Top Prewar Condos

Liberty Lofts at 43 West 64th Street began its life as the Liberty Storage Warehouse in 1891, distinguished by a 37-foot copper Statue of Liberty replica that adorned its roof from 1902 until 2002, when it was relocated to the Brooklyn Museum of Art. In 2003, the Athena Group, led by Louis Dubin, transformed the building into a boutique luxury condominium, adding four floors to the original eight-story structure under the direction of renowned architect Costas Kondylis.

The conversion created 32 luxury residences ranging from 1,600 to 6,151 square feet, featuring loft-style layouts with high ceilings, Brazilian hardwood floors, and private keyed elevator access. The building's original industrial architecture provides exceptional soundproofing, while modern amenities include a full-time doorman, concierge, live-in superintendent, and a private gated porte-cochere for convenient loading and unloading.

Notable initial residents included CBS Early Show host Gretchen Carlson, IMG Baseball division head Casey Close, and the daughters of both Barry Schwartz (former Calvin Klein owner) and Sol Kerzner (Ocean Club and Atlantis resorts owner). The building's prestigious location between Lincoln Center and Central Park has made it particularly attractive to prominent figures.

The building's historical significance is enhanced by its statue's interesting past. Installed by immigrant warehouse owner William H. Flattau, the replica initially featured a circular interior stairway accessible to the public until 1912. The statue, cast in Akron, Ohio, was visible from Lincoln Center's plaza across Broadway until its removal.

Residences feature thoughtfully designed layouts with generous proportions, chef's kitchens often equipped with Viking appliances and Poggenpohl cabinetry, and luxurious finishes throughout. Many units offer impressive views, and some include private outdoor spaces.

The location offers residents immediate access to world-class cultural institutions, with Lincoln Center and Central Park just steps away. The area is rich with fine dining establishments, high-end shopping at nearby Columbus Circle, and excellent transportation options.

The Silk Building stands as one of NoHo's most culturally significant residential landmarks, originally constructed in 1908 as a silk garment factory in the Italian Renaissance palazzo style by Clinton & Russell Architects. The 12 story building was converted to a luxury condominium in the early 1980s, retaining beautiful historic friezes in its lobby that pay homage to its industrial origins. The building gained legendary status when Tower Records occupied its entire ground floor retail space from 1983 until the company's eventual closure, becoming a cultural epicenter during the height of MTV's influence and helping establish this stretch of Broadway as a destination for music lovers worldwide.

The Silk Building has attracted an impressive roster of celebrity residents, most notably in Penthouse 1109, a spectacular quadruplex that was owned successively by Russell Simmons, Keith Richards and Britney Spears. This penthouse featured a 54 foot wide living room, private terraces, and multiple levels spanning floors 10 through 12. Other notable residents have included Cher and fashion designer Charlotte Ronson, cementing the building's reputation as a magnet for entertainment industry figures and cultural tastemakers.

The building's 56 apartments showcase distinctive loft style layouts, with many units configured as duplexes and triplexes featuring soaring 10 to 12 foot ceilings, oversized windows, and wood burning fireplaces. Kitchens typically include premium appliances from Sub-Zero, Wolf, Viking, and Miele, while hardwood floors and open concept designs emphasize the building's industrial heritage. Many units offer both north and south exposures, with some penthouses featuring private terraces and panoramic city views.

Located at 14 East 4th Street, the full service building offers 24 hour doorman service, a live-in superintendent, laundry facilities on every floor, and a landscaped roof deck with sweeping skyline views. The prime NoHo location sits at the crossroads of Greenwich Village, SoHo, Union Square, and the East Village, providing residents with easy access to multiple subway lines, New York University, Washington Square Park, and some of downtown Manhattan's finest dining and shopping destinations.

The Carl Fischer Building at 62 Cooper Square faces Cooper Square, a green plaza and promenade at the confluence of some of Manhattan’s most exciting neighborhoods - NoHo, the Bowery, East Village, Greenwich Village and Union Square. The property consists of three pre-war buildings - a 12-story loft and two four-story buildings next door. The loft holds a shared roof deck with dramatic skyline views, with a private penthouse with a hot tub taking up the roof of one of the smaller buildings.

The Carl Fisher Building offers a 24-hour doorman/concierge, an on-site superintendent, and resident storage. A Life Time Fitness gym is located in the base of the building. Some of the city’s liveliest dining and nightlife abounds on the surrounding blocks; the campus of Cooper Union, one of the country’s most prestigious art and architecture universities, sits next door and across the square; up the block, the Astor Place station of the 6 train puts both Downtown and Midtown within a ten-minute commute.

Grand Madison at 225 Fifth Avenue is a Renaissance Revival landmark building that occupies an entire blockfront between 25th and 26th streets, directly overlooking Madison Square Park. Originally constructed in 1906 as the Brunswick Hotel by architects Francis H. Kimball and Harry E. Donnell, the red-brick building with limestone base later served as elegant showrooms for the gift industry before Elad Properties acquired it for approximately $125 million in 2004 and converted it into 190-192 condominium apartments.

