Upper West Side

Photo via Nick Normal’s Flickr Following year-long resistance from the Trump Organization, a judge ruled on Thursday that an Upper West Side condo could remove the president's name from the exterior of the 46-story building, according to the New York Times. Condo owners at 200 Riverside Boulevard will now be able to vote on whether to keep or remove the bronze letters spelling "TRUMP" on the building, where they have hung for nearly two decades. The ruling comes after board members at Trump Place asked a judge in January to issue a declaratory judgment that the condo has the right to either keep or remove the letters without violating its licensing agreement. On Thursday, Justice Eileen Bransten said removing letters does not violate the agreement.
More details here

Policy

Trump Organization will fight ‘rogue individuals’ who want the president’s name shed from UWS condo

Photo via Nick Normal’s Flickr

April 24, 2018

Trump Organization will fight ‘rogue individuals’ who want the president’s name shed from UWS condo

In February of 2017, residents of Trump Place at 200 Riverside Boulevard voted to remove "TRUMP" from the condo building's exterior. Neighboring buildings found at 140, 160, and 180 Riverside Boulevard had already successfully removed his name, following a petition with hundreds of signatures. However, the 48-story condo at Trump Place, located on the Upper West Side, has not moved forward with the removal of the president's name because the Trump Organization threatened to sue. In response to this threat, board members in January asked a judge to issue a declaratory judgment that the condo has the right to either keep or remove the letters without violating its licensing agreement. The president's son, Eric Trump, who serves as a trustee of the organization, promised on Monday to "fight vehemently against rogue individuals" who want to remove the name (h/t West Side Rag).
Find out more

Policy

Museum of Natural History’s lawns will open as public parks this summer

Photo of the Theodore Roosevelt Park via Wikimedia

April 20, 2018

Museum of Natural History’s lawns will open as public parks this summer

Surrounding the American Museum of Natural History, the Theodore Roosevelt Park stretches from 77th to 81st Streets between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue. For years, the city has fenced off its green space, not allowing park visitors to touch the lawns. But this summer, as part of a pilot program, the city's parks department will open two lawns in the Upper West Side park, according to the West Side Rag. From Memorial Day Weekend until September 30, the Northwest and Southwest Lawns will open to the public, officials announced at a community board meeting.
Details this way

Uncategorized

April 20, 2018

This $29M restored 1880s mansion is one of only three townhouses left on Central Park West

Built in 1887 by local builder William Noble, this remarkable Queen Anne mansion at 248 Central Park West has been painstakingly restored by its owners in a $10 million gut renovation, with its stunning details preserved and every modern luxury–including an elevator, a 50-foot lap pool in the cellar, a top floor penthouse, a home theater and a gym. As the New York Times tells us, it's one of only three houses built in the surrounding Upper West Side historic district at the time. On the market for the first time since 2004, it's asking $29 million.
Take the grand tour

April 19, 2018

Would you pay $1,000/month for this ‘dorm-style, single room’ on the Upper West Side?

For such a stereotypically well-off and elegant neighborhood, the Upper West Side certainly has its share of much-less-than-glamorous listings. A couple months ago, we featured a 68-square-foot (yes, you read that right) SRO with a communal bathroom that was asking a whopping $950 a month. Now, a similarly dismal pad has hit the market asking $1,000 a month (h/t Brick Underground)! Though the listing doesn't reveal its square footage, it does make sure to specify, "this is not a studio it is a single room" and that it has a shared bathroom. But it also is quick to gloat that the "dorm-style" home comes with a mini fridge and hot plate.
READ MORE

April 3, 2018

This stunning $22M Hotel des Artistes triplex has a 44-foot living room, 2 offices and a greenhouse bath

As with most of the homes in the unique–even for New York City–Hotel des Artistes building at 1 West 67th Street, this amazing Central Park West triplex must be seen to be believed. The sprawling 5,500 square-foot co-op has room after room of remarkable features–greenhouse bathroom, anyone?–and every inch of the home’s gorgeous interiors reflects a brilliant eye for style. Just a few more amazing spaces include a 44-foot-long living room, a sprawling terrace with a fire pit, two offices and several balconies.
Take the envy-inducing tour

Distinctive Homes

March 30, 2018

Our 1,400sqft: A vibrant couple in their 80s ditches the suburbs for the West 70s

