Upper West Side

For the very palatable price of $540,000 this true one-bedroom co-op on the Upper West Side is a cozy, country home. Located at 331 West 89th Street, just steps from Riverside Park, the apartment is full of charming pre-war details like exposed brick, moldings, and a decorative fireplace. The current owner has also outfitted it with on-style accessories like a Smeg refrigerator and romantic chandeliers.
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Distinctive Homes

INTERVIEW: Architect John Cetra on the Upper West Side’s Dahlia and the changing concept of home

Images courtesy of CetraRuddy

July 13, 2020

INTERVIEW: Architect John Cetra on the Upper West Side’s Dahlia and the changing concept of home

Designed by CetraRuddy and RKTB Architects, Dahlia at 212 West 95th Street celebrates the Upper West Side's classic residential blocks of pre-war architecture while adding innovative design elements. The condo’s 38 homes and common areas are designed to be more spacious than the average Manhattan apartment, and perks unheard of in New York City include a huge 5,100-square-foot private elevated park, a fitness center with a yoga room, and a private parking garage. Plus, each apartment is situated on a corner of the building, so there’s no shortage of views and natural light. 6sqft recently offered a peek at the 20-story building's interiors, and we've now chatted with architect John Cetra about this new addition to the Upper West Side, the neighborhood, and how apartment building design must be sensitive to changing times and the idea of home in the city.
An interview with John Cetra of CetraRuddy, this way

Image by Hayes Davidson

July 8, 2020

At a former school on the Upper West Side, this $22.5M penthouse has a two-level terrace

Not only is this apartment three floors, but it has a two-floor terrace, too. It's the Terrace Penthouse at 555 West End Avenue, a former Beaux-Arts school building transformed into a 13-unit boutique condo. The Upper West Side home is currently listed for $22.5 million and has four bedrooms, a two-story living area connected by a floating staircase, and a full-floor roof terrace that's accessed via an outdoor staircase leading from the wraparound terrace.
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The Strand will open on the Upper West Side this month

Photo of the Strand’s new UWS storefront, taken by 6sqft on July 7, 2020

July 7, 2020

The Strand will open on the Upper West Side this month

After a long and dramatic saga, the Upper West Side's Book Culture closed for good in February, but a new beloved book store is opening up in the storefront. The Strand announced earlier this year that third-generation owner Nancy Bass Wyden signed a lease for the space, which will be renamed The Strand at Columbus Avenue. And Gothamist received confirmation from the owner that it'll be opening this month.
Get the scoop

City Living

At the Upper West Side’s iconic El Dorado, a $20M duplex with iconic Central Park views

Listing photos courtesy of Tim Waltman

July 7, 2020

At the Upper West Side’s iconic El Dorado, a $20M duplex with iconic Central Park views

The El Dorado is iconic for so many reasons--its Art Deco architecture, its design by Emery Roth, its two-part tower silhouette--but nothing can beat those Central Park views. And this 15th- and 16th-floor duplex at the classic Upper West Side co-op has 36 windows through which to see these views, along with a 50-foot private balcony. Just listed for $19,999,000, the home has four bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and tons of classic pre-war details.
Take a tour here

Distinctive Homes

June 23, 2020

See inside the enviable amenity spaces of Dahlia, a new condo on the Upper West Side

As the construction of new condo tower Dahlia wraps up on the Upper West Side, we're taking a look at the 20-story building's impressive amenity package. Designed by CetraRuddy and RKTB Architects, the building at 212 West 95th Street manages to mix the pre-war aesthetic of its neighbors with modern design elements. In addition to its sleek look, Dahlia also offers perks unheard of in New York City, including a huge 5,100-square-foot private elevated park with recreation space for both adults and kids and private parking garage.
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Target to open new stores on the Upper East Side, Upper West Side

Rendering of the Columbus Circle store planned courtesy of Target

June 22, 2020

Target to open new stores on the Upper East Side, Upper West Side

Manhattan will get two new Target stores, adding to the retail giant's growing New York City footprint. As first reported by PincusCo, the company has signed a 20-year lease for a store at Vornado Realty Trust's 150 East 86th Street on the Upper East Side and a 15-year lease for space at 795 Columbus Avenue on the Upper West Side, overseen by the Chetrit Group. The two new locations, totaling nearly 80,000 square feet, will be small-format stores, which offer easy pick-up service and grab-and-go products.
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Real Estate Trends

