Top Prewar Condos

The Ansonia, designed by noted architect Paul Duboy, opened in 1904 as a luxury hotel stretching along Broadway between 73th and 74th streets. By the 1970s it was converted into rental apartments (and in 1990, converted into condos) and it is now a designated Landmark on the Upper West Side. It has long been a favorite destination of celebrities.

Most of the 430 apartments retain such original architectural details as glass and mirrored doors with transoms, intricate herringbone hardwood floors and delicate paneling. Still, all units have been fully modernized with new kitchens, renovated bathrooms and sizeable closets.

The Ansonia's staff members include a 24-hour doorman, porters, concierge, and live-in superintendent. Amenities include a garage with 24-hour elevator access, secured storage bins for rent, and a stunning landscaped roof deck. It is in a prime Upper West Side location near Central Park, Riverside Park, the American Museum of Natural History, the Children's Museum of Manhattan, fine dining, and public transportation.

The Heywood at 263 Ninth Avenue is a 10-story Beaux Arts building constructed in 1913 as a printing house and converted to residential use in 2005-2006 by H.J. Development Corporation. The building's robust construction features four feet of concrete between floors, and its exterior is distinguished by large multipane windows and a prominent cornice.

The conversion created 50 residential units, including four ground-floor duplexes and four duplex penthouses. Residences feature 12-13 foot ceilings, four-inch white oak flooring, and large windows. Kitchens include Sub-Zero refrigerators and limestone countertops, while bathrooms feature marble finishes and soaking tubs. Unit sizes range from 1,200 to 3,150 square feet.

The full-service building offers 24-hour doorman service, a common roof deck, and basement storage. Located at the corner of 26th Street in Chelsea, The Heywood provides convenient access to the High Line, Chelsea's art galleries, Hudson Yards, and various dining and shopping destinations.

The Spears Building at 525 West 22nd Street was constructed in 1880 as a factory and converted to a boutique condominium in 1996. Building staff and amenities include a part-time doorman, furnished roof deck offering river views, and storage units available for rent. It is in a prime West Chelsea location near the High Line, top restaurants, and world-famous galleries.

The Sweeney Building at 30 Main Street in DUMBO, Brooklyn, is a historic 12-story Neo-Classical Industrial style building constructed in 1916 by the W.H. Sweeney Manufacturing Company, makers of metal kitchenware. Originally designed by Moyer Engineering and Construction Company, the building features an austere concrete façade with distinctive architectural elements including large window openings, rusticated piers, and a projecting cornice. The structure was converted to an 87-unit luxury condominium in 2003 by architect John Fifeld of Fifeld Piaker Elman Architects.

The building's industrial heritage is preserved in its 11-foot ceilings, oversized windows, and robust concrete construction. Notable features include segmental-arch and round-arch windows, and some penthouses feature private rooftop cabanas. The conversion maintained the building's architectural integrity while introducing modern amenities including a 24-hour doorman, live-in superintendent, gym, bike room, storage facilities, and a roof deck.

Situated in a prime DUMBO location, the building offers spectacular views of the Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, East River, and Manhattan skyline. Its position provides easy access to Brooklyn Bridge Park, Jane's Carousel, Empire Stores, and St. Ann's Warehouse. Transportation options are abundant, with multiple subway lines (A/C, F, 2/3, R, and 4/5) and the DUMBO/Brooklyn Bridge Park ferry stop nearby.

Located in the heart of Chelsea, the conversion of the landmarked Cammeyer at 650 Sixth Avenue, which was once the world's largest shoe store, was completed in 2008. It contains 67 apartments.

There are approximately thirteen units on each floor, with three terraced penthouses on the seventh floor. Studios, one-, two- or three-bedroom units emphasize open space. Residences have ceilings that are 10 feet and higher, oversized, energy efficient windows and generous layouts. White is the prominent color in these units, from white fixtures in bathrooms to white wood flooring and white, modern appliances in kitchens.

650 Sixth Avenue amenities include a 24-hour concierge and doorman, an on-site wine cellar and a private gym with state-of-the-art equipment. Apartments also have additional storage space on the same floor. The seventh floor has a common 3,600-square-foot roof deck with stunning open city views and all services are provided by “Quintessentially Concierge Service,” a worldwide company that specializes in providing luxury amenities.

Located on the southwest corner of 20^th Street and Sixth Avenue, 650 Sixth Avenue is in the heart of the Ladies Mile Historic District. It is also a short distance from Madison Square Park, popular retail and dining in the Flatiron District and NoMad, Chelsea nightlife, and the Union Square transportation hub.

20 Pine Street, known as The Collection, is a historic 35-story building in Manhattan's Financial District that was converted to luxury condominiums in 2007. Originally serving as the Morgan Guaranty Trust Company headquarters, the building was designed by Graham, Anderson, Probst & White with distinctive Egyptian motifs, including 17 sphinx gargoyles adorning its setbacks. The conversion, developed by Leviev Boymelgreen, created 409 residences with interior design by Armani/Casa.

