The concept of the condominium (and the bylaws to regulate it) emerged in the 12th century’s ancient, walled cities of Europe. In the New York City of 1881, the condominium evolved from owner-occupied “home clubs,” the affluent alternative to residential hotels of the day. 

The luxury condominium we know today is an invention of the mid-20th century. Downsizing empty nesters of the Greatest Generation retired to smaller homes in fun and far-off places. Puerto Rico and Hawaii, for instance, crafted the first U.S. condominium laws. 

In this edition of Luxury Defined, we offer the perks and privileges of contemporary condominium living in the big city, from up-to-the-minute style and architectural detail to the fixtures and finishes of deluxe urban habitation. 

1. #406 at Bay Harbor Towers, Bay Harbor Islands, Florida 

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Bay Harbor Towers is a luxury, eight-story waterfront building amid the lush greenery of Miami’s exclusive Bay Harbor Islands, one of the smallest towns in Miami-Dade County. 

With two sumptuous, tall-windowed bedrooms and three full bathrooms, this residence offers open-concept living spaces with stunning views of Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. The kitchen features finely crafted solid wood cabinetry, a five-burner Wolf gas cooktop, Sub-Zero refrigerator, and walk-in pantry. 

The health and wellness amenities include a lush rooftop pool terrace, an indoor pool, hot/cold plunge pools, an opulent spa with a sauna, steam room, massage room, relaxation zone, a fully outfitted exercise and fitness center, and a private marina. The social spaces provide two summer kitchens—and a sunset Jacuzzi. 

Set on the Indian Creek waterway, the development is just a stroll from the restaurants and upscale shopping of its elegant, landscaped business district, Kane Concourse, the internationally famous Bal Harbour Shops and, beyond, the glittering nightlife of Miami Beach.  

2. Residence 2902 at 9 W Walton Street, Chicago, Illinois 

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When 9 West Walton opened in 2018, it was instantly filled by a who’s who of Chicago, including Cubs right fielder Jason Heyward, Blackhawks teammates Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane, and Illinois’ wealthiest resident, Ken Griffin, who has since relocated to South Florida.  

Residence #2902 is a deluxe four-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bath condominium on the 29th floor.  

This corner unit has 11-foot ceilings and white oak hardwood floors throughout, and its coveted terrace—heated, with north and west exposures—overlooks Lake Michigan and the city skyline.  

The living room and family room/dining space, both with hand-carved limestone fireplaces, are served by a gourmet kitchen with custom cabinetry, an island/breakfast bar and polished iceberg quartzite countertops. Custom closets, spa baths, and an infrared chromotherapy sauna complete the private quarters.  

The garage provides two valet parking spaces. There are 24-hour door and valet staff, and a private car service. Additional perks include a fitness center, golf simulator, swimming pool, dedicated pet spaces both indoors and out, wine storage, and an event space with a dining room, catering kitchen, bar, and terrace. 

3. #601 at the Luxe Midtown, Atlanta, Georgia 

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The Luxe Midtown is a lavish urban retreat in Atlanta, steps from the 200-acre greenspace of Piedmont Park. 

The two-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath home offers elegant living and dining spaces, beautifully appointed with hardwood floors, 10-foot-high ceilings with designer light fixtures, and decorative finishes throughout.  

A custom chef’s kitchen serves the formal dining room and the large family room, which opens to a lovely garden terrace with a cozy gas fireplace.   

The primary en suite bedroom has a custom-built walk-in closet, a Victoria + Albert soaking tub, frameless shower, and double vanities. The second bedroom en suite’s oversized windows look onto the private terrace and gardens.  

The building’s large outdoor pool and its terrace cabanas overlook Piedmont Park. Inside are a private club room, a vast fitness center, massage room, a guest suite, a deeded storage unit, two parking spaces, and 24-hour concierge. 

Related: Discover Homes with Expansive Outdoor Terraces

4. Residence 16B at The Westly, New York, New York 

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The Westly is a new Art Deco-inspired building on New York City’s coveted Upper West Side.  

ODA Architecture designed the limestone-clad structure in homage to the pre-war streetscape below—yet boldly reimagined for the 21st century, its 20 cantilevered levels topped by a dazzling rooftop pool terrace. 

Residence 16B is a gracious, 2,065-square-foot home with three bedrooms and two-and-half bathrooms, entered through a private foyer with herringbone oak floors.

The views are extraordinary, particularly from the living/dining space—facing all the way north to the George Washington Bridge. The focal point of the kitchen is a Crema Delicato marble island with waterfall edges. The corner dining space has a wet bar.  

The Westly’s 24-hour concierge and resident manager ensure white-glove services. Contemporary creature comforts include a fitness center, yoga studio, playroom, music room, bike room, pet-grooming station, an outdoor kitchen, and that rooftop pool. 

5. #2606 at 70 Rainey, Austin, Texas 

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This 2,179-square-foot condominium is perched 10 stories above Rainey Street—a landmarked Austin historic district famed for its bungalow bars and gourmet street-food—and overlooks Texas’ own Lady Bird Lake. 

The home has a cool, contemporary aesthetic with clean lines and organic elements. Sunlight streams through floor-to-ceiling windows, fitted with remote-controlled, motorized solar shades.  

The skyline views are on display throughout the home. The open-concept living/dining room is integrated with a sleek galley kitchen with breakfast bar. Glass doors slide open to a private balcony looking onto the Texas Colorado River reservoir that is Lady Bird Lake.  

The building has more than 31,000 square feet of recreation space, including a sky garden, a fitness center, and a rooftop deck with a 72-foot infinity pool overlooking Lady Bird Lake and downtown Austin. Residents enjoy access to the poolside cabanas, shared kitchen, as well as private parking and 24/7 concierge services. 

Searching high and low for the luxury condo lifestyle? Start here.