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PINING FOR THE BEST CONDOS
The media went nuts when Manny Ramirez put his penthouse condo at the Ritz on the market in November—and not because we wanted to know whether the star slugger was about to split town. What we were dying to see was what $6.9 million buys at one of Boston's most rarified addresses. The answer: 4,421 square feet with four bedrooms, six bathrooms, a wraparound balcony overlooking Boston Common, a gourmet chef's kitchen, two fireplaces, three garage parking spots, herringbone wood floors, and a landscaped roof terrace. Thirty-seven floors up, it's heaven for the privileged.

The Ritz is just one of a handful of new luxury condo developments changing our skyline. Join us as we gaze upward, our jaws slack, at three of the most envy-inspiring addresses.

Ritz Carlton Towers: According to the folks at the Ritz, one of the best reasons to buy a condo there is not famous neighbors like Ramirez but rather the "prestige of living at the Ritz-Carlton." For us, the pleasures would be the floor-to-ceiling windows, the polished cherry floors, Viking and Subzero appliances, and Poggenpohl kitchen décor. Then there's the concierge button that allows you to connect with housekeeping at the touch of a finger, the private butlers, and the two daycare centers where residents can leave their kids while they work out downstairs at the Sports Club/LA. (The Residences at the Ritz-Carlton Towers, 1 and 3 Avery St., Boston, 617-542-1555,  www.millenniumptrs.com)

Mandarin Oriental: Set to open late next year or in early 2008, the Mandarin Oriental residences will be the condo equivalent of gold-plated caviar. The 50 units come with private parking, up-to-11-foot ceilings, balconies, fireplaces, and access to all the amenities of a five-star hotel, and many have private terraces. All but one of the $2 million-plus apartments have already been sold (to such local heavyweights as David Mugar, Chad Gifford, and Herb Chambers); it can still be had for $3.5 million. (Mandarin Oriental, Boylston Street at the Prudential Center, Boston, 617-566-4500, x301, www.mandarinresidences.com)

Battery Wharf: On the harbor near the North End, Battery Wharf boasts 104 luxury condos, some with water views, all with 24-hour room, concierge, valet, laundry, dry cleaning, and shoeshine service, as well as parking and full-service pet care. Smaller than the Mandarin's, the Wharf's apartments range from 900 to 3,200 square feet, but the penurious need not apply—they cost up to $4.2 million each. Residents will share a state-of-the-art spa and fitness center with the adjacent Regent Hotel, and can—of course—park their yachts at the Battery Wharf's docks. (Battery Wharf, 377-395 Commercial St., Boston, 617-994-9090, www.batterywharf.com)

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