Last updated on Apr 3, 2026

215 East 68th Street

This mammoth rental apartment building was erected by the Rudins in 1962 and designed by Emery Roth & Sons. It has 608 apartments and recently underwent a $90 million refurbishment, including a new terracotta facade and added amenities.

Overview of 215 East 68th Street

The building at 215 East 68th Street, also known as 1299-1311 Second Avenue, is a significant residential structure on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Originally constructed in 1962 by the Rudins and designed by Emery Roth & Sons, it underwent a major refurbishment in 2013. This included a new terracotta "rain-screen" façade designed by FXFowle and Forst Consulting and Architecture PLLC, which replaced the original white brick. The building's transformation was recognized with the 2013 Transformation Award from the Friends of the Upper East Side Historic Districts. The building's extensive sidewalk landscaping and the addition of amenities such as a gym and children's playroom were part of the $90 million refurbishment. The building is notable for its historical and political connections. It has been home to several prominent figures, including former Mayor David N. Dinkins, John V. Lindsay, and Hazel Dukes, the New York president of the NAACP. The building's reputation as a residence for public officials is well-documented, with a history of hosting notable New York City politicians and public figures. The apartments in 215 East 68th Street offer a variety of layouts and features. Common attributes include spacious living areas, large windows with abundant natural light, and ample closet space. Some units, like the Junior 4 apartments, can be converted into two bedrooms and feature in-unit washers and dryers. The building provides a full-service living experience with amenities such as a 24-hour doorman, concierge, fitness center, and private landscaped gardens. The presence of Grace's Marketplace, a gourmet food store, adds to the convenience for residents. The building's location in the heart of the Upper East Side offers easy access to transportation, shopping, and dining options. The proximity to the Q and 6 trains, as well as express and crosstown buses, makes it convenient for residents to navigate the city. The neighborhood is known for its exquisite shopping and dining experiences, making it an attractive option for those seeking a vibrant urban lifestyle.

Doorman

Full Time

Type

Rental

Year Built

1962

Apartments

608 (view all units)

Floors

Neighborhood

Lenox Hill (Manhattan)

Maps &
3D Aerial Views

View school info, local attractions, transportation options & more.

Experience amazing 3D aerial maps and fly throughs.

Amenities

FT Doorman
High-Rise
Post War
Full Service Garage
Rooftop Terrace
Elevator
Rooftop Terrace
Porte-Cochère / Driveway
Terraces / Balconies

Area Map StreetView

{ "key" : "AIzaSyDquABdSLhathmwfnoTcYwA1BY6coZZyZk", "lat": 40.76688, "lng": -73.9608, "marker": { "icon": "https://img3.cityrealty.com/neo/i/w/amenities/base.png" } }

at Lexington Ave 0.18 miles

at Lexington Ave and 63rd 0.32 miles

at 3rd Ave and 60th 0.45 miles

Pros & Cons

Very impressive landscaping
Fountain
Consistent fenestration
Garage
Driveway
Very good public transportation
Very good local shopping
Across street from attractive townhouses
Doorman
Handsome and large windowed lobby
Close to Subway

Many apartments
No roof deck
No balconies

CityRealty Rating

/44

Architecture

/36

Location

/39

Features

Editor’s Points

CITYREALTY
RATING

How is the CityRealty Rating calculated?
Architecture

30+ remarkable

20-29 distinguished

11-19 average

< 11 below average
Location

27+ remarkable

18-26 distinguished

9-17 average

< 9 below average
Features

22+ remarkable

16-21 distinguished

9-15 average

< 9 below average
CityRealty’s Ratings Explained

Building Management

Family owned and operated, Rudin Management Company's holdings rank as one of the largest and most prestigious privately owned portfolios in New York City.

More about Rudin Management Company

Pricing Comparison of Similar Buildings

View Detailed Comparison

RLS IDX Data display by CityRealty.com, LLC. This information is not verified for authenticity or accuracy and is not guaranteed and may not reflect all real estate activity in the market. ©2026 The Real Estate Board of New York, Inc., All rights reserved. IDX information is provided exclusively for consumers’ personal, non-commercial use and it may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing.

All information furnished regarding property for sale, rental or financing is from sources deemed reliable, but no warranty or representation is made as to the accuracy thereof and same is submitted subject to errors, omissions, change of price, rental or other conditions, prior sale, lease or financing or withdrawal without notice. All dimensions are approximate. For exact dimensions, you must hire your own architect or engineer and for no listing shall the number of bedrooms listed be considered a legal conclusion.

All closed sales data has been provided by the New York City Department of Finance via the Automated City Register Information System (ACRIS). No warranty or representation is made as to the accuracy of any data provided by ACRIS or any other sources.

CityRealty is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for individuals with disabilities. We are continuously working to improve the accessibility of our web experience for everyone, and we welcome feedback and accommodation requests. If you wish to report an issue or seek an accommodation, please contact us at accessibility@cityrealty.com.

An equal housing opportunity

{"1":[40.775,-73.94,"East Side","_es"],"2":[40.79,-73.99,"West Side","_ws"],"11":[40.76,-73.98,"Midtown","_m"],"3":[40.736,-73.99,"Downtown","_d"],"13":[40.711309,-74.01,"Financial
District\/BPC","_fd"],"4":[40.682676,-73.973007,"Brooklyn","_b"],"12":[40.8444,-73.9376,"Upper Manhattan","_um"],"5":[40.7477089,-73.930411,"LIC \/ Queens","_qns"],"18":[40.8889782,-73.9025,"The Bronx","_bx"]}

Turn Favoritesinto Tours!

215 East 68th Street

Overview of 215 East 68th Street

Maps &3D Aerial Views

Amenities

Pros & Cons

CityRealty Rating

How is the CityRealty Rating calculated?

Building Management

Pricing Comparison of Similar Buildings

Buy & Sell

Rent

Buildings

Insights

Company

Turn Favorites
into Tours!

Maps &
3D Aerial Views