Marv and Fran Lifson have been married for 32 years. After combining their families (she had five children, he four), and spending three decades in Westchester, this self-described "active, older couple" decided to sell their home and relocate not to Florida or the Carolinas, but the Upper West Side. Luckily for them, Fran's son David Katz has his own architecture firm and he stepped right in to help them with their search and, ultimately, renovation. After finding their dream home two years ago, a fixer-upper on 72nd Street and Central Park West, David combined a studio and one-bedroom into a spacious two-bedroom that's just as fresh and modern as its residents. 6sqft recently visited Fran and Marv to learn about why they'd grown tired of the suburbs, what they love about their new urban lifestyle, and how the renovation process went.
See the whole place and hear from Fran and Marv

March 29, 2018

San Remo co-op that was Diane Keaton’s first NYC apartment lists for $17.5M

In the late '70s, after hitting it big in Woody Allen's "Annie Hall," a 30-year-old Diane Keaton celebrated her Hollywood success by buying a full-floor apartment at the storied Upper West Side co-op the San Remo. Looking back in more recent years, she said "It was one of those remarkable apartments. There was a window on every side. Everything was wide open. That was the beginning of my true interest in architecture." And now a lucky buyer will have the chance to re-live that dream, as Keaton's former home--in one of the landmark's coveted towers--has just hit the market for $17.5 million, reports the Post.
Go inside

March 22, 2018

A fresh renovation for a classic Apthorp apartment asks $7.8M

At one of the Upper West Side's most historic apartment houses, this four-bedroom spread has undergone a fresh modern revamp. The 3,069-square-foot apartment comes from the Apthorp, a condo built in 1908 for William Waldorf Astor. This apartment belongs to a designer couple, who oversaw the reno but maintained prewar details like fireplaces, moldings and wood floors. They gave the historic interiors pops of color, plus modern amenities. After selling in 2015 for $5.5 million, it's asking $7.75 million after the flip.
Look around

Distinctive Homes

March 16, 2018

Former writing studio of poet Robert Lowell asks $1.2M in Lincoln Square

It doesn't get much more romantic than living in an apartment off Central Park once used by a famous poet as his writing studio. That's the case here at 15 West 67th Street, the historic Lincoln Square cooperative that poet Robert Lowell once used as his writing atelier. Lowell worked in here during his time in New York, prior to his 1972 move to England. As the years passed, of course, the one bedroom was mostly renovated, selling in 2012 for $712,000 and hitting the market again for $1.185 million. According to the listing, the current owner "fondly brought back the luster of the woodwork," while adding wine storage and other modern amenities.
See it all

March 12, 2018

Elegant $6M spread is dripping with ‘original Dakota details’

It's hard to be disappointed by an apartment at The Dakota, the famed, historic cooperative off Central Park West. This one, now on the market for $5.85 million, lives up to its elegant address with interior features the include carved mahogany doors, wood-burning fireplaces, tin ceilings and a mural painted in the master bathroom. The highly refined spread covers 2,700 square feet--spacious enough for at least one baby grand piano--and includes three bedrooms and two bathrooms.
Head on in

Distinctive Homes

February 28, 2018

Fashion exec buys $17M Dakota combo of Judy Garland’s and Roberta Flack’s former addresses

6sqft takes notice when homes in the storied Dakota at 1 West 72nd Street hit the market; word was out that the three-bedroom co-op in the iconic Upper West Side building that was the alleged onetime home of Judy Garland had recently changed hands after several price chops, and Roberta Flack’s mirror-walled co-op went into contract after having been on the market since 2015. Now Mansion Global reports that power couple Eric and Stacey Bendet Eisner are the buyers of the massive co-op combo. Ms. Eisner is chief executive and creative director of clothing company Alice + Olivia, and her husband Eric (son of former Walt Disney Company CEO Michael Eisner) is an entertainment and media mogul.
See more of this iconic property combo

February 26, 2018

Dick Cavett’s old-world Central Park West co-op lists for $6M

Back in 2009, Dick Cavett paid $4.2 million for an amazingly preserved unit at the historic Central Park West co-op the Kenilworth. But all of this old-world charm wasn't enough to keep the talk-show host and comedian, as the three-bedroom home, which the listing describes as "fit for Royals," has just hit the market for $5,995,000. A lucky buyer will get to enjoy a slew of pre-war details, including leaded glass windows and doors, the original oak-paneled dining room, floor-to-ceiling custom built-ins, decorative fireplaces, and carved woodwork and moldings.
Take a tour

