Top 10 Downtown Residential Conversions
#1 - The Puck Penthouses, 293 Lafayette Street
The Romanesque Revival-style red brick building at 293 Lafayette Street was constructed as the publisher of Puck, one of America's first humor magazines, in the late 19th century. It housed several other magazines, including Spy, before being converted to six penthouse residences that account for the majority of Nolita's highest-priced sales.
#2 - Walker Tower, 212 West 18th Street
Nearly 100 years after it was designed by "architect of the century" Ralph Walker as a telephone switching station, 212 West 18th Street has been converted to luxury condominium Walker Tower, though not at the expense of its grills, mullions, setbacks, and other quintessentially Art Deco design details. The height of the building allows for impressive views.
#3 - 443 Greenwich Street
443 Greenwich Street was constructed as a book bindery warehouse, and would house several other companies before its residential conversion in 2014. Arched windows fill the apartments with light, and interior details like exposed beams and columns were preserved amidst the conversion. The attractive apartments, desirable Tribeca neighborhood, resort-style amenities, and underground parking garage allowing for discreet comings and goings have made it popular among celebrities.
#4 - The Abingdon, 607 Hudson Street
The Georgian-style building on the southwest corner of Hudson Street and West 12th Street was constructed as housing for young working women in 1906, and later converted to The Village Nursing Home. In the present day, its red brick facade and eye-catching architectural details were preserved amidst the interiors' conversion to sprawling condominiums with grand-scale living space.
#5 - The Tulip Building, 421 Broome Street
Throughout its extensive history, the cast iron building at 421 Broome Street has served as the offices of the New York City Board of Education, a typewriter manufacturer, and an art gallery before going residential. Academy Award-winning actor Heath Ledger was among the building's early residents, and the building has broken its own sales record following its conversion to condos.
#6 - 67 Vestry Street
It may be possible to trace Tribeca's history through the building at 67 Vestry Street. It was constructed as a warehouse for the A&P, converted to artists' loft space that attracted the likes of Andy Warhol, and converted to a luxurious condominium with half- and full-floor residences overlooking unobstructed Hudson River views.
#7 - 212 Fifth Avenue
In the early days of 212 Fifth Avenue's marketing, it was described as "the city's most powerful address" for its location on Fifth Avenue and street number matching the original Manhattan area code. Its ornate Neo-Gothic facade was carefully restored, and designer Pembrooke & Ives added windows while converting the interiors to luxurious apartments that make the most of Madison Square Park views. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos owns over $96 million worth of real estate in the building, including the penthouse.
#8 - 18 Gramercy Park South
The Georgian Revival-style building at 18 Gramercy Park South has come a long way from its past as a Salvation Army residence. Zeckendorf Development intentionally chose the building for its proximity to Gramercy Park, and residents receive keys to Manhattan's only private park.
#9 - 90 Morton Street
Over 100 years after 90 Morton Street was constructed as a printing factory, it has been expanded and converted to a boutique condominium. Multi-pane windows honor the building's industrial past while filling the apartments inside with abundant natural light. Apartments on the eighth floor and higher enjoy private outdoor space, and all residents have access to the building's gym, spa pool, library lounge, and rooftop terrace.
#10 - 130 West 12th Street
130 West 12th Street dates back to 1941, when it was built as part of the St. Vincent's Hospital complex. Decades later, amidst its conversion to residential, COOKFOX beautifully restored the building's Art Deco facade and brought it up to LEED Gold standards. Residents have access to the amenities and services of the nearby Greenwich Lane complex.
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