To look at the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building in the Manhattan skyline today, it’s hard to imagine a time when Art Deco design was not a part of New York City. However, it has only been around for about 100 years – the style was introduced to the world at the 1925 International Exposition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts in Paris (the name comes from the French translation of the event). The exposition was attended by the likes of Irwin Chanin, the designer of The Century and The Majestic on Central Park West. Ralph Walker, “architect of the century,” did not attend, but studied the art form closely and incorporated Art Deco elements into many of his commercial designs, several of which have now been converted to in-demand condominiums.
Certain elements of Art Deco architecture were embraced in the wake of the 1916 Zoning Resolution, which was established to stop massive buildings from cutting off light and air to the streets below. Some architects got around it with creative stepping and setbacks, which resulted in distinctive shapes and eye-catching crowns. Other Art Deco hallmarks include rounded edges, zigzags, chevrons, rich color palettes, luxury materials, and exotic motifs inspired by Asian, African, and Egyptian architecture.
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Art Deco towers, commercial and residential alike, were celebrated as something new and exciting when they first went up. Today, many Art Deco buildings fall under the protection of the Landmarks Preservation Commission, either as individual landmarks or by virtue of their address in historic districts, but today’s architects continue to incorporate Art Deco influences into their work. This has proven a smart move, as Art Deco buildings remain popular among luxury buyers. The Eldorado, one of the old guard Art Deco apartment buildings lining Central Park West, saw a flurry of high-profile sales in fall 2023. Further south, 220 Central Park South drew on Art Deco influences rather than try to outdo its glassy neighbors on Billionaires' Row; the result has commanded the highest-priced real estate in the United States. Below, we look at iconic Art Deco designs and new developments alike.
435 East 52nd Street
Design by Bottomley, Wagner & White
26 stories | 79 units
Eight 3- to 6-bedrooms from $3.7M - $10.95M
River House via CityRealty
From its eagle-flanked driveway entrance to its gracefully curved pinnacle, River House combines Art Deco and Beaux Arts motifs to excellent effect to create one of the finest cooperatives in the city, if not the world. Those who can get past the infamous cooperative board have access to a helpful and discreet staff, expansive apartments, and the health club and dining at the River Club.
River House, #11A (Compass)
Design by Ralph Walker
50 stories | 566 units
8 studio to 2-beds from $1.15M - $3.21M
One Wall Street via DBOX for Macklowe Properties
At the time One Wall Street was originally constructed as headquarters for Irving Trust Company, it was the tenth-tallest building in the world. It has since been outstripped in terms of height, but its undulating limestone facade and Art Deco style were instrumental in its designation as a New York City Landmark in 2001. It is in the midst of a conversion to luxury condos with a 176,000-square-foot amenity suite, but its historic elements have not been scrapped: The White Room, a hall of mother-of-pearl seashells, will be incorporated into the penthouse in the pinnacle of the building, and mosaic-clad Red Room in the base of the building will be incorporated into the first United States outpost of Parisian department store Printemps.
One Wall Street, #830 (Compass)
303 Park Avenue
Design by Schutze & Weaver
52 stories | 375 units
17 studio to 4-beds from $1.8M - $19M
The Towers of the Waldorf Astoria via Noe & Associates with The Boundary
"There are grand hotels, and then there's The Waldorf." So says architecture critic Carter Horsley of the iconic Art Deco skyscraper on Park Avenue. The building has undergone a partial conversion to include luxury condominiums as well as hotel rooms, but the landmarked facade and interiors like the Grand Ballroom, West Lounge, and Park Avenue lobby have been beautifully restored to their former glory.
The Towers of the Waldorf Astoria, #3001
$2,850,000
Midtown East | Condominium | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 814 ft2
The Towers of the Waldorf Astoria, #3001 (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)
Design by Clinton & Russell, Holton & George
66 stories | 644 units
33 studio to 2-beds from $3,870/month - $6,932/month
All images of 70 Pine Street via Rose Associates
When the 952-foot-tall 70 Pine Street rose in 1932, the tower yielded only to the Empire State and the Chrysler buildings in terms of both height and Art Deco elegance. Decades later, this New York City Landmark has been thoughtfully reimagined into a luxurious rental with 22,000 square feet of amenities, a hotel outpost, and convenient retailers like City Acres Market, Blue Park Kitchen, and Black Fox Coffee.
70 Pine Street, #2603 (Rose Associates)
100 Barclay Street
Design by Ralph Walker
32 stories | 158 units
9 3- to 4-beds from $3.3M - $7.6M
Located at the junction of Tribeca, the Financial District, and Battery Park City, One Hundred Barclay Tribeca is one of New York's first Art Deco skyscrapers. The building was originally constructed as the headquarters for the New York Telephone Company, and the original lobby and murals have been beautifully preserved. However, amenities like a fitness center, lap pool, sauna and steam room, business center, club lounge, wine room, media room, game room, children's playroom, and music room were added for the benefit of residents.
