So, you’re looking at Arabella 101 Avenue D. Maybe you saw a listing on StreetEasy that looked a little too good to be true for the East Village, or perhaps you’re just tired of the walk-ups on Avenue A and want an elevator that actually works. Honestly, living this far east in Manhattan—basically where the city meets the river—is a specific vibe. It’s not for everyone. But for the 78 households tucked into this 12-story boutique building, it’s a corner of Alphabet City that feels surprisingly modern compared to the crumbling (but charming) tenements next door.
The building itself is a bit of a local landmark, and not just because of the architecture. It sits right on top of the Lower Eastside Girls Club, which is pretty cool. It means there’s a literal community mission baked into the ground floor of where you sleep.
The Reality of Arabella 101 Avenue D
People usually have two reactions to the address 101 Avenue D. Half the people say, "Wait, is that too far from the subway?" and the other half are busy enjoying the 360-degree views from the roof.
Let’s talk about the units. They aren't your typical "I can touch both walls at once" NYC apartments. Built around 2012 by The Dermot Company and designed by CTA Architects, these places were ahead of the curve on the whole "sustainable luxury" trend. We’re talking LEED certification, which basically means the building isn’t a total energy hog. Inside, you’ve got bamboo floors—which are surprisingly durable if you have a dog—and Caesarstone countertops that actually feel like a real kitchen.
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One thing that honestly surprises people is the window situation. They are huge. If you’re lucky enough to be on a higher floor, you’re looking straight at the Williamsburg Bridge or the Empire State Building. It makes the studios feel way bigger than the 450-ish square feet they actually are.
What’s Actually Inside?
- The Kitchens: Stainless steel appliances (usually Whirlpool or similar) and real dishwashers. No washing plates in the bathroom sink here.
- The Bathrooms: Very sleek, very "hotel-style" with clean lines.
- The Balconies: Most units have them. In a city where "outdoor space" usually means sitting on your fire escape, having a private balcony is a massive flex.
The "Legend" of Frank and the Management Vibe
You can’t talk about Arabella 101 without mentioning Frank. If you look at any review of this building from the last few years, the guy is treated like a local celebrity. He’s the building manager/super, and in a city where most landlords ignore your texts about a leaky faucet for three weeks, Frank is known for fixing things before you even finish hitting "send" on the maintenance portal.
That said, management isn't perfect. No corporate management is. Some residents have complained about the elevator being finicky or the laundry room getting a bit chaotic during peak hours. But compared to the horror stories you hear about "slumlords" in the surrounding blocks, Dermot generally keeps the ship running pretty tight.
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Is the Location a Dealbreaker?
Avenue D used to have a reputation. If you’re talking to someone who lived in NYC in the 90s, they’ll tell you to be careful. But fast forward to 2026, and it’s a totally different world. You’ve got the East River Park right there. If you’re a runner or you have a bike, you’re basically in heaven. You can jump on the path and be at the South Street Seaport or up in StuyTown in minutes.
The commute is the "kinda" annoying part. You’re about a 15-minute walk to the L train at 1st Avenue or the F train at Second Avenue. On a beautiful May morning? It’s a lovely stroll past community gardens and street art. In a February sleet storm? You’re going to be best friends with the M14D bus or Uber.
The Neighborhood Perks
- Dining: You’re a stone's throw from Kiki’s or Kafana.
- Nightlife: Avenue C is where the real East Village soul still lives.
- Nature: The nearby community gardens are some of the best-kept secrets in Manhattan.
The Price vs. Value Debate
Rent at 101 Avenue D isn't "cheap," but it’s often priced slightly lower than comparable luxury buildings in the West Village or Chelsea because of that extra 10-minute walk to the subway. Studios usually hover in the mid-$3,000s, while one-bedrooms can climb into the $4,000s or $5,000s depending on the floor and the view.
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They also occasionally have middle-income units through housing lotteries, which is a great way for people who aren't tech moguls to actually live in a building with a gym and a roof deck. Speaking of the roof deck—it has an outdoor shower. Do people actually use it? Maybe. But the BBQ grills and the herb garden that Frank keeps up there? Those are used constantly.
Why People Stay (and Why They Leave)
People stay because of the community. It’s a boutique building with only 78 units, so you actually get to know your neighbors. It doesn't feel like those massive 500-unit glass towers in Long Island City where you’re just a number.
People leave usually for one of two reasons: they need a second bedroom (most units here are studios or 1-beds) or they finally get tired of the walk to the subway.
If you’re the kind of person who wants to be in the middle of the noise, this might be too quiet for you. But if you want to be able to escape the madness of the city while still being able to see it from your window, it hits the spot.
Actionable Next Steps if You're Interested:
- Check the "Net Effective" Rent: Many listings here offer a free month on a 16-month lease. Make sure you calculate what you’ll actually be paying when that concession ends so you don't get hit with a 20% jump next year.
- Visit at Night: Walk the route from the F train to 101 Avenue D at 9:00 PM. Most people find it totally fine, but it’s important to see if you’re comfortable with the lighting and the vibe of the Jacob Riis Houses across the street.
- Ask About the Specific Unit's View: Units facing West get the city skyline; units facing East get the river. The "C" line units are particularly famous for their corner views.
- Look Into the Lower Eastside Girls Club: They often have public events or ways to get involved. Being a good neighbor is part of the culture at Arabella 101.