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Top 10 Downtown Residential Conversions

Owing to the protections of historic districts that make new construction difficult, developers and designers often look to convert existing Downtown buildings to residential use rather than erect new ones. It is anecdotally easier to get Landmarks' permission for such a venture than new construction, and even the staunchest preservationists can be somewhat assuaged by the restoration of original architectural details amidst the conversion. Moreover, restored interior details allow for apartments with more character than a new construction white box.

#1 - The Puck Penthouses, 293 Lafayette Street

Condo in NoLiTa/Little Italy

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.

View Residences at the The Puck Penthouses, 293 Lafayette Street building profile

#2 - Walker Tower, 212 West 18th Street

Condo in Chelsea

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.

View Residences at the Walker Tower, 212 West 18th Street building profile


#3 - 443 Greenwich Street

Condo in Tribeca

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.

View Residences at the 443 Greenwich Street building profile


#4 - The Abingdon, 607 Hudson Street

Condo in West Village

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.

View Residences at the The Abingdon, 607 Hudson Street building profile

#5 - The Tulip Building, 421 Broome Street

Condo in SoHo

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.

View Residences at the The Tulip Building, 421 Broome Street building profile

#6 - 67 Vestry Street

Condo in Tribeca

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.

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#7 - 212 Fifth Avenue

Condo in Flatiron/Union Square

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.

View Residences at the 212 Fifth Avenue building profile


#8 - 18 Gramercy Park South

Condo in Gramercy Park

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.

View Residences at the 18 Gramercy Park South building profile

#9 - 90 Morton Street

Condo in West Village

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.

View Residences at the 90 Morton Street building profile

#10 - 130 West 12th Street

Condo in Greenwich Village

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.

View Residences at the 130 West 12th Street building profile