Top Prewar Condos

Walker Tower, standing 22 stories tall at 212 West 18th Street in Chelsea, represents a masterful blend of historic preservation and modern luxury. The building takes its name from Ralph Walker, the architect who designed the original 1929 telephone switching building that forms its lower floors.

The architectural firm Cetra/Ruddy undertook the building's transformation, carefully preserving and expanding upon the original Art Deco design elements while adapting the structure for contemporary residential use. Their work maintained the building's distinctive Gotham style while elevating it to meet 21st-century standards.

The building offers an extensive suite of amenities including a 24-hour doorman, concierge service, and a fully-equipped fitness center with a dedicated yoga room. Residents also enjoy access to refrigerated storage, a children's playroom, bike storage, and a sauna.

One of Walker Tower's most notable features is its library lounge, complete with a pantry and bar. The building is crowned with a landscaped roof deck that includes a dining area, sun lawn, and covered cabana space, providing residents with exceptional outdoor living options.

The building's Chelsea location places it within easy reach of several New York landmarks and conveniences, including the High Line park, numerous acclaimed restaurants, and vibrant nightlife destinations. Transportation is readily accessible via the 18th Street 1 train.

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.

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.

The Residences at the Ritz Carlton, located at 50 Central Park South, represents an exclusive collection of 11 luxury condominiums occupying the top 12 floors of the 33-story building. Originally opened in 1930 as the St. Moritz Hotel, this Emery Roth-designed building was transformed in 2002 into the current Ritz Carlton property. The residences feature their own private entrance and dedicated staff, while offering residents access to the full suite of Ritz Carlton hotel amenities, including the La Prairie Spa, health club, business center, and in-room dining services.

The building's history is particularly noteworthy, having evolved from its modest beginnings as a "bargain" hotel to one of Manhattan's most prestigious addresses. The conversion by Millennium Partners created some of the city's most impressive residences, including units crafted from the hotel's former ballroom space, featuring soaring 15-foot ceilings and spectacular Central Park views.

The property has attracted notable residents including casino mogul Steve Wynn, who paid $70 million for his apartment, Oracle CEO Larry Ellison, and Sidney Kimmel, founder of Jones New York. Many units feature expansive terraces, beamed ceilings, and panoramic views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline.

Situated at the corner of Central Park South and Sixth Avenue, the building offers an ideal location near Fifth Avenue shopping, Carnegie Hall, and Columbus Circle. The original architecture includes a rusticated stone base, light-brown sandstone tower, and distinctive setbacks, culminating in a red-tile roof topped by a small globe.

The residences range in size and configuration, with some units spanning entire floors and offering over 10,000 square feet of living space. Many apartments feature custom details such as private libraries, multiple terraces, and elaborate dressing rooms. The building's conversion maintained many of its architectural heritage elements while modernizing the interiors to meet contemporary luxury standards.

Residents benefit from both a private entrance with dedicated staff and access to the hotel's world-class amenities, creating a unique hybrid of private home ownership and five-star hotel services. The building maintains its position as one of Central Park South's most prestigious addresses, offering unparalleled views and service in a historically significant structure.

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.

10 Madison Square West is a 22-story luxury condominium conversion of the historic International Toy Center building at 1107 Broadway, originally designed in 1915 by William Van Alen, architect of the Chrysler Building. Developed by the Witkoff Group and Vector Group Ltd and completed in 2015, the building houses 125 residences ranging from one to five bedrooms, with interiors designed by Alan Wanzenberg. The conversion involved demolishing a 40,000-square-foot section to add height to the structure, transforming the former commercial space into one of Manhattan's premier residential addresses. Notable residents include Fredrik Eklund from "Million Dollar Listing."

The building's apartments showcase consistent luxury finishes throughout, including wide-plank white oak floors, beamed ceilings soaring over 11 feet in the tower residences (floors 18-21), and floor-to-ceiling windows offering spectacular views of Madison Square Park. Kitchens feature SieMatic cabinetry with Bianco Carrara marble countertops and top-tier appliances from Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Miele. Bathrooms are appointed with Carrara marble, radiant heated floors, and Dornbracht fixtures. The 22nd-floor penthouse spans 6,500 square feet with 1,700 square feet of private terraces, while many units offer flexible layouts and in-unit washer/dryers.

Residents enjoy an impressive 10,000-square-foot amenity club managed by The Wright Fit, featuring a 60-foot heated lap pool, hot tub, yoga and Pilates studios, spa treatment rooms, and comprehensive fitness facilities with sauna and steam rooms. Additional amenities include a children's playroom, 5,100-square-foot private courtyard garden designed by Signe Nielsen, bike storage, and white-glove service with 24-hour doorman, concierge, and live-in resident manager.

Perfectly positioned directly across from Madison Square Park in the vibrant Flatiron District, the building sits one block from Eataly and within walking distance of numerous Michelin-rated restaurants, shopping along Ladies Mile, and multiple subway lines. The location places residents at the crossroads of NoMad, Flatiron, Chelsea, and Union Square, offering easy access to Manhattan's finest dining, cultural attractions, and transportation options.