Lottery launches for 22 affordable apartments at Waterline Square, from $741/month

Rendering courtesy of Noe & Associates with The Boundary. L to R: Two Waterline Square by KPF, Three Waterline Square by Rafael Vinoly, One Waterline Square by Richard Meier

May 22, 2020

Lottery launches for 22 affordable apartments at Waterline Square, from $741/month

Applications are now being accepted for 22 affordable apartments at the Waterline Square development on the Upper West Side. Stretching between West 59th Street and West 61st Streets, the three-tower complex is best known for the starchitects behind the high-rises: Richard Meier of One Waterline Square, Kohn Pedersen Fox of Two Waterline Square, and Rafael Viñoly of Three Waterline Square. New Yorkers earning 40 percent of the area median income can apply for the available $741/month one-bedrooms and $901/month two-bedrooms.
How to apply

Affordable Housing

Gray’s Papaya reopens on the Upper West Side with a new hot dog ‘Recession Special’

Photo by David Joyce via Flickr cc

May 8, 2020

Gray’s Papaya reopens on the Upper West Side with a new hot dog ‘Recession Special’

For the first time in 47 years, corner hot dog outpost Gray's Papaya shut down temporarily on March 30. But as was first reported by West Side Rag, the Upper West Side location is now back open for business. In addition to delivery through Seamless and Grubhub, Gray's is offering window takeout with safe single-serve condiments, and their employees are all wearing masks and gloves. But even more exciting is that they've created a special version of their 35-years-running Recession Special.
What's the deal?

Food & Dining

Construction resumes at controversial 200 Amsterdam Avenue tower

Rendering courtesy of Binyan Studios

April 27, 2020

Construction resumes at controversial 200 Amsterdam Avenue tower

Construction resumed last week at a condo project on the Upper West Side two weeks after its developer halted all work in response to the state-ordered ban on non-essential projects in March. The city's Department of Buildings granted SJP Properties construction permits for the tower at 200 Amsterdam Avenue for emergency work, as THE CITY first reported, much to the frustration of some local residents and officials.
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Sweet Upper West Side one-bedroom is a great first place for $525K

Listing photos courtesy of Douglas Elliman

April 21, 2020

Sweet Upper West Side one-bedroom is a great first place for $525K

It might feel like the coronavirus crisis has halted life, but many New Yorkers still need to move. And for those looking to buy their first place, this adorable one-bedroom co-op at 46 West 65th Street could be the perfect place. First, there's the prime Upper West Side location just across from Lincoln Center. Then there's the cozy layout and modern finishes. And most importantly, the price is right at $525,000
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Distinctive Homes

Family drops $27M on eight Waterline Square apartments as ‘safe’ investment during coronavirus

Rendering courtesy of Noe & Associates with The Boundary. L to R: Two Waterline Square by KPF, Three Waterline Square by Rafael Vinoly, One Waterline Square by Richard Meier

April 15, 2020

Family drops $27M on eight Waterline Square apartments as ‘safe’ investment during coronavirus

A family from Peru has paid nearly $27 million for eight units at the new three-tower luxury complex Waterline Square on the Upper West Side, the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday. The buyers went into contract and closed on the all-cash deal on the same day, Douglas Elliman agent Maria Velazquez told the newspaper. Velazquez said the family who bought the condo units see it as an investment, opting to put their money into real estate instead of a bank during the coronavirus pandemic. "They felt their money was safer in an apartment in New York than in a bank," she said.
More on the deal

Real Estate Trends

$1.35M Upper West Side co-op has two floors and a sunny private garden

Photos courtesy of The Corcoran Group

April 8, 2020

$1.35M Upper West Side co-op has two floors and a sunny private garden

One of the toughest things for families living in an NYC apartment versus a suburban home during this time is not having a backyard. But this Upper West Side co-op, listed for $1,350,000, has enough space for everyone inside and outside. Located at 204 West 92nd Street, the 1,100-square-foot apartment has three bedrooms on two levels, as well as a sunny garden patio that's "perfect for grilling, entertaining, or private sunbathing," says the listing.
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Distinctive Homes

All the performances, events, and classes in NYC you can stream online

Anna Netrebko in the title role of Donizetti’s “Lucia di Lammermoor.” Photo: Ken Howard/Metropolitan Opera

