Last updated on Apr 3, 2026

31 East 79th Street

This distinguished 15-story cooperative apartment building at 31 East 79th Street was built in two parts, first in 1925 and then extended in 1928. The building features an octagonal copper water tank enclosure, a limestone base with granite bottom, and a canopied entrance, housing only 19 apartments in a prime Upper East Side location.

Recent Sales (2)
All Units in Building (19)

Apt. 10E

3 beds

3 baths

$3,700,000

$4,000,000

May 22, 2025

Apt. 5E

2 beds

2.5 baths

$3,335,000 -16.6%

$4,000,000

Jul 27, 2023

View Full Sales History

Overview of 31 East 79th Street

31 East 79th Street is a distinguished pre-war cooperative building located on the Upper East Side, constructed in 1925. Designed by William H. Rowan, this elegant 15-story structure features a seamless blend of two sections, with a notable octagonal copper water tank enclosure that adds to its architectural charm. The building houses only 19 apartments, ensuring a level of privacy and exclusivity for its residents. Its prime location offers convenient access to cultural institutions, fine dining, and shopping along Madison Avenue and Fifth Avenue, as well as proximity to Central Park.

The apartments within 31 East 79th Street are characterized by high ceilings, hardwood floors, and oversized windows that provide ample natural light and picturesque city views. Many units feature classic pre-war details such as wood-burning fireplaces, formal dining rooms, and spacious layouts that include multiple bedrooms and versatile bonus rooms. The building's amenities include a full-time doorman, elevator service, and a bike room, enhancing the luxurious living experience.

Historically, the building has attracted notable residents, including Alfred Vanderbilt, who purchased a penthouse here. The cooperative was converted in 1946 and has maintained its reputation for elegance and exclusivity. Residents enjoy a white glove service, with policies that permit pets and pieds-à-terre, making it a desirable choice for both full-time and part-time residents seeking a refined lifestyle in one of New York City's most coveted neighborhoods.

Doorman

Full Time

Type

Co-op

Year Built

1925

Apartments

19 (view all units)

Floors

Neighborhood

Carnegie Hill (Manhattan)

Min Down

60%

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Amenities

FT Doorman
Pre War
Elevator

Area Map StreetView

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at Lexington Ave 0.24 miles

at Lexington Ave 0.40 miles

Pros & Cons

Very few apartments
Fine roof-top water tank enclosure
Convenient cross-town bus service
Doorman
Convenient to many boutiques and restaurants
Close to major museums
Many good views of Central Park because of low-rise block across 79th Street
Close to Subway

No garage
Considerable traffic
Inconsistent fenestration
Permits protruding air-conditioners
No balconies
No health club

CityRealty Rating

/44

Architecture

/36

Location

/39

Features

Editor’s Points

CITYREALTY
RATING

How is the CityRealty Rating calculated?
Architecture

30+ remarkable

20-29 distinguished

11-19 average

< 11 below average
Location

27+ remarkable

18-26 distinguished

9-17 average

< 9 below average
Features

22+ remarkable

16-21 distinguished

9-15 average

< 9 below average
CityRealty’s Ratings Explained

Sales History

Price/Room (Est)

Why are we displaying the estimated price per room?

For some co-ops, instead of price per square foot, we use an estimate of the number of rooms for each sold apartment to chart price changes over time. This is because many co-op listings do not include square footage information, and this makes it challenging to calculate accurate square-foot averages.

By displaying the price per estimated room count, we are able to provide a more reliable and consistent metric for comparing sales in the building. While we hope that this gives you a clearer sense of price trends in the building, all data should be independently verified. All data provided are only estimates and should not be used to make any purchase or sale decision.

Price/Ft² (Est)

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Sales Summary

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Sales History by Apartment Size

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Pricing Comparison of Similar Buildings

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Editorial Coverage

$695 million in Manhattan sales led by $38.5 million penthouse at 150 Charles Street; Acclaimed artist's estate sells masterpiece on Central Park West Monday, August 7, 2023

Alternate Address

1040 Madison Avenue

One High Line

between West 17th Street & West 18th Street

Chelsea

Opulent homes where the High Line meets the Hudson River. Breathtaking Manhattan views & exclusive amenities. Nearly 50% sold | Immediate occupancy

1 beds starting at $2,850,000
2 beds starting at $4,495,000
3 beds starting at $6,455,000
4 beds starting at $9,400,000

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RLS IDX Data display by CityRealty.com, LLC. This information is not verified for authenticity or accuracy and is not guaranteed and may not reflect all real estate activity in the market. ©2026 The Real Estate Board of New York, Inc., All rights reserved. IDX information is provided exclusively for consumers' personal, non-commercial use and it may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing.

All information furnished regarding property for sale, rental or financing is from sources deemed reliable, but no warranty or representation is made as to the accuracy thereof and same is submitted subject to errors, omissions, change of price, rental or other conditions, prior sale, lease or financing or withdrawal without notice. All dimensions are approximate. For exact dimensions, you must hire your own architect or engineer and for no listing shall the number of bedrooms listed be considered a legal conclusion.

All closed sales data has been provided by the New York City Department of Finance via the Automated City Register Information System (ACRIS). No warranty or representation is made as to the accuracy of any data provided by ACRIS or any other sources.

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An equal housing opportunity

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31 East 79th Street

Overview of 31 East 79th Street

Maps &3D Aerial Views

Amenities

Pros & Cons

CityRealty Rating

How is the CityRealty Rating calculated?

Sales History

Why are we displaying the estimated price per room?

Sales Summary

Sales History by Apartment Size

Pricing Comparison of Similar Buildings

Editorial Coverage

Alternate Address

Search

Market Data

Market Insight

CityRealty

My Account

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into Tours!

Maps &
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