Ottawa Buys Luxury Condo for Diplomats in New York

Canadian and U.S. flags are seen flying near Parliament Hill in Ottawa on March 22, 2023. The Canadian Press/Adrian Wyld

The federal government has purchased a US$6.6 million (C$9 million) luxury condo in New York City for the Consulate General of Canada.

The property at 111 West 57th Street, also known as Steinway Tower, was sold on June 27 to “His Majesty the King in Right of Canada.”

Global Affairs Canada (GAC) has confirmed the property is for the Consulate General of Canada to use when in New York, in a statement provided to media outlets. The current consul-general is former journalist Tom Clark.

The statement says the condo will provide residences for consuls general, ambassadors, high commissioners, and will be used for networking receptions, official briefings, and hospitality events like discussions with business and political leaders.

GAC noted that the current residence for the consul-general was purchased in 1961, has not been refurbished since 1982, and does not meet new building codes or GAC standards.

Luxury Condo

Steinway Tower, completed in 2021, is 1,428 feet (435 metres) high, developer JDS’s website says, offering views of Central Park and downtown Manhattan. The historic Steinway Hall is preserved at its base.

The tower allows easy access to cultural landmarks including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Museum of Modern Art. Materials used in the construction include terra cotta, glass, and bronze filigree. The website says it is the “tallest, most slender skyscraper in the world.”

Building amenities include 24-hour doormen and concierge services, and a sheltered porte cochere with urn chandeliers, grey granite pavers, and grill-work doors. Residents can also enjoy a lap pool with lounge seating, a sauna, and a fitness centre.

It also has an outdoor terrace and lounge for entertaining, an onsite padel tennis court, a golf simulator, and a children’s playroom.

Inside the residences, bedrooms have floor-to-ceiling windows with bronze mullions, the building website says. Kitchens have custom cabinetry with stepped crystallo white quartzite countertops and backsplash, and are equipped with Gaggenau appliances.

Bathrooms have walls and floors finished in veined white onyx and a custom antique standing tub with bronze fixtures.

Tory Criticism

Conservative MP and House Leader Andrew Scheer and other Tory MPs, including Deputy Leader Melissa Lantsman, questioned the price tag of the property.

“While Canadians can’t afford a home because the Trudeau government has doubled housing costs, Trudeau spent $6.6 million on a luxury apartment on Billionaires Row for his retired media buddy that he appointed Consul General,” Mr. Sheer said in a July 12 post on X.

The area where the condo is located is referred to as “Billionaires Row” due to the number of luxury properties in the area.

GAC said the purchase will save taxpayers $2 million.

“In addition of representing a saving opportunity of Cad 2M$+ for Canadian taxpayers, it will also reduce ongoing maintenance costs and property taxes, supports future program needs, and meets representational requirements,” GAC’s statement said.