The building received media attention in 2007 after the housing market collapsed for having nearly 70% of its condo sales suspicious of mortgage fraud.

Over the same period, the group's figures show the median price for all condo sales in Manhattan rose 14 percent, to $660,000.

"But even though low interest rates have helped to make condo sales fairly steady overall, investment buying has fallen off dramatically."

In 2003, there were 20 condo sales, at $121,500 to $817,500.

With a new $27 million federal grant for cultural programs in the area, more art - and more condo sales offices - are on the way.

The early return of capital from condo sales helps to offset the longer-term investment that a hotel requires.

The report was based on 667 co-op and condo sales that closed during the month.

Builders increasingly need condo sales to help pay for construction.

But condo sales for the same periods were 841 this year, a gain of 11 percent from the 757 sold last year.

Mr. Otteau does not compile separate figures for condo sales.