Ottawa Purchases Lavish Condominium for Diplomat Residences in New York

July 13, 2024 TruthUSA

The federal government has acquired a US$6.6 million (C$9 million) luxury condominium 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 Kind in Right of Canada.”

Global Affairs Canada (GAC) has confirmed the property is intended for the Consulate General of Canada to utilize while in New York, as stated in a release to media outlets. The current consul-general is former journalist Tom Clark.

The release indicates that the condominium will serve as residences for consuls general, ambassadors, high commissioners, and will facilitate networking receptions, official briefings, as well as hospitality events such as discussions with business and political figures.

GAC mentioned that the current residence for the consul-general was purchased in 1961, has not undergone renovations since 1982, and does not comply with current building codes or GAC standards.

GAC affirmed that the purchase will result in savings of $2 million for taxpayers.

“In addition to 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,” the release stated.

The Epoch Times contacted Global Affairs and the Consulate for comment but did not receive a response by the time of publication.

Luxury Condo

Steinway Tower, completed in 2021, stands at 1,428 feet (435 meters) tall, according to developer JDS’s website, providing views of Central Park and downtown Manhattan. The historic Steinway Hall is preserved at its base.

The tower offers convenient access to cultural landmarks such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Museum of Modern Art. Construction materials include terra cotta, glass, and bronze filigree. The website describes it as the “tallest, most slender skyscraper in the world.”

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

Additionally, there is 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, as indicated on the building’s website. Kitchens are equipped with custom cabinetry featuring stepped crystallo white quartzite countertops and backsplash, along with Gaggenau appliances.

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

Criticism

Opposition House Leader and Conservative Party MP Andrew Scheer has expressed criticism of the acquisition. He raised concerns about the price, especially given the challenges Canadians face with high housing expenses.

“While Canadians struggle to afford a home due to escalated housing costs under the Trudeau government, Trudeau spent $6.6 million on a luxury apartment on Billionaires Row for his retired media associate whom he appointed Consul General,” Mr. Scheer stated in a July 12 post on X.

The location of the condominium is situated in an area known as “Billionaires Row” due to the abundance of luxury properties in the vicinity.

The government’s purchase comes as a recent RBC report highlights the struggles many Canadians face in finding affordable housing. The report predicts that by 2030, 1.9 million new households will be unable to purchase a home, largely due to cost.

“We estimate that only 45% of all households will have the income to own a condominium, and a smaller 26% will have enough for a single-detached home at current prices and interest rates,” the authors explained. “This is a decline from 61% and 49% respectively two decades ago.”

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