shaniasupersite.com

Poker night will now always be at your place

Metro International
By Shira Levine
February 2, 2010

254 Park Avenue South plans on having a poker lounge.

Possible resident?

In December, Shania Twain took a gander at a $3.285 million, 2,120-square-foot, four-bedroom in 254 PAS. Twain wasn’t there for the card tables though. Rather, the country singer had good vibrations for the acoustic quality of the 14-foot ceilings in the unit. Excellent for impromptu jam sessions perhaps for her rumored new album? If she buys, hopefully the neighbors are fans.

It’s amazing what we surrender our money to when something is thrown in for free. A saltwater pool, in-residence sommeliers, state-of-the-art screening rooms, fitness centers — as long as the gimmicks, er, over-the-top amenities are free, then someone inevitably will find the purchase a good deal.

254 Park Avenue South joins the pool of residential properties taking a gamble by offering free perks. They are in the process of converting the 1,400-square-foot basement space, of the 13-story prewar condo conversion, into a poker lounge. The Park Lounge will have poker tables for residents who are tempted to take a few rounds of risk.

“The convenience of a poker room in your building allows for entertainment without having to go out,” says Megan Master a student in the NYU Hospitality School’s master program. “These luxury buildings are following the trend of all-inclusive resort hotels. They are making it so there is no reason to leave the property.”

Clearly, it takes a certain person during a recession to find living in a space that could potentially deplete savings, part of the long-term plan. And because it’s impossible to gamble without boozing, there is a bar — which of course has a building signature cocktail. Residents have to BYOB though, the bar isn’t stocked. And for those who pass out in the Park Lounge, make sure to tip the doorman who has to escort you back to your place.

– Shira Levine is a freelance writer living in New York City.

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