81 Irving Place

Overview of 81 Irving Place

Built in 1929 and designed by architect George Pelham, 81 Irving Place stands as one of Gramercy Park's most architecturally distinguished buildings. This 16-story co-op showcases exceptional terracotta decoration, distinctive five-sided balconies, and Romanesque-style arches with alternating brick and limestone that shelter recessed carved lunettes on the lower floors. The brown brick façade features intricate brickwork, spiral columns capped with gargoyles, and dramatic setbacks leading to a striking rooftop pavilion. Originally constructed with 107 apartments, the building now contains 102 units and was converted to a cooperative in 1982.

The building gained literary significance when playwright Thornton Wilder, author of "Our Town," resided in apartment 15DE in 1939. In a letter to Gertrude Stein and Alice Toklas, Wilder wrote about his Irving Place home: "I've lived five days in my New York home and am already flooded with a new overwhelming feeling about New York." This connection adds cultural gravitas to an already architecturally remarkable property located just one block south of the exclusive Gramercy Park.

Apartments throughout the building feature classic prewar details including steel casement windows, hardwood floors, beamed ceilings, and generous closet space. Many units offer southern exposure with open city views, while select apartments provide coveted Gramercy Park vistas. The building's layout includes studios through two bedroom apartments, with some featuring wrap terraces and corner exposures. Recent high end renovations have enhanced original Art Deco elements while maintaining the building's prewar integrity, with luxury kitchens featuring brands like Viking and Miele appearing in premium units.

As a full service cooperative, 81 Irving Place provides 24 hour doorman service, a live-in superintendent, on-site laundry facilities, and bike storage. The building maintains flexible policies allowing dogs, pied-à-terre ownership, sublets with board approval, and parental co-purchases, though student purchases and in-unit washer/dryers are prohibited (except in two bedroom apartments). A 3% flip tax paid by buyers applies to all sales. The prime Gramercy location offers proximity to Union Square, Park Avenue South, and the neighborhood's renowned dining and shopping destinations.