The Gramercy House,
235 East 22nd Street

Overview of The Gramercy House at 235 East 22nd Street

The Gramercy House at 235 East 22nd Street is a distinguished 17 story Art Deco cooperative designed by renowned architects George and Edward Blum and completed in 1931. This 335 unit building stands as one of the largest prewar apartment houses in the Gramercy Park area and was converted to a co-op in 1984. Located on the northwest corner of Second Avenue, the building offers residents proximity to Gramercy Park while maintaining easy access to Union Square, the Flatiron District, and multiple transportation options.

The building's most striking feature is its vibrant terra cotta ornamentation that architectural historians have dubbed "Pueblo Deco" for its southwestern color palette of turquoise, green, ochre, and navy. The façade showcases pointy zigzag patterns resembling mountain ranges above gentle wave motifs, culminating in a dramatic two story entrance with three stylized terra cotta waterfalls. The brown brick base features dark green pilasters and strong blue bricks arranged in diagonal wave patterns, while the upper floors are clad in light colored brick with decorative bandcourses above the 8th, 11th, and 13th floors.

Gramercy House operates as a full service white glove building with 24 hour doorman and concierge service, complemented by a live in superintendent. The building's crown jewel is its 5,000 square foot sculptured garden exclusively for residents, featuring mature plantings and Art Deco cast iron fencing. Additional amenities include a fully planted and furnished roof deck with panoramic Midtown views, bicycle storage, central laundry facilities, and individual storage units. The building welcomes pets and includes electricity, heating, and air conditioning in monthly maintenance charges.

Apartments throughout the building feature wood burning fireplaces, hardwood floors, and beamed ceilings as standard prewar details. Units range from studios to spacious two bedrooms, with many offering private terraces, multiple exposures, and generous closet space. Notable layouts include apartment 15D/E with its 36 foot long terrace flanked by angled terraces, and various units with windowed kitchens, formal dining areas, and home office spaces. The building's three unequal wings create varied apartment configurations, with some units offering garden views and others showcasing city skyline vistas including views of the Chrysler Building and Freedom Tower.

The cooperative maintains strict board policies that reflect its exclusivity: up to 60% financing is permitted, and guarantors and gifting are considered on a case by case basis. However, the board does not allow parents buying for children, co-purchasing arrangements, subletting, or pied-à-terre purchases except in cases of hardship. The building's prime Gramercy location places residents within walking distance of fine dining, shopping, cultural attractions, and the East River Esplanade, while maintaining the quiet, tree lined character that defines this coveted neighborhood.