April 3, 2020

All the performances, events, and classes in NYC you can stream online

By 6sqft

Although the coronavirus has shuttered most of the city, many museums, performance venues, theaters, and famous New Yorkers are offering free (or low-cost) online resources to entertain New Yorkers throughout this difficult period. From virtual storytime with Brooklyn Public Library librarians to live-streamed performances by the Metropolitan Opera to baking classes with Milk Bar's Christina Tosi to dance lessons from the Radio City Rockettes, support local organizations safely from your home. This list was lasted updated at 10:00 a.m. on April 3, 2020.
The full list, ahead

Events & Things To Do

Photo credit: Julia Gillard with MW Studio, Courtesy of Compass

March 20, 2020

$749K Upper West Side one-bedroom is a brownstone beauty

When you've got beautiful brownstone features like a huge bay window, crown moldings, and a classical fireplace, you don't want to compete with the architecture but you also want to find a design aesthetic that enhances these details. Which is exactly what's on view at this one-bedroom Upper West Side co-op at 111 West 82nd Street. For $749,000, not only is it easy on the eyes but the apartment has a spacious and efficient layout that would make for a great starter home.
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Distinctive Homes

Moby’s former Central Park West turret penthouse is four floors of views for $5.75M

Listing photos courtesy of Douglas Elliman

March 16, 2020

Moby’s former Central Park West turret penthouse is four floors of views for $5.75M

We've gotta hand it to Moby--he has had some killer taste in real estate over the years, from his "tiny but charming" Nolita penthouse to the incredible midcentury house in Westchester he sold for charity. But perhaps the most fabulous place of all was his four-story penthouse at the iconic El Dorado on Central Park West, where he lived from 2005 to 2008. Not only is the sprawling co-op located in the landmarked building's south tower (it occupies the entire 31st, 32nd, 33rd, and 34th floors), but it boasts four landscaped terraces with sweeping skyline and Central Park views. First reported by the Post, it's now back on the market for $5,750,000.
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$1.97M Central Park West penthouse is rich in color, architecture, and private outdoor space

Photo credit: Evan Joseph and Alyssa Brody courtesy of Compass

March 9, 2020

$1.97M Central Park West penthouse is rich in color, architecture, and private outdoor space

This Upper West Side brownstone duplex co-op at 31 West 70th Street, asking $1,968,300, is a confluence of Manhattan apartment dream factors: It's half a block from Central Park, has a wealth of private outdoor space, and is filled with rich architectural details that keep the cookie-cutter blues far away. The renovated pre-war duplex is currently set up as a two-bedroom home with two and a half baths, but it can easily be expanded to include three bedrooms with plenty of space left to spare.
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Distinctive Homes

The American Museum of Natural History’s most vibrant new exhibit is an in-depth exploration of color

Photo credit: R. Mickens/© AMNH

March 5, 2020

The American Museum of Natural History’s most vibrant new exhibit is an in-depth exploration of color

By Alexandra Alexa

For most of us, color is such a seamless part of how we experience the world that we don’t think to stop and question it. But color is more than just a visual phenomenon, it carries symbolic and cultural meanings, has the ability to impact our mood, and in the natural world, it plays a critical role in the survival of many species. The many dimensions of color will be explored in The Nature of Color, a new exhibition opening at the American Museum of Natural History on March 9th.
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Events & Things To Do

City says 200 Amsterdam doesn’t have to chop 20 floors off (yet)

Rendering courtesy of Binyan Studios

March 4, 2020

City says 200 Amsterdam doesn’t have to chop 20 floors off (yet)

On Tuesday the city halted a judge’s order to stop construction–or, rather, deconstruction and demolition–on the 55-story condominium tower at 200 Amsterdam Avenue in Manhattan, the Wall Street Journal reports. Last month, 6sqft reported that State Supreme Court Judge W. Franc Perry ordered the city to revoke the building permit for the Upper West Side’s tallest tower north of 61st Street, ruling that developers SJP Properties and Mitsui Fudosan America would have to chop the building's height by as many as 20 stories to conform to zoning limits. This week's ruling means work can continue on construction of the skyscraper despite opposition from activists and critics.
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Policy

Before + After: How an Upper West Side couple renovated their 440sqft studio after a building fire

Photos by Pixy Interiors for Sweeten

February 27, 2020

Before + After: How an Upper West Side couple renovated their 440sqft studio after a building fire