February 26, 2018

First-floor pad with some prewar charm asks $1M on the Upper West Side

You're getting something of a deal for this two-bedroom co-op up for sale at 301 West 108th Street on the Upper West Side. The spacious pad is asking $1.12 million due to its first-floor location and lack of views. (It hit the market for $1.249 million last year and didn't sell.) But the listing does promise that it isn't the "typical" ground-floor unit, considering that it's "elevated well above ground level." Prewar touches that include archways, moldings, wainscoting and hardwood floors--plus a stunning building lobby--don't hurt, either. The apartment last sold in 2015 for $995,000.
See what you think

Distinctive Homes

Our 1,600sqft: The owners of NYC’s oldest dog boutique mix classic styles on Central Park West

6sqft’s series “My sqft” checks out the homes of New Yorkers across all the boroughs. Our latest interior adventure brings us to the Upper West Side apartment of Canine Styles owners Mark Drendel and Chad Conway. Want to see your home featured here? Get in touch!

February 21, 2018

Our 1,600sqft: The owners of NYC’s oldest dog boutique mix classic styles on Central Park West

When Mark Drendel and Chad Conway met on Fire Island 21 years ago, they didn't know that they'd one day claim ownership of "the world’s only Dog Lifestyle brand." Despite the wild success of Canine Styles, also the oldest dog emporium in New York City, this couple remains down-to-earth and grounded in their family, which includes their high school-aged son, 13-year-old border terrier Katie, and year-old miniature schnauzer Izzy. But of course, their home, located in the Art Deco Central Park West building The Century, is just as fashionable as their business. They describe Canine Styles as having "a flair for traditional, classic but up-to-date design," which holds true for their recently renovated apartment, too. Mark and Chad's basic design concept was wanting guests to not be completely sure what city or era they're in. By mixing the space's Art Deco bones with their modern art collection, contemporary furnishings, and antiques spanning from the 18th century to the 1960s, they've created a uniquely stylish space. 6sqft recently took a tour and chatted with this lovely couple about the history and future of Canine Styles, what a normal day at home looks like, and their thoughts on raising a family (human or four-legged!) in NYC.
All of that, this way

February 20, 2018

$14M “single family masterpiece” on the Upper West Side stuns in seafoam

The current owners of the Upper West Side townhouse at 144 West 82nd Street took on a careful renovation that they're hoping will appeal to a new buyer. The 6,193-square-foot residence was transformed into a grand single-family home, with impressively restored, ornate interior details paired with modern appliances and perks like a wine room and elevator. (They've also finished much of the interior in shades of seafoam green.) The owners bought in 2000 for $3.6 million--post reno, it's asking a $13.9 million.
The interior will impress

Distinctive Homes

Subway stations on the Upper West Side and Astoria to temporarily close this spring

N train at 30th Ave Station via Wikimedia

February 20, 2018

Subway stations on the Upper West Side and Astoria to temporarily close this spring

Thousands of straphangers on the Upper West Side and Astoria will have to rethink their daily commutes come spring, as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority plans on closing some stations for up to six months for repairs and upgrades. The station makeovers fall under the MTA's Enhanced Station Initiative, a plan to improve the reliability and customer experience inside the subway system. Planned enhancements include installing digital countdown clocks at subway entrances, glass barriers, LED lighting and adorning station walls with artwork.
Find out more

Transit

Bruce Willis ‘downsizes’ to a new four-bedroom Riverside Center condo

Photo: Evan Joseph Photography; Bruce Willis photo: Gage Skidmore via Flickr

February 16, 2018

Bruce Willis ‘downsizes’ to a new four-bedroom Riverside Center condo

Bruce Willis and his wife Emma Heming Willis found a buyer for their home at 271 Central Park West for $17.75 million within a week of listing the six-bedroom co-op after deciding to downsize a bit. According to reports the pair have just bought a new Upper West Side aerie at One West End at 1 West End Avenue. The four-bedroom condominium in the 41-story tower, part of the in the massive Riverside Center project designed by Pelli Clarke Pelli and Hill West Architects, spans over 3,000 square feet and was last listed for $7.9 million.
Take a look

February 13, 2018

‘Silence of the Lambs’ director Jonathan Demme’s longtime Central Park West co-op sells for $2.4M

Acclaimed filmmaker Jonathan Demme, who won an Academy Award for directing "The Silence of the Lambs," passed away in April. For at least 30 years prior, he resided at the grand Emery Roth-designed Central Park West co-op the Alden. According to city records, his longtime Upper West Side home has now sold for $2.4 million, after just 13 days on the market.
READ MORE

February 9, 2018

Saudi prince’s Trump Place triplex with three bullet-proof panic rooms sells at a $40M discount

