The Dorset,
150 West 79th Street

Overview of The Dorset at 150 West 79th Street

The Dorset is a 12 story Italian Renaissance palazzo built in 1911 at 150 West 79th Street, distinguished by its bold use of balconies as a major architectural element rather than mere decoration. The building features columns of balconies at either end of its façade and a central top floor balcony, along with a two story limestone base, wrought iron window grills, and foliated limestone pilasters framing the canopied entrance. Converted to a co-op in 1971, the 65 unit building is located on one of the Upper West Side's most attractive residential blocks, with the east end of the street facing Manhattan Square and the American Museum of Natural History.

Apartments typically feature prewar details including high ceilings of 9.5 to 10 feet, hardwood floors (some with herringbone inlay), oversized windows, crown molding, and beamed ceilings. Two bedroom units generally offer split bedroom layouts with en suite windowed bathrooms, while windowed kitchens are standard throughout. Many apartments showcase city skyline views, with southern facing units offering vistas of Midtown skyscrapers, the San Remo, and glimpses of the Empire State Building. In unit washer/dryers are permitted with board approval, and apartments feature abundant closet space and gracious entry foyers.

Building amenities include a newly renovated furnished roof deck with WiFi, retractable canopies, and sweeping city views, plus a landscaped garden level backyard with dining areas and a children's play space. The building provides part time doorman service (4pm to midnight), a live in superintendent, full time porter (8am to 4pm), bike storage, private storage units, and a central laundry room. The co-op permits pets, allows up to 75% financing, and considers pied-à-terre ownership on a case by case basis. Composer and conductor Jack Gottlieb was a notable resident.

The location between Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues places residents steps from Central Park, Zabar's, Fairway, Citarella, and Trader Joe's, with excellent public transportation access via the 1, B, and C subway lines. The building sits on a quiet, double wide block directly behind the museum, offering the tranquility of a residential enclave with immediate access to the cultural and commercial amenities of the Upper West Side.