The building's apartments typically feature 10-foot ceilings, Poggenpohl kitchens with Viking and Bosch appliances, wide plank oak hardwood floors, and marble bathrooms, often in Carrara marble. Units range from spacious one-bedrooms to impressive duplex penthouses, with the latter offering multiple terraces up to 252 square feet and views of iconic buildings like the Empire State Building and Flatiron Building. Many apartments showcase the building's showroom heritage with exceptionally long entrance galleries - some stretching up to 33 feet - and expansive living spaces that can accommodate both living and formal dining areas.

Grand Madison provides white-glove service with 24-hour doorman and concierge, a fitness center, landscaped courtyard, and roof deck. The building notably housed the first Derek Jeter-branded gym in 2008, a 28,000-square-foot facility that was part of the 24 Hour Fitness chain. Additional services include in-house dry cleaning, daily housekeeping, and a live-in superintendent, though the building lacks a parking garage.

The location places residents at the heart of the revitalized NoMad district, with Eataly directly across the street and Madison Square Park's original Shake Shack steps away. Notable residents have included news anchor Lester Holt. The building's prime position offers easy access to the dining and cultural attractions of both the Flatiron District and Chelsea, while multiple subway lines provide convenient transportation throughout the city.

The Olcott, located at 27 West 72nd Street, is a distinguished 16-story prewar condominium built in 1925 and designed by architect George Pelham. This elegant limestone and brick building extends through the block to West 73rd Street and sits on the same coveted block as the famous Dakota, just half a block from Central Park and Strawberry Fields. Originally constructed with 227 units that included transient and professional accommodations, the building was converted to condominiums in 2005 by Brack Capital and Stellar Management, creating 162 luxury residences.

The building's prewar grandeur is evident in its restored lobby featuring marble columns and ornate brass elevators with interiors of mahogany, marble, mother-of-pearl and brass. The Olcott has attracted notable residents over the years, including Oscar winner Martin Balsam and eccentric entertainer Tiny Tim, and historically served as temporary housing for Lincoln Center and Broadway performers. The building maintains its artistic heritage while offering modern white-glove service with 24-hour doorman, concierge, and on-site management.

Apartments at The Olcott blend prewar character with contemporary luxury, featuring high beamed ceilings, hardwood floors, and chef's kitchens equipped with Sub-Zero refrigerators, Miele dishwashers, and custom Italian cabinetry. Bathrooms showcase Waterworks fixtures, marble finishes, and radiant floor heating. The building offers diverse layouts from studios to 4-bedroom duplexes with private terraces, many with Central Park views. Residents enjoy a comprehensive amenity package including a fitness center, children's playroom, residents' lounge, cold storage, bicycle storage, and laundry facilities on every floor, making it one of the Upper West Side's most desirable full-service condominiums.

The American Thread Building at 260 West Broadway stands as one of TriBeCa's most distinguished residential conversions, with a fascinating history that spans over a century. Originally constructed in 1894-1896 as the Wool Exchange Building by architect William B. Tubby in Renaissance Revival style, the 11-story structure was designed to help New York overtake Boston as the nation's wool trade center. When that venture failed, the American Thread Company occupied the building from 1901 to 1964, giving the building its enduring name. The building gained additional cultural significance when a Keith Haring mural was discovered in 2007 during renovations—painted by the then 20-year-old artist in 1979 when the space served as an exhibition area.

Converted to 52 condominium apartments by Rose Associates in 1980, the building was among the first luxury loft conversions in TriBeCa and has since housed notable residents including models Gisele Bundchen and Naomi Campbell, and actress Isabella Rossellini. The building's distinctive curved façade overlooks TriBeCa Park, and its placement on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005 underscores its architectural importance. The structure features imposing limestone banding on the first two floors, arched ground-floor windows, and a grand staircase entrance with two-story columns, though it has lost its original cornice over time.

The building's 52 residences showcase the grandeur typical of pre-war loft conversions, with many units featuring soaring ceilings up to 26 feet, oversized arched windows, and original architectural details like cast-iron columns. The apartments range from traditional two-bedrooms to spectacular multi-level penthouses and a remarkable 8,000-square-foot triplex maisonette that includes the Keith Haring mural. Common features throughout units include hardwood floors, working fireplaces, central air conditioning, and chef's kitchens equipped with high-end appliances from brands like Sub-Zero, Miele, and Liebherr. Many apartments are configured as duplexes, taking advantage of the building's generous ceiling heights and loft-like proportions.

Residents enjoy full-service building amenities including a 24-hour doorman, live-in superintendent, rooftop gym, landscaped roof deck with city views, bicycle storage, and basement storage units. The building's prime location at the northern edge of TriBeCa, adjacent to SoHo and near multiple subway lines, provides easy access to the neighborhood's renowned dining and shopping scene. While the building lacks a garage and sidewalk landscaping, its historic character, spacious apartments, and prestigious address continue to make it one of downtown Manhattan's most coveted residential buildings.