Six years ago, Saudi Prince Nawaf bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud listed his lavish Heritage at Trump Place triplex for a staggering $75 million. Three years ago, it got a price chop to $48.5 million, and The Real Deal now reports that it's closed for an even further discounted $36 million. Since the 10,500-square-foot home listed long before the reign of Trump, we're guessing it's not the building's namesake that caused it trouble on the market. Perhaps having three bullet-proof panic rooms isn't on everyone's real estate wishlist?
Find out more and look around

February 8, 2018

$16M turreted Ansonia co-op combo is an Upper West Side opportunity for the ages

For every micro apartment that steals headlines, it seems that New York City responds with a massive mega-mansion or sprawling sky palace to reassure anyone who craves a city apartment the size of a small city. This combination of four apartments in the historic Ansonia condominium residence at 2109 Broadway on the Upper West Side is the latest example (h/t Curbed). Four individual apartments await the possibilities, asking $16.185 million. This is also a rare opportunity to a create a duplex, which would be one of only five in the building.
Get a peek at 5,700 square feet of historic Ansonia interiors

Distinctive Homes

February 6, 2018

This 68-square-foot Upper West Side ‘apartment’ is $950/month

By Hannah Frishberg

There is perhaps no greater testament to New York City’s appeal than the abundance of itty bitty, overpriced apartments in appealing neighborhoods. And this Upper West Side residence might just take the cake. The lister of the SRO at 148 West 70th Street at least appreciates how ridiculous the setup is. The apartment, located an avenue and a half from Central Park, is a measly 68 square feet – “yup you read that right,” the listing reads. A fifth-floor walkup in a brownstone with a communal bathroom, the apartment is renting for a whopping $950/month.
Step inside, if you can fit

Bruce Willis sells $18M Central Park West co-op in just one week

Photo of Bruce Willis via Wikimedia

January 29, 2018

Bruce Willis sells $18M Central Park West co-op in just one week

Just a little over a week ago, Bruce Willis and wife Emma Heming Willis put their six-bedroom co-op at 271 Central Park West on the market for $17.75 million. They bought the duplex apartment back in 2015 for $17 million (from Milwaukee Bucks owner Wesley Edens), after Willis unloaded his nearby El Dorado co-op for $13 million. The couple recently decided to scale back since they don't spend enough time in the Upper West Side spread, and lucky for them the unit is already in contract, according to Curbed.
Check it out

Photos from 1968 show the Museum of Natural History’s 94-foot blue whale being hung

Photo courtesy of the American Museum of Natural History Library

January 24, 2018

Photos from 1968 show the Museum of Natural History’s 94-foot blue whale being hung

Back in 1968, the staff and contractors at the American Museum of Natural History got to constructing, mounting, and finally hanging the 94-foot fiberglass-and-polyurethane blue whale model that's become an icon of the museum. Though the hulking whale looks like it's been hanging from the Hall of Ocean Life ceilings since the museum's opening, it's actually the second version of the installation. According to Slate, the museum made the decision in the early 1960s to overhaul a paper-mâché model hung in the early 20th century because it looked outdated. The replacement was set to be nothing less than dramatic: a display to "create the illusion of having joined the whale in its own domain," as As Alfred E. Parr, oceanographer and past director of the AMNH, wrote at the time.
See more photos

History

Bruce Willis lists striking six-bedroom Central Park West home for $18M

Photo of Bruce Willis via Wikimedia

January 17, 2018

Bruce Willis lists striking six-bedroom Central Park West home for $18M

Actor Bruce Willis and his wife Emma have listed their six-bedroom apartment at 271 Central Park West for $17.75 million. The spacious, 6,000-square-foot apartment boasts 4.5 bathrooms, a library and 150 feet of Central Park footage. According to Mansion Global, the couple decided to sell their apartment, which they first purchased for nearly $17 million in 2015, because they need to spend more time together. Although the duo is leaving Manhattan to possibly relax at their home in Bedford Hills, Willis said he'll keep loving the Uptown neighborhood. "I’ll always be an Upper West Side guy. I’ve been living up here on and off since the ‘70s," he said in a statement.
See the sprawling Central Park space

My 700sqft: News anchors Jamie and Brian Stelter open up their ‘sunny’ Lincoln Square home

6sqft’s series “My sqft” checks out the homes of New Yorkers across all the boroughs. Our latest interior adventure brings us to the Lincoln Square apartment of news anchors Jamie and Brian Stelter. Want to see your home featured here? Get in touch!

January 16, 2018

My 700sqft: News anchors Jamie and Brian Stelter open up their ‘sunny’ Lincoln Square home