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531 East 72nd Street
Last updated on Apr 3, 2026

The Black & Whites,
531 East 72nd Street

Four nearly identical five-story buildings with 61 apartments on a dead-end street overlooking the East River. The buildings feature black-painted brick, sidewalk landscaping, fire escapes, and bright red entrance doors with white trim.

531 East 72nd Street Location Map
Unit #
Beds
Baths
Size
Closing Price
Price / Ft2
Asking Price
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Overview of The Black & Whites at 531 East 72nd Street

The Black & White buildings, located at 527, 531, 535, and 541 East 72nd Street, comprise four nearly identical five-story walk-up structures that overlook the East River. These charming pre-war buildings feature distinctive black-painted brick exteriors with bright red doors and are set on a quiet cul-de-sac, providing a serene living environment. The buildings are well-maintained and include amenities such as a live-in super, bike room, and laundry facilities. Residents enjoy proximity to local parks, hospitals, and convenient transportation options, including cross-town buses and the upcoming Q train station.

Each apartment within the Black & White buildings showcases unique characteristics, with many featuring original hardwood floors, oversized windows, and spacious layouts. Common attributes include windowed kitchens equipped with modern appliances, ample storage, and high ceilings. Notable residences include a three-bedroom unit with a wood-burning fireplace and a ground-level apartment that resembles a private townhouse, offering flexible living spaces and original architectural details.

The buildings have attracted a variety of notable residents, including a famous author and publisher, adding to their cultural significance. The community is pet-friendly, allowing for a welcoming atmosphere for all residents. With a blend of historic charm and modern conveniences, the Black & White buildings present a unique opportunity for those seeking a distinctive home in the Upper East Side.

Amenities

  • Pre War
  • Walk Up
  • Resident Storage
  • Laundry Room
  • Bike Room
  • Live-In Superintendent
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Pros & Cons

  • Elegant location overlooking the East River
  • Good cross-town bus service a block away at York Avenue
  • Many major hospitals nearby
  • Sidewalk landscaping
  • Cheery red entrance doors with white trim
  • Surrounded by several luxury apartment towers
  • Dead-end street
  • Fire escapes
  • No garage
  • No health club

CityRealty Rating

16
/44
Architecture
+
25
/36
Location
+
8
/39
Features
=
49
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

Sales History

Price/Room (Est)

Why are we displaying the estimated price per room?

For some co-ops, instead of price per square foot, we use an estimate of the number of rooms for each sold apartment to chart price changes over time. This is because many co-op listings do not include square footage information, and this makes it challenging to calculate accurate square-foot averages.

By displaying the price per estimated room count, we are able to provide a more reliable and consistent metric for comparing sales in the building. While we hope that this gives you a clearer sense of price trends in the building, all data should be independently verified. All data provided are only estimates and should not be used to make any purchase or sale decision.

Price/Ft2 (Est)
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Sales Summary

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Sales History by Apartment Size

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Pricing Comparison of Similar Buildings

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