55 Central Park West

Overview of 55 Central Park West

55 Central Park West, completed in 1930 by renowned architects Schwartz & Gross, stands as one of New York City's most iconic Art Deco residential towers. This 20 story, 109 unit cooperative is famously known as the "Ghostbusters Building" and has been designated a landmark on the National Register of Historic Places. The building's distinctive exterior features pointed finials and a remarkable gradient of brick colors that transition from dark red at the base to pale beige at the top, using forty different hues of earth tones to create the illusion that the sun is always shining on the structure. The building's Art Deco lobby restoration earned the prestigious 2019 Stanford White Award for Historic Preservation from the Institute for Classical Architecture.

The building has undergone extensive modernization while preserving its historic character, earning an "A" rating for energy efficiency through upgrades including new heating, water, electrical, and fire systems, new elevators, and a co generation plant. Notable residents have included fashion designer Calvin Klein. Located directly across from Central Park at West 66th Street, the building offers prime access to Lincoln Center, Columbus Circle, and multiple transportation options. The full service cooperative provides 24 hour doorman service, a live in resident manager, and a landscaped roof terrace with panoramic park and city views, wet bar, and vegetable garden.

Apartments throughout the building showcase classic prewar details including sunken living rooms with wrought iron railings, herringbone hardwood floors, beamed ceilings, and oversized windows. Many units feature decorative fireplaces, spacious entrance galleries, and generous room proportions typical of 1930s luxury construction. The building's apartments range from one bedroom units with wraparound terraces to a spectacular penthouse duplex spanning the 19th and 20th floors, featuring multiple fireplaces, a 53 foot long south terrace, and a 16 foot wide conservatory. Corner units often provide the most dramatic Central Park views, while many apartments offer glimpses of the neighboring Holy Trinity Lutheran Church's stunning Tiffany Studio designed stained glass windows.

Building amenities include a bicycle room, children's playroom, laundry facilities, individual storage bins when available, and package room services. The cooperative maintains a pet friendly policy and permits pied à terre ownership, with financing allowed up to 50% of the first $1 million of purchase price and one third on amounts above. A 2% flip tax is paid by buyers. The building's central location provides easy access to the cultural attractions of Lincoln Center, the shopping and dining of Columbus Circle, and the recreational opportunities of Central Park, making it one of the Upper West Side's most coveted addresses.