When a blaze broke out on the rooftop of Dianna and Todd's Upper West Side co-op building they luckily sustained no major damage, but their walls and floors did suffer some impairment. Since moving into the high-floor duplex three years prior, the couple had been planning to renovate their home, and after the incident, they took the plunge. Because the 444-square-foot studio duplex had an efficient layout, their contractors advised them to keep the current setup and focus the budget on modernizing the kitchen and bathroom, brightening up all the rooms with paint and stain jobs, and incorporating colorful decor and functional furnishings.
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Museum of Natural History’s new Halls of Gems and Minerals will open this fall

A conceptual rendering of the Allison and Roberto Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals, opening in fall 2020 at the American Museum of Natural History. Rendering courtesy American Museum of Natural History.

February 27, 2020

Museum of Natural History’s new Halls of Gems and Minerals will open this fall

The American Museum of Natural History announced this week that the new Allison and Roberto Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals will be opening in fall of 2020. Named for longtime museum supporters Roberto and Allison Mignone, the long-awaited redesign will be a dazzling showcase for one of the greatest collections of its kind. The new Halls will be connected to Studio Gang’s 235,000-square-foot Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education and Innovation.
More about the exhibitions and gallery, this way

February 20, 2020

For $1.25M, an Upper West Side one-bedroom one block from Central Park

A one-bedroom in a beautiful Upper West Side brownstone has hit the market for $1.25 million. Located between Columbus Avenue and Central Park West less than one block from the park, the parlor-floor co-op at 61 West 68th Street is packed with charming pre-war details, including oversized arched windows, exposed brick, two rounded entryways, and two fireplaces. In addition to its lovely interiors, the apartment's location, at the nexus of UWS, Lincoln Square, and Central Park West, is hard to beat.
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Distinctive Homes

Latest court ruling against 200 Amsterdam Avenue could result in the removal of 20 floors

Rendering courtesy of Binyan Studios

February 18, 2020

Latest court ruling against 200 Amsterdam Avenue could result in the removal of 20 floors

By Alexandra Alexa

The Upper West Side's tallest tower north of 61st Street may soon be getting a major trim, the New York Times reports. In a dramatic ruling last week, State Supreme Court Judge W. Franc Perry ordered the city to revoke 200 Amsterdam Avenue's building permit and decided the developers will have to remove floors from the top of the building to fall in line with zoning limits. It's not yet been decided how many floors will need to be removed from the nearly-complete 52-story tower, but it could be as many as 20. Co-developers SJP Properties and Mitsui Fudosan America are expected to "vigorously" appeal the decision, according to their lawyer.
What's the deal?

Policy

A closer look inside Waterline Square’s starchitect-designed rentals, from $3,938/month

Living area inside an apartment at One Waterline Square; photo by Evan Joseph

February 4, 2020

A closer look inside Waterline Square’s starchitect-designed rentals, from $3,938/month

By Alexandra Alexa

When rental units at the Waterline Square development on the Upper West Side hit the market last fall it was clear that the price tags reflected the starchitect lineup involved with its design: The trio of glassy towers was designed by Richard Meier & Partners (One Waterline Square), Kohn Pedersen Fox (Two Waterline Square), and Rafael Viñoly (Three Waterline Square), with Hill West Architects serving as executive architect for the master plan. Located on Riverside Boulevard between 59th and 61st Streets, the complex holds 868 rental units (in addition to 263 condos), which start at $3,938/month for a studio and go up to $15,000/month for a four-bedroom. If you’re curious about what those pricey rentals look like inside, here’s a look at three model homes in each of the towers.
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Photo credit: H5 Property, courtesy of Compass.

January 31, 2020

This Upper West Side brownstone co-op gives you three levels to love for $725K

Tucked into one of the elegant brownstones that, along with stately apartment buildings, line an enviable Upper West Side block, this one-bedroom home at 169 West 73rd Street has pre-war charm–with a twist. On the second floor of a brownstone co-op building, the space has a main living area, a step-down kitchen and dining area, a lower bedroom, and a lofted home office/bonus room, fitting more rooms into what would be a more limited space if it were on just one level.
Look up, look down

Distinctive Homes

Construction of Upper West Side’s tallest tower can proceed

Rendering of 50 West 66th Street courtesy of Binyan Studios/ Snøhetta

January 28, 2020

Construction of Upper West Side’s tallest tower can proceed