515 Park Avenue

Overview of 515 Park Avenue

Completed in 2000, 515 Park Avenue stands as one of the tallest residential buildings on Park Avenue above 59th Street, rising 43 stories with only 30 apartments. Developed by the Zeckendorf General Partnership and designed by Frank Williams & Associates, this limestone and beige-brick tower replaced a pre-war Italian Renaissance palazzo, though its post-modern interpretation drew sharp criticism from architectural critics. Robert A.M. Stern described its silhouette as "awkward," while Paul Goldberger called it "particularly ungainly" with a "pretentious muddle" façade, despite its commercial success during the late 1990s luxury boom.

The building has attracted notable residents including theater impresario James L. Nederlander, luxury magnate François Pinault (owner of Christie's), music executive L.A. Reid, and Vivendi Universal chairman Jean-Marie Messier. Apartments showcase grand prewar-inspired proportions with 10 to 11.5-foot ceilings, herringbone hardwood and parquet de Versailles floors, and floor-to-ceiling windows offering Central Park and city views. Many units feature chef's kitchens with high-end Thermador, SubZero, and Miele appliances, marble and onyx bathrooms, and multiple bedrooms with en-suite baths. Twelve of the 38 apartments are duplexes, including spectacular 5,000-square-foot penthouses on floors 36-37 designed by renowned decorator Juan Pablo Molyneux, complete with private interior elevators and sweeping onyx staircases.

The building offers white-glove service with Chef Daniel Boulud as exclusive caterer, along with 15 private climate-controlled wine cellars, 38 storage rooms, and individual staff suites on the second floor for residents' use. Additional amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center, private dining room with full catering kitchen, concierge and valet services, and 24-hour security. Located at the corner of Park Avenue and 60th Street, the building provides easy access to Central Park, Madison Avenue shopping, and Midtown's business district while maintaining the quieter residential character of the Upper East Side.