Loft living in latest downtown success story.(Residential: marketing & brokerage)(Historic building The Crest converted into Financial District's signature residential properties)

In an indication of the growing vitality of the Lower Manhattan residential marketplace, developer Metro Loft Management reports that its latest downtown project--the 476-unit luxury residence at 63 Wall Street which began renting just six months ago--is already two-thirds occupied.

The historic 37-story building, now known as The Crest, once served as the corporate headquarters of banking giant Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. It has been masterfully converted by Metro Loft into one of the Financial District's signature residential properties, boasting extraordinary building-wide amenities and spectacular residences with high ceilings and luxurious finishes.

"We are delighted by the public's tremendous response to our building and equally excited about the future of this dynamic and steadily evolving neighborhood," stated Metro Loft President Nathan Berman, who noted that The Crest passed the "300 mark" in apartment rentals in November and interest in the property has been steadily growing.

Certainly a big reason for its popularity has been Metro Loft's decision to transform the entire 10,000 square foot mezzanine level of the building, which was once the Banking Hall at Brown Brothers Harriman, into a one-of-a-kind amenities floor known as "The Great Room." Featuring access to an upscale health club, the handsomely appointed room is under development to offer residents a movie theater quality private screening room with advanced projection screen and club chairs, multiple seating areas, a billiards room, baby grand piano, library, game room, and wireless internet access.

Other amenities at The Crest include 24/7 doorman service, valet service, an onsite garage, bicycle storage, laundry facilities, a business center and conference room. A beautifully landscaped common sundeck on the 21st floor is available to all residents and features expansive views of the East River, Hudson River and Lower Manhattan.

According the Metro Loft Director of Project Development Steven Kirschenbaum, residences at The Crest were designed to offer the utmost in comfort, privacy, and luxury. Features include kitchens with Absolute Black granite kitchen countertops, maple and etched glass custom cabinetry, and GE appliances. Luxurious marble bathrooms are appointed with custom made Watermark fixtures, generous closet space, and parquet floors.

Crest layouts, which include studio, studio with home office, one bedroom, one bedroom with home office, and two-bedroom units, feature 425 to 2,000 square feet of living space. A number of apartments feature private, set-back terraces