Top Boutique Condos (< 50 Units)

Built in 1926, 988 Fifth Avenue is a 14-story Italian Renaissance-style condominium designed by J. E. R. Carpenter. Located on the southeast corner of 80th Street, the building is distinguished by its detailed façade featuring rectangular quoins, arched window frames on the fifth floor, substantial balconies on the 11th floor, and a decorative balustraded roofline. Converted to a condominium in 1981, it remains one of the few on Fifth Avenue and offers views of Central Park and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Developed by the Lion Brewery of New York, with Hugh A. Murray as president, the building reflects Carpenter's architectural finesse.

The exclusive building contains only 12 full-floor residences, providing a high level of privacy and service. Each unit comes with a designated storage bin, and residents benefit from amenities that include a doorman, sidewalk landscaping, and a pet-friendly policy. The sidestreet entrance further enhances the building's sense of discretion.

Apartments at 988 Fifth Avenue feature spacious layouts and elegant finishes. For example, a ninth-floor unit includes a 13-foot-wide entrance gallery, a 27-foot-wide living room with Central Park views, a library, a dining room, four bedrooms, a large kitchen, and a pantry. Another unit boasts an 11-foot-square circular foyer leading to a living room, library, dining room, media room, gallery, and four bedrooms, all with similar park-facing views.

Notable transactions at 988 Fifth Avenue include a $20 million sale by Barbara and Richard Shiffrin to Amy Abrams in 2011, and a $19.5 million sale by Selig Zises, founder of Integrated Resources, in 2012.

Originally constructed in 1912 as the Hawley & Hoops chocolate factory, 285 Lafayette Street underwent a complex conversion in 1999 that transformed it into one of SoHo's most distinctive luxury condominiums. The ambitious renovation, led by developer Allied Partners, required building a fireproof structure over the existing non-fireproof base—a three-year engineering feat that involved hanging steel beams from tubular grillage spanning up to 70 feet. The 10-story building now houses 31 apartments above 30,000 square feet of retail space occupied by the New York Public Library and Ralph Lauren.

The building's loft-style residences showcase authentic industrial details including original cast iron columns, exposed wooden beams, and soaring ceilings that reach up to 26 feet in the eight penthouses. Apartments range from approximately 2,100 to over 4,000 square feet, featuring Brazilian cherry hardwood floors, chef's kitchens with high-end appliances, wine refrigerators, and luxurious bathrooms with six-foot soaking tubs. Many units boast private terraces, and the penthouses include wood-burning fireplaces. The building's design, crafted by architect Costas Kondylis, seamlessly blends prewar architectural elements with modern luxury finishes.

285 Lafayette Street gained considerable cachet through its celebrity residents, most notably David Bowie and his wife Iman, who purchased one of the penthouses. Other notable residents have included Courtney Love, Studio 54 co-founder Ian Schrager, actor Saul Rubinek, tennis player Patrick McEnroe, and members of the Murdoch and Nederlander families. The building's full-service amenities include 24-hour doorman and concierge service, a professionally landscaped rooftop garden, and two entrances—one on Lafayette Street and a more discreet entrance on Mulberry Street for enhanced privacy.

Strategically positioned just south of the iconic Puck Building at the intersection of SoHo and NoLiTa, the building offers residents immediate access to world-class dining, shopping, and cultural attractions. The 800-square-foot lobby features a striking 10-foot white onyx countertop, setting the tone for the building's sophisticated aesthetic. With its combination of historical significance, architectural distinction, and prime location, 285 Lafayette Street represents one of downtown Manhattan's most coveted residential addresses.

279 Central Park West is a 23-story boutique condominium built in 1988 and designed by acclaimed architect Costas Kondylis. The building stands out as one of the few buildings in New York City to feature curved glass corner windows, which take full advantage of its spectacular Central Park views. Rising from a three-story rusticated limestone base, the building's asymmetrical silhouette was shaped by the city's contextual zoning requirements of the 1980s, creating distinctive setbacks above the traditional 15-story building wall height along Central Park West.