All images of 100 Barclay Tribeca via DXA Studio
One Hundred Barclay Tribeca, #17D (Corcoran Group)
300 Central Park West
Design by Emery Roth
30 stories | 208 units
Two 3-beds from $6.7M - $7.15M
The Eldorado via The Corcoran Group
The Eldorado is one of Manhattan's finest Art Deco buildings and a New York City Landmark. Designed by prominent architect Emery Roth, it looks over the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir and beautifully exemplifies the gradual transition from classical opulence to avant-garde modernism. The building allows pets and washer/dryers, and amenities include a state-of-the-art gym, children's playroom, and on-site garage.
The Eldorado, #16B (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)
320 Central Park West
Design by Emery Roth
22 stories | 201 units
No Availabilities
The Ardsley via CityRealty
A few doors up from The Eldorado (see above), The Ardsley is another Emery Roth design designated a New York City Landmark. Its Mayan temple-esque facade looms over Central Park, and its multiple setbacks and bold geometric patterns nod to Art Deco elements. The white-glove building's staff includes doorman, concierge, on-site resident manager, and full-time porter. Residents have access to amenities like a fitness center, children's playroom, two bike rooms, multiple storage rooms, and a lending library.
115 Central Park West
Design by Irwin Chanin
30 stories | 234 units
Three 3- to 4-beds from $6.5M - $10.5M
The Majestic's original design that was downsized due to the Great Depression. R: Photo of The Majestic from The Lake in Central Park (BHS)
The Majestic is a more understated example of Art Deco design, but no less beautiful for it. Steps from Central Park, it is distinguished by its boldly ribbed pinnacles. Residential amenities include an elegant lobby, rooftop solarium, fitness center, and children's playroom.
The Majestic, #2E (Serhant LLC)
25 Central Park West
Design by Irwin Chanin
32 stories | 410 units
4 1- to 3-beds from $1.65M - $4.65M
The Century via CityRealty
Between its twin-towered design, beige brick facade, and beautiful bay windows, The Century is a true Art Deco gem located right between Columbus Circle and Lincoln Center. The building has a full-time door staff, elevator attendants, and concierge service as well as a landscaped garden, laundry service, and on-site storage.
The Century, #20R (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)
35 East 76th Street
Design by Bien & Prince
38 stories | 187 units
Six studio to 3-beds from $798K - $3.5M
The Carlyle
Home of the storied Bemelman's Bar, The Carlyle is a New York City Landmark and one of the most prominent prewar towers on the Upper East Side. It combines a world-famous luxury hotel with cooperative units on the upper levels. Residents enjoy access to the hotel's amenities and services, which include a twice-daily maid service, laundry service, valet service, in-home catering, elevator operators, doorman and concierge service, fitness center, business center, and garage.
The Carlyle, #200915 (Sothebys International Realty)
Design by Harvey Wiley Corbett
27 stories | 184 units
6 1- to 4-beds from $4.95M - $7.5M
1 Fifth Avenue via Ondel
Down the block from Washington Square Park, 1 Fifth Avenue is the tallest building in Greenwich Village. Its light hue, chamfered corners, angled windows, and telescoping setbacks were instrumental in its designation as a New York City Landmark and on the National Register of Historic Places. Amenities and staff include 24-hour doorman/concierge, live-in superintendent, laundry room, and bike room.
1 Fifth Avenue, #16D (Christie's International Real Estate Group LLC)
Design by Schwartz & Gross
19 stories | 109 units
No Availabilities
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55 Central Park West via CORE
Between its pointed pilasters, towering height, and two-toned brick, it is little wonder that the dramatic Art Deco building at 55 Central Park West has appeared in both the National Register of Historic Places and Ghostbusters. Amenities include a superintendent, full-time door staff, landscaped and furnished roof terrace, bike room, refurbished playroom, laundry facility, and individual storage.
Design by Cross & Cross
57 stories | 736 units
Studio 2-beds from $3,290/month
Soaring in the heart of the Financial District’s Twenty Exchange Place has been a downtown icon and skyline fixture its construction in 1931, and its crown now exudes bright white illumination to further solidify the landmark's spot on the world's most famous skyline..
Originally erected to house the City Bank Farmer's Trust (now Citigroup), the 54-story tower was converted in 2004 to include luxury rental apartments across its upper half, with office and retail space below.
