279 Central Park West is a 23-story boutique condominium built in 1988 and designed by acclaimed architect Costas Kondylis. The building stands out as one of the few buildings in New York City to feature curved glass corner windows, which take full advantage of its spectacular Central Park views. Rising from a three-story rusticated limestone base, the building's asymmetrical silhouette was shaped by the city's contextual zoning requirements of the 1980s, creating distinctive setbacks above the traditional 15-story building wall height along Central Park West.
With only 38 apartments, the building offers an exceptionally exclusive living experience, with many units configured as duplexes and several penthouses. The apartments commonly feature bay windows, windowed kitchens with high-end appliances (Sub-Zero, Miele, Wolf), marble bathrooms, custom millwork, and central air conditioning. The crown jewel is a 6,713-square-foot duplex penthouse with 360-degree views and wrap-around terraces spanning two floors. Corner units are particularly coveted for their sweeping Central Park vistas, with some apartments offering views from every room.
The building provides full-service amenities including 24-hour doorman and concierge service, a fitness center, indoor and outdoor children's playrooms, private storage, and bike storage. Located at the corner of 88th Street, residents enjoy prime access to Central Park directly across the street, proximity to the American Museum of Natural History, and convenient transportation via the nearby 86th Street B/C subway station. The building was constructed on the former site of the exclusive Progress Club, a Jewish men's club designed in 1904.
Jazz legend Miles Davis was among the notable residents who called this distinguished address home. Buyers should note that the building requires a 2.5% capital reserve contribution at closing, reflecting the building's commitment to maintaining its high standards and exclusive character.
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Notable past and present residents at 279 Central Park West