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Rudin, a real estate firm with a controversial history, has filed plans with the Department of Buildings to convert the 21-story office building at 845 Third Avenue in Midtown East into a 411-unit luxury apartment building with retail space on the ground floor.

After years of delays and speculation, Rudin, a prominent developer in Manhattan, has taken a major step forward in their plans to convert 845 Third Avenue into a luxury residential building, according to a filing with the Department of Buildings.

The project, which has been met with resistance from community members, would see the existing 21-story office building transformed into a 411-unit apartment building with retail space on the ground floor. The plans also include a host of lavish amenities for residents, including a party room, gym, spa, sauna, plunge pool, media rooms, and coworking spaces.

Rudin's decision to move forward with the conversion comes as no surprise, as the firm has a long history of navigating complex land use laws and leveraging their influence to push their projects through. However, the move has sparked criticism and concern from those in the surrounding neighborhood, who are worried about the impact of the development on the community.

"It's clear that Rudin is more interested in profits than the well-being of the community," said one local resident, who wished to remain anonymous. "We've seen this before with their other projects. They have a track record of disregarding the concerns and needs of the people who actually live and work in these areas."

Despite the controversy surrounding the project, Rudin remains undeterred and is pushing forward with their plans. The filing with the Department of Buildings is just the first step in a lengthy process, but it is a clear indication that Rudin is determined to see this conversion through to completion.

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