310 Riverside Drive
Design by Helme, Corbett & Harrison and Sugarman & Berger
24 stories | 316 units
No Availabilities
Master via Citi-Habitats
Located near Riverside Park and Columbia University, Master was designed at the behest of artist and mystic Nicholas Roerich, who claimed to follow the voice of a "master" in his spiritual quest. The result is a magnificent Art Deco tower that has been designated a New York City Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Staff and amenities include a 24-hour doorman, live-in superintendent, stunning Art Deco lobby, four elevators, newly renovated laundry facility, remodeled hallways, bicycle room, and private storage lockers.
212 West 18th Street
Design by Ralph Walker
22 stories | 47 units
2 3-beds from $8.95M - $16M
(CityRealty)
In 1929, Ralph Walker constructed this Chelsea building as a telephone switchboard building that was easily distinguished by its robust grills, mullions, and setbacks. In 2012, CetraRuddy expanded the building as part of the conversion to a luxury condominium while treating the original design with utmost deference. Amenities and staff include a full-time doorman, concierge service, library lounge, fitness center with yoga room, sauna, children's playroom, and a landscaped common roof deck with a dining area, sun lawn, and covered cabana room.
All images of Walker Tower via Compass
Walker Tower, #17A (Compass)
425 West 50th Street
Design by Ralph Walker
17 stories | 51 units
1 studio for $950K
Stella Tower via CityRealty
Originally designed in 1927 by Ralph Walker for the New York Telephone Company, Stella Tower is a 17-story prewar building featuring handcrafted brick masonry, dramatic setbacks, and quintessential Art Deco ornamentation. Residents of have access to an amenities package including a 24-hour attended lobby, fitness center, residents' lounge, outdoor garden, bicycle storage, and temperature-controlled grocery storage.
Stella Tower, #12B (Compass)
New Art Deco-Inspired Developments
135 East 47th Street
Design by Ismael Leyva Architects
35 stories | 191 units
10 studio to 2-beds from $855K - $2.445M
Up the street from the Chrysler Building, Monogram presents a contemporary take on Art Deco design that comes through especially well with its distinctive crown. Interiors incorporate clean lines, oversized windows look out on iconic city views, and amenities include concierge service, in-house spa services, fitness center, and 35th-story Crest Club with reading room, dining room, and outdoor terraces.
Monogram, #7E (CORE Group Marketing LLC)
Design by COOKFOX and Studio Mellone
49 stories | 110 condos
3-beds from $3.95M - $4.25M
This attractive, 49-story, mixed-use tower at 25 Park Row overlooking City Hall Park on part of the former site of J & R Music & Computer World was developed by the family that controlled J & R and the L + M Development Partners Inc. It replaces three low-rise buildings on the block that once was part of the city's historic Newspaper Row. Studio Mellone designed the major amenity spaces that include a 20,000-square-foot Park Row Club.
25 Park Row, #15A
$3,995,000 (-3.7%)
Financial District | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 2,061 ft2
25 Park Row, #15A (Corcoran Group)
514 West 24th Street
Design by Roman & Williams
10 stories | 14 units
No Availabilities
Located in the heart of the High Line building boom, The Fitzroy presents a contemporary take on classic Art Deco design with a green terra cotta facade, copper spandrels, and setback at the eighth floor. Building services and amenities include 24-hour attended lobby, state-of-the-art fitness center with dynamic movement studio, cardio studio with yoga / Pilates room, wine cellar with secure wine locker for each home, climate-controlled, fully customizable storage room for each home, landscaped rooftop lounge with summer kitchen, children's art studio, auxiliary laundry room with large washers and vented dryers, and bike room.
The Fitzroy via CityRealty
Design by SHoP Architects
91 stories | 60 units
8 3- to 4-beds from $8.495M - $54.6M
All images of 111 West 57th Street via Douglas Elliman
As the second-tallest apartment building in America and the thinnest skyscraper in the world, 111 West 57th Street is decidedly in line with today's adventurous architecture. However, its setbacks, terra cotta piers, and bronze filigree were inspired by Art Deco design, rather like that of the landmarked Steinway Hall integrated into the building. Amenities include a discreet porte cochere entrance on 58th Street, an 82' two-lane swimming pool with private cabanas, separate sauna and treatment rooms, double-height fitness center with mezzanine terrace, private dining room and chef's catering kitchen, residents' lounge with expansive terrace, meeting rooms and a study, 24-hour attended entrances, and dedicated concierge service.
111 West 57th Street, #54
$24,500,000 (-8.4%)
Midtown West | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 4,183 ft2
111 West 57th Street, #54 (Corcoran Group)
9 Dekalb Avenue
Design by SHoP Architects
73 stories | 575 units
7 studio to 4-beds from $950K - $7.85M
Photo of Brooklyn Tower via JDS Development
When 9 Dekalb Avenue is complete, it will usurp Brooklyn Point as the tallest building in the borough. The new is rising on the site of Dime Savings Bank, but this isn't Trump