Barbizon/63 is a full-service Romanesque-style building listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

It first opened as a residential house for women in 1927 and was subsequently converted into apartments in 2005. Barbizon 63 – formerly known as the Barbizon Hotel for Women – contains 65 residences that range from one-bedroom condominiums to duplex penthouse units, with the latter offering residents more than 5,300 square feet of living space. Apartments feature rosewood floors, crown moldings and French casement windows; some units boast private outdoor space.

Residents have access to a wide array of amenities including a 24-hour doorman and concierge, live-in resident manager, residential lounge and dining room, catering kitchen, library, 20-seat screening room and conference room, not to mention a private residential entrance to Equinox Gym & Spa (with original Barbizon indoor pool) on Lexington Avenue and 63rd Street.

It is situated on a tree-lined townhouse block between Third and Lexington Avenues and is close to Central Park, the many shops and restaurants in the Upper East Side, and the recently remodeled F and Q train station. Liza Minnelli, Joan Crawford and Sylvia Plath are among the famous personalities who have resided at 140 East 63rd Street.

141 Fifth Avenue stands as one of the Flatiron District's most distinguished architectural landmarks, originally constructed in 1897 as the Merchants Bank of New York. This Beaux Arts masterpiece was designed by Robert Maynicke for the southern portion, with Henry Edwards Ficken completing the northern extension in 1900. The building's most striking feature is its distinctive domed cupola and curved corner that follows the street's contours, complemented by white brick façades with elaborate terracotta decoration, banded columns, and circular windows that create a truly iconic presence at the corner of Fifth Avenue and East 21st Street.

In 2009, the top ten floors of the 12 story building were converted into 38 luxury condominiums by SL Green and Savanna Partners, with Cetra/Ruddy handling the residential conversion. The developers meticulously preserved the building's historic character while introducing modern luxury finishes. A particularly notable feature is the triplex cupola apartment, which was highlighted in The New York Times as one of the most recent dome conversions in the city, originally marketed for $12 million and featuring 3,200 square feet plus three terraces totaling 780 square feet of outdoor space.

The residences showcase impressive scale with soaring 10 to 11 foot ceilings and wide plank solid walnut flooring throughout. Kitchens feature a consistent English style design with custom hand painted cabinetry, walnut and marble islands with hand turned balusters, and top tier appliances including Wolf six burner ranges, glass door Sub-Zero refrigerators, and built in Miele coffee systems. Bathrooms are luxuriously appointed with Waterworks fixtures, custom mosaic floors, and many feature freestanding soaking tubs. Several units boast private terraces of 500 square feet or more, while the split bedroom layouts provide optimal privacy.

Building amenities include a 24 hour doorman and live-in superintendent, along with a restored roof deck offering panoramic city views, a fitness center, and basement storage. The location provides exceptional convenience to Madison Square Park, the Ladies Mile Historic District, Union Square, and the vibrant dining and shopping scenes of Flatiron, Chelsea, and Gramercy neighborhoods, with multiple transportation options nearby.

Spring at 225 Lafayette Street was designed by Cass Gilbert, the architect of the legendary Woolworth Building.

Africa Israel Investments converted the 14-story former East River Savings Bank Building into 40 residences and 12,000 square feet of retail space in 2004. A rooftop penthouse with a wrap-around terrace was added in the conversion. Modern residences range in size from one to three bedrooms and offer sleek and sophisticated styling that reflects the neighborhood’s fusion of fashion, design, entertainment and recreation. Apartments have high ceilings, large walk-in closets and state-of-the-art kitchens with topnotch cabinets, appliances and counters. Master baths include Kohler fixtures and deep, two-person soaking tubs.

Residents of Spring have access to such amenities as 24-hour concierge service, a private roof deck and basement storage. 225 Lafayette Street is close to several subway lines as well as the great shops, restaurants and night life in SoHo and NoHo.

With 354 condominium apartments, the Chelsea Mercantile is one of the largest residential conversions in Chelsea. 

Apartments range from studios to four-bedroom lofts and vary in size from 856 to 3,069 square feet. Many units have exposed brick walls with nine-foot beamed ceilings and walk-in closets. Some penthouses have ceilings that rise between 11 and 13 feet as well as fireplaces, skylights and terraces. All apartments have state-of-the-art wiring and gourmet kitchens with stainless-steel appliances, black granite countertops, cherry wood cabinets and built-in garbage disposals. Master bathrooms have limestone walls and floors, deep soaking tubs and separate stall showers.

Amenities at the Chelsea Mercantile include a 24-hour doorman and concierge, valet and maid service, a fitness center with children’s playroom, an expansive planted roof deck with beautiful city and river views, a garage and a Whole Foods Market on the corner.

Located between West 24^th and 25^th Streets, 252 Seventh Avenue is in the heart of Chelsea. There is very good public transportation in the area and it is convenient to the Flatiron District to the east and Greenwich Village to the south.