 18th Street (even after the gift-giving season, just to warm up).–Stuart Sussman

“On the Market in New York City”
New York Times (12/4)
This past weekend’s On the Market slideshow included a visit to a two-bedroom CORE listing at 247 West 46th Street (above), a stunning glass tower named the Platinum. Here’s what the Times said about the apartments “pros:” Floor-to-ceiling windows offer stunning southern and western views of the city and the Hudson. Designer finishes and high-end appliances are virtually brand-new.

“2012 residential market predictions: As clear as eggnog”
The Real Deal (12/1)
The real estate magazine asked a number of top real estate minds to review the state of the market and make some predictions for where the market is headed in the new year. What’s holding back the current market? According to CORE Senior Vice President Doug Bowen, a lack of new product and a tricky mortgage landscape.

“Core takes over for BHS at 1280 Fifth”
The Real Deal (11/28)
The Real Deal’s website broke the news of CORE taking over the sales and marketing of 1280 Fifth Avenue, a new 116-unit tower designed by Robert A.M. Stern that faces Central Park. Word quickly spread to other sites, like Citybiz and Harlem Condo Life.