The Lucida,
151 East 85th Street

Overview of The Lucida at 151 East 85th Street

The Lucida at 151 East 85th Street is a striking 21-story glass condominium that opened in 2009 as the Upper East Side's first LEED-certified residential building. Developed by Extell and designed by Cook + Fox (architects of One Bryant Park), the building features a distinctive faceted glass façade with a checkerboard mix of clear and silver glass panels. The L-shaped structure contains 122 apartments (110 condominiums and 12 rentals) ranging from two to six bedrooms, with ground-floor retail including Barnes & Noble, Sephora, and H&M, plus a convenient subway entrance.

The building's 122 residences showcase consistent luxury finishes including 10-foot ceilings, floor-to-ceiling triple-paned windows, and chocolate-stained oak floors. Kitchens typically feature high-end appliances from Sub-Zero, Miele, Viking, and Gaggenau, while bathrooms are finished in Calacatta Oro marble with polished nickel fixtures. Many units offer multiple exposures with city views, and the building includes duplex penthouses on the 20th and 21st floors. Apartments range from 1,400 to over 3,600 square feet, with larger units featuring dramatic galleries, multiple terraces, and specialized rooms like libraries and media rooms.

Residents enjoy resort-style amenities centered around the La Palestra wellness center, which features a skylit saltwater pool, hot tub, steam rooms, sauna, massage rooms, and yoga studio. Additional amenities include a basketball court, golf simulator, residents' lounge with catering kitchen, and a Kidville-designed children's playroom. The building provides full-service luxury with 24-hour doorman and concierge, plus practical amenities like bike storage, wine cellars, and valet parking.

The Lucida has attracted notable residents including former Yankees pitcher David Cone, pop star Ricky Martin, "Modern Family" actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson, and NBA player Tyson Chandler. Its prime location at the intersection of Lexington Avenue and 85th Street provides easy access to Museum Mile, Central Park, excellent shopping and dining, and multiple subway lines, making it one of the Upper East Side's most coveted addresses.