The building features dramatic 10-foot beamed ceilings, with premium finishes and high-end appliances throughout. The top floors (25-35) are designated as Concierge Residences, offering enhanced services including a private elevator and dedicated lounge. The 33-foot-high lobby sets a grand tone for the building's extensive amenity collection.

Residents enjoy access to a comprehensive suite of amenities including a 60-foot lap pool, Turkish Hammam spa, fitness center, golf simulator, library lounge, and a roof deck with reflecting pool. A unique feature is the building's private underground entrance to multiple subway lines.

The Collection occupies a premier location overlooking Chase Manhattan Plaza, surrounded by architectural landmarks including the New York Stock Exchange, Federal Reserve Bank building, and 14 Wall Street. The property's position at the epicenter of the Financial District provides access to the area's rich history, dining, and cultural attractions.

The Cipriani Club Residences at 55 Wall Street occupies one of Lower Manhattan's most significant landmarks, a Greek Revival masterpiece built in 1841 by Isaiah Rogers and later expanded by McKim, Mead & White in 1907. The building's storied history includes serving as home to the New York Stock Exchange, U.S. Custom House, and National City Bank before its 2006 conversion to luxury residences.

The building's magnificent façade features two tiers of massive columns - Ionic on the lower level and Corinthian above - while its interior showcases a spectacular 60-foot-high domed great hall. The property houses 106 furnished condominium apartments, ranging from studios to three-bedroom units, each outfitted in one of three design styles: sleek, classic, or eclectic.

Residents enjoy an exceptional level of service with 24-hour doorman, concierge, and butler assistance, along with comprehensive amenities including a bi-level fitness center, spa, billiards room, library, screening room, and landscaped roof deck. Two Cipriani restaurants operate on-site, with one located in the former bank vault, offering residents preferential access.

The apartments feature tall ceilings, hardwood floors, and unusually broad windows for pre-war buildings, particularly those facing Wall Street through the colonnade. Each unit comes fully furnished down to the linens and kitchenware, designed by Tsao & McKown.

The building's amenities extend to include housekeeping, shopping services, dry cleaning, flower service, and pet care. Residents receive two-year memberships to the Cipriani Club, and the building allows for flexible short-term rentals with a 30-day minimum, making it attractive for pied-à-terre buyers.

Located in the heart of the Financial District, the building offers easy access to luxury retailers, dining options, and transportation. Following the September 11, 2001 attacks, the building served as a relief center for workers and area residents, adding another significant chapter to its rich history.

The property represents a unique blend of historical architecture, modern luxury, and comprehensive service, distinguished by its Cipriani brand association and position as one of the most service-oriented condominium projects in New York City.

21 Astor Place is a city landmark that was converted into apartments in 2003.

It is 11 stories and features 50 residences, half of which have different layouts. Thirty-nine units, including 10 duplexes, have either one or two bedrooms. There are also eight, three-bedroom simplexes, a three-bedroom duplex and a four-bedroom duplex. The top floor is a vast space of 7,278 square feet with a 3,094-square-foot wraparound terrace.

Apartments have a loft-style feel with large living areas, 13-foot-high ceilings and many windows. Interiors include sliding room dividers, closets made of semi-opaque glass and staircases angled out of walls to appear as if they are floating. In keeping with such an aesthetic, toilets are also set in bathroom walls.

Apartments have relatively low monthly common charges, even with such amenities as a 24-hour doorman and a health club. With Astor Place and Cooper Union nearby, it is also located close to public transportation and shops.

The Dietz Lantern Building, located at 429 Greenwich Street in the Tribeca North Historic District, stands as a testament to New York City's industrial heritage. Originally constructed to manufacture lamps for horse-drawn carriages, this historic structure has been thoughtfully converted into a luxury residential building containing 28 condominium units.

The building's location places residents in a neighborhood characterized by well-preserved 19th century architecture, offering easy access to premier restaurants, shopping destinations, and the Hudson Waterfront Park. The area is also served by highly rated schools, making it attractive to families.

Residents benefit from a comprehensive suite of modern amenities, including 24-hour doorman service, an on-site live-in superintendent, and a recently renovated lobby. The building also features practical conveniences such as an on-site parking garage and dedicated bike storage room.

The Dietz Lantern Building represents a successful adaptation of New York's industrial past into contemporary luxury living while maintaining its historic character in one of Manhattan's most sought-after neighborhoods.

213 West 23rd Street is a boutique pre-war condo that was transformed into twelve lofts in 2004, features a newly renovated lobby, part-time doorman and on-site superintendent. The condo permits immediate unlimited sublets, live/work, investors, foreign buyers, pieds-a-terre, co-purchasing, gifting, guarantors and pets.

The building is just blocks from Madison Square Park, Chelsea Piers, and the High Line Park. It is close to nightlife with an array of fine dining options, cozy cafes and world-class shopping with Eataly, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe's just around the corner. It offers easy access to major transportation lines.