444 Central Park West

Overview of 444 Central Park West

Built in 1929 at the northwest corner of 104th Street and Central Park West, 444 Central Park West is a 19 story red brick building with 123 apartments. Designed by Boak & Paris, alumni of Emery Roth who founded their own firm in 1927, the building showcases Art Deco detailing including distinctive long beaked bird motifs on the façades, a sandstone base, arched windows, and a crenellated rooftop watertank enclosure. The building was converted to a co-op in 1976 by Curtis Katz and has earned an A energy efficiency rating.

The full service building offers a 24 hour doorman, live-in resident manager, four elevators, bicycle and storage rooms (with waiting lists), and a laundry room that doubles as a book exchange. A particular highlight is the rooftop deck, which provides 360 degree views spanning from the George Washington Bridge to the Triborough Bridge and is equipped with WiFi, USB ports, and electrical outlets. The building permits pets including dogs with no weight restrictions, allows pied-à-terre ownership and subletting, and accommodates protruding air conditioners, though it has no garage.

All apartments feature wood burning fireplaces, a distinctive amenity throughout the building. Common characteristics include high beamed ceilings (typically 9 feet), oak hardwood floors, windowed kitchens, and generous closet space ranging from five to seven closets per unit. Many apartments have been renovated with modern appliances and granite countertops, and numerous units include in-unit washers and dryers. Layouts range from one to three bedrooms, with spacious living rooms often measuring 18 to 27 feet in length and separate dining rooms in many units.

Several apartments feature terraces, some wrapping around with lengths up to 32 feet, particularly in upper floor and penthouse units. East facing apartments offer direct Central Park views, while upper floor units provide park and city skyline vistas. The building's prewar layouts typically include entry foyers or galleries, with bedrooms separated from common spaces by hallways for privacy. Window configurations vary, with some apartments featuring the original 1929 mullioned windows and distinctive arched openings.

The location directly across from Central Park provides easy access to the park's Great Hill, Conservatory Garden, North Woods, and skating rink. The neighborhood offers convenient transportation with the B and C subway lines one block away and the M10 bus at half a block. Nearby shopping includes Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, Target, and farmers markets on Fridays and Saturdays at Columbus Square, along with numerous restaurants, bakeries including Levain and Silver Moon, and cultural venues like Symphony Space and Smoke Jazz Club.