The Plaza Hotel and Residences, located at 768 Fifth Avenue and 1 Central Park South, is an iconic blend of luxury hospitality and upscale living. Designed in French Renaissance chateau style by Henry Janeway Hardenbergh in 1907, The Plaza offers an unmatched New York experience, steps from Central Park, Pulitzer Fountain, and renowned landmarks like Carnegie Hall, MoMA, and the Wollman Rink.

The building’s distinctive exterior features a white marble base, turreted corners, and a mansard roof adorned with finials and flagpoles, adding to its Old World charm. The Plaza’s interior includes 282 hotel rooms and 181 private residences, with the latter housed in the building's north and east wings. The residences feature high ceilings, period moldings, walnut-bordered herringbone parquet floors, and kitchens equipped with stone countertops and mosaic marble backsplashes. Many units boast views of Central Park, Fifth Avenue, and the surrounding cityscape, with some offering terraces and unique turreted windows.

Residents enjoy exclusive access to hotel amenities, including the famed Palm Court restaurant, Caudalie Vinotherapie Spa, Warren-Tricomi Salon, and a state-of-the-art La Palestra fitness center. A dedicated staff provides round-the-clock concierge, doorman, butler, and nanny services, along with housekeeping, turn-down service, and limousine arrangements. Additionally, residents have access to a private European-style garden with cascading water features, a rooftop deck, and pet-friendly policies.

Situated on the doorstep of Central Park, The Plaza is encircled by premier shopping and dining options and is conveniently close to several subway lines, making it easily accessible from all parts of Manhattan. The lively surroundings of the Meatpacking District, Lincoln Center, and high-end boutiques along Fifth Avenue cater to a cosmopolitan lifestyle.

Throughout its history, The Plaza has hosted distinguished guests and memorable events, such as Truman Capote's Black-and-White Ball. Celebrities and public figures have frequented the Oak Bar, a setting famously depicted in "North by Northwest." The building was partially converted to condominiums in 2008 under El Ad Properties, preserving its landmarked exterior and spectacular interiors. Managed by Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, the hotel offers a mix of private residences, transient hotel rooms, and 152 "hotel-condos" that generate income for owners through a revenue-sharing program.

The Plaza has long been celebrated in popular culture, from Neil Simon's “Plaza Suite” to films like "Scent of a Woman" and "Home Alone 2." Its Persian Room nightclub attracted icons like Peggy Lee and Liza Minnelli, and its storied ambiance continues to define New York glamour.

40 East 66th Street is a distinguished pre-war condominium designed by renowned architect Rosario Candela in 1929 and converted from rental units in 2008 by Vornado Realty Trust. The 13-story red-brick building, featuring a limestone base and decorative architectural details, houses 33 luxury residences in one of Manhattan's most coveted locations, just one block from Central Park.

The residences are characterized by generous proportions and classic Candela layouts, featuring wood-burning fireplaces, high-end appliances from Viking, SubZero, and Miele, and thoughtfully designed living spaces. Many units offer unique architectural elements typical of Candela's sophisticated design approach, including well-proportioned rooms and elegant flow between public and private spaces.

This white-glove building offers comprehensive amenities including 24-hour doorman and concierge service, a fitness room, children's playroom, bike room, central laundry, and private storage. Its prime Upper East Side location provides immediate access to Madison Avenue's luxury boutiques, fine dining establishments, art galleries, and cultural attractions, embodying the essence of sophisticated Manhattan living.

The Westbury stands as a distinguished prewar condominium at 15 East 69th Street, occupying a prime corner location on Madison Avenue just one block from Central Park. Originally constructed in 1927 as the Westbury Hotel and operated by Trust House Forte, this 18-story red brick building with limestone base was thoughtfully converted to just 47 luxury condominiums in 1999, maintaining only four residences per floor to ensure exclusivity and privacy.

The building's conversion preserved its hotel-caliber service standards, offering residents 24-hour concierge and doorman services, along with amenities including a fitness center, wine cellar with individual storage units, bicycle room, and optional maid service. The double-height lobby retains the elegance of its hotel origins, while the ground-floor retail spaces have housed prestigious tenants including Sulka, Alfred Dunhill, and Gucci, reflecting the building's position along one of Manhattan's most exclusive shopping corridors.

Residences at The Westbury typically feature elaborate entrance galleries, wood-burning fireplaces, and custom millwork that showcase classic prewar craftsmanship. Apartments range from approximately 1,600 to over 3,000 square feet, with many offering coffered ceilings, marble bathrooms, and custom closet systems. The crown jewel is a duplex penthouse with over 2,000 square feet of terraces providing panoramic city and skyline views. The building's location provides immediate access to Central Park, the Frick Collection, Madison Avenue's luxury boutiques, and some of the city's finest restaurants, while welcoming both pets and pied-à-terre ownership.