With only 38 apartments, the building offers an exceptionally exclusive living experience, with many units configured as duplexes and several penthouses. The apartments commonly feature bay windows, windowed kitchens with high-end appliances (Sub-Zero, Miele, Wolf), marble bathrooms, custom millwork, and central air conditioning. The crown jewel is a 6,713-square-foot duplex penthouse with 360-degree views and wrap-around terraces spanning two floors. Corner units are particularly coveted for their sweeping Central Park vistas, with some apartments offering views from every room.

The building provides full-service amenities including 24-hour doorman and concierge service, a fitness center, indoor and outdoor children's playrooms, private storage, and bike storage. Located at the corner of 88th Street, residents enjoy prime access to Central Park directly across the street, proximity to the American Museum of Natural History, and convenient transportation via the nearby 86th Street B/C subway station. The building was constructed on the former site of the exclusive Progress Club, a Jewish men's club designed in 1904.

Jazz legend Miles Davis was among the notable residents who called this distinguished address home. Buyers should note that the building requires a 2.5% capital reserve contribution at closing, reflecting the building's commitment to maintaining its high standards and exclusive character.

Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Richard Meier, 165 Charles Street stands as the third and southernmost tower in a celebrated trio of modern residential buildings that transformed the West Village waterfront when it opened in 2005. This 16-story boutique condominium distinguishes itself from its Perry Street siblings by being the only building where Meier designed both the exteriors and interiors, delivering fully finished residences complete with custom details down to the doorknobs. The building houses 30 apartments plus one penthouse, with most floors featuring two river-facing units, and won the AIA 2005 Housing Design Award for its architectural excellence.

The building has attracted an impressive roster of high-profile residents, including Calvin Klein, Natalie Portman, Martha Stewart, Princess Khaliya Aga Khan, and the Winklevoss Twins, along with gallery owner Barbara Gladstone and fashion designer Norma Kamali. Apartments feature 11-foot ceilings, floor-to-ceiling triple-paned windows, and wide-plank Wenge wood floors, with river-facing units offering private balconies and unobstructed Hudson River views. The residences are organized around island kitchen units that allow living spaces to flow seamlessly, while select floors feature unique layouts including double-height living rooms and convertible spaces.

Residents enjoy white-glove amenities including 24-hour concierge service, a 50-foot infinity-edge pool with cascading waterfall in a double-height atrium, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a 36-seat screening room with custom Meier-designed leather seating. Each apartment comes with a private wine cellar capable of storing 360 bottles, while the building's prime West Village location provides direct access to Hudson River Park and proximity to the neighborhood's renowned dining and shopping. The building's position offers the best southern views of Lower Manhattan among the three Meier towers, making it a coveted address that sold out in record time upon completion.

304 Spring Street is an 11-story residential condominium located in the Hudson Square neighborhood of Lower Manhattan, completed in 2008. Designed by Zakrzweski & Hyde Architects, the building features a modern dark gray-brick and glass façade, with a unique design that includes two setbacks and wide beige panels. The structure is free-standing, allowing for a private courtyard and ample natural light. The building houses 13 one- and two-bedroom apartments, many of which include home offices, and offers floor-to-ceiling windows with stainless steel trim and walnut wood shutters, providing distinctive views of the city and the Hudson River. Apartments in 304 Spring Street are characterized by high ceilings ranging from 9 to 10 feet, wide-plank walnut flooring, and state-of-the-art kitchens equipped with Viking and Bosch appliances. Notable features include private key-locked elevator access, an attended lobby, and luxurious bathrooms with Kohler fixtures. The building's amenities also include a part-time doorman and video-intercom security, enhancing the living experience in this boutique condominium. The neighborhood is well-connected, situated near the Hudson River, Holland Tunnel, and vibrant areas like SoHo and TriBeCa. Residents enjoy proximity to various dining options, parks, and cultural attractions. The building has been involved in local community issues, notably opposing a proposed Department of Sanitation garage nearby, reflecting the active engagement of its residents in neighborhood matters. 304 Spring Street has attracted notable residents, including a professional basketball player who once had a penthouse listed at $6.75 million. The building's unique design and prime location make it a standout choice for those seeking a modern living space in one of New York City's most dynamic neighborhoods.

