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This 12-story, pre-war apartment building at 35 West 81st Street was erected in 1914 across from the American Museum of Natural History. The ornate white-brick building, designed by Neville & Bagge, has 68 co-operative apartments and is known as the Orvista after its developer Charles E. Orvis.
35 West 81st Street, known as the Orvista, is a distinguished 12-story pre-war apartment building located directly across from the American Museum of Natural History in Manhattan. Completed in 1914 and designed by the architectural firm Neville & Bagge, the building features 68 co-operative apartments characterized by their ornate white-brick façade, high ceilings, and classic architectural details such as a two-story rusticated base and balconies on the 9th and 10th floors.
The building offers a range of amenities including a full-time doorman, gym, bike room, and a rooftop garden, making it a desirable residence on one of the Upper West Side's most beautiful tree-lined blocks. The apartments typically boast high ceilings—10 feet in most units and 12.5 feet in some first-floor apartments—along with hardwood floors and spacious layouts. Notable units include a two-bedroom with a large entry foyer and an open kitchen, as well as various one-bedroom and studio options with modern renovations.
Historically, the building has been home to notable figures, including Edward W. Browning, who famously created a lavish rooftop garden and was known for his eccentric lifestyle. His relationship with Frances 'Peaches' Browning garnered significant media attention in the 1920s, adding a layer of intrigue to the building's history.
With its prime location just steps from Central Park and a pet-friendly policy, 35 West 81st Street remains a sought-after address for those looking to enjoy the vibrant culture and amenities of the Upper West Side.
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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.
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