Completed in 2000, 515 Park Avenue stands as one of the tallest residential buildings on Park Avenue above 59th Street, rising 43 stories with only 30 apartments. Developed by the Zeckendorf General Partnership and designed by Frank Williams & Associates, this limestone and beige-brick tower replaced a pre-war Italian Renaissance palazzo, though its post-modern interpretation drew sharp criticism from architectural critics. Robert A.M. Stern described its silhouette as "awkward," while Paul Goldberger called it "particularly ungainly" with a "pretentious muddle" façade, despite its commercial success during the late 1990s luxury boom.

The building has attracted notable residents including theater impresario James L. Nederlander, luxury magnate François Pinault (owner of Christie's), music executive L.A. Reid, and Vivendi Universal chairman Jean-Marie Messier. Apartments showcase grand prewar-inspired proportions with 10 to 11.5-foot ceilings, herringbone hardwood and parquet de Versailles floors, and floor-to-ceiling windows offering Central Park and city views. Many units feature chef's kitchens with high-end Thermador, SubZero, and Miele appliances, marble and onyx bathrooms, and multiple bedrooms with en-suite baths. Twelve of the 38 apartments are duplexes, including spectacular 5,000-square-foot penthouses on floors 36-37 designed by renowned decorator Juan Pablo Molyneux, complete with private interior elevators and sweeping onyx staircases.

The building offers white-glove service with Chef Daniel Boulud as exclusive caterer, along with 15 private climate-controlled wine cellars, 38 storage rooms, and individual staff suites on the second floor for residents' use. Additional amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center, private dining room with full catering kitchen, concierge and valet services, and 24-hour security. Located at the corner of Park Avenue and 60th Street, the building provides easy access to Central Park, Madison Avenue shopping, and Midtown's business district while maintaining the quieter residential character of the Upper East Side.

The Astor Place at 445 Lafayette Street is a 21-story residential tower completed in 2004, distinguished by its undulating glass façade and curved architectural design. The building contains 39 residences ranging from 1,449 to 4,156 square feet, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and contemporary finishes. Designed by Gwathmey Siegel & Associates, the building stands as a notable architectural landmark at the intersection of Lafayette Street, Astor Place, and Fourth Avenue.

The project's development history included earlier unrealized designs by renowned architects Rem Koolhaus and Frank Gehry before Related Companies commissioned Gwathmey Siegel for the final design. The building sits on land owned by Cooper Union, which created a 99-year lease arrangement for the development.

Residences feature high-end finishes including cherry wood cabinets, granite countertops, and premium appliances from Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Miele. Building amenities include 24-hour doorman and concierge service, a fitness center, private storage, and direct access to a parking garage. Located at the crossroads of NoHo, the East Village, Greenwich Village, and the Bowery, the building sits in one of Manhattan's most vibrant neighborhoods with excellent access to transportation, dining, and cultural attractions.

1049 Fifth Avenue merges an opulent pre-war style with state-of-the art finishes and technology.

It recently underwent an interior gut renovation that included substantial soundproofing between floors and apartments. With only 54 condominium residences on 23 floors, there are no more than three units per floor, with one floor designated for smaller staff apartments.

Residences are sprawling, averaging over 2,000 square feet. There are libraries with raised panel walls, coffered ceilings, Chicago windows with hand-operated panels, solid core raised panel doors, crown moldings and hand-laid rosewood herringbone patterned floors with ebony borders. Marble bathrooms have cherry wood raised panel cabinetry, double sink vanities and deep soaking tubs. Eat-in kitchens have top-of-the-line appliances, white marble and polished gray granite floors, full-size washers and dryers and butler’s pantries with warming ovens. Many residences have multiple terraces offering some of the best views in Manhattan of Central Park and the city.

It has a full-time doorman and concierge, private storage, attended elevators, a bicycle room and refrigerator storage for deliveries.

Designed by Asymptote Architects, 166 Perry Street is an eight-story, 24-unit condominium distinguished by its sculptural glass façade and innovative design. Developed by Charles Blaichman, Richard Born, Ira Druckier, and Bella Sekons, this striking mid-block residence offers a contemporary contrast to the nearby Richard Meier towers while seamlessly integrating with the historic charm of the West Village.

Completed in 2008, the building’s rippling glass façade, cascading windows, and dramatic entrance—featuring a perforated metal scrim and mechanized blue-glass doors—make it one of the city's most visually compelling small residential buildings.

All residences are corner units, maximizing light and views, while a setback at the sixth floor and a distinctive glass cornice enhance the building’s sculptural presence. Inside, the lobby is designed as a futuristic capsule with white lacquered walls, silver-leather seating, and polished concrete floors with brushed-aluminum insets.

Amenities include a 24-hour doorman and concierge, a private fitness center, storage facilities, and exclusive room service and pantry stocking by Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Perry Street restaurant. Residents also enjoy a rooftop terrace with panoramic Midtown and Downtown skyline views. Ideally situated near Hudson River Park, the Whitney Museum, and premier West Village and Meatpacking District dining and nightlife, 166 Perry Street offers a rare blend of avant-garde design and luxury living in one of Manhattan’s most sought-after neighborhoods.

140 Franklin Street is one of central Tribeca's most distinguished residential conversions, housed within a Romanesque Revival masterpiece designed by Albert Wagner in 1887. Wagner, who also created the iconic Puck Building, originally designed this cream-colored brick structure for wrapping paper magnate D.S. Walton & Co. The building's façade features balustraded rooflines, large arched windows on the fifth floor, strong rustication on the ground level, and a particularly notable protruding corner element on the top floor that showcases Wagner's architectural prowess.

Converted into a 14 unit boutique condominium by Sanba International Inc. under architect Aldo Andreoli, the building maintains its historic grandeur while offering modern luxury amenities. Residents enjoy 24 hour doorman service, a full time superintendent, and a lobby featuring an original mural by renowned conceptual artist Sol LeWitt, making it one of the few residential buildings downtown to showcase work by this celebrated American artist. The building also includes a water filtration system and comprehensive security features.

The residences within 140 Franklin Street are characterized by their exceptional scale and authentic loft features. Most apartments boast soaring ceilings ranging from 11 to 14+ feet, original cast iron columns from the 1887 construction, wide plank hardwood floors (typically Brazilian wood or oak), and dramatic skylights that flood the spaces with natural light. Wood burning fireplaces serve as focal points in the grand living areas, while oversized windows, many reaching 10+ feet in height, frame views of Tribeca's historic streetscape.

The building houses several spectacular penthouses, including multiple duplex units with private landscaped terraces exceeding 2,200 square feet. These outdoor spaces feature custom sound systems, outdoor kitchens, and panoramic views of downtown landmarks including the One World Trade Center, Woolworth Building, and 56 Leonard Street. One particularly notable residence spans 6,300 square feet with a 100 foot long great room, while another penthouse designed by renowned architect Winka Dubbeldam offers over 5,000 square feet of interior space.

Kitchens throughout the building reflect chef caliber standards, typically featuring Sub-Zero refrigeration, Wolf ranges, and Gaggenau appliances. Many units include butler's pantries, wet bars with temperature controlled wine storage, and custom millwork by high end firms like Poliform. Bathrooms showcase luxury finishes including Bisazza glass mosaic tiles, Dorn Bracht fixtures, steam showers, and soaking tubs, while many residences feature Swiss engineered radiant heating systems and Lutron lighting controls.

Located on a cobblestone street in the heart of Tribeca's historic district, 140 Franklin Street offers proximity to the neighborhood's renowned dining scene and cultural attractions, with convenient subway access at the corner. The building's prestigious resident roster has included Mickey Drexler, former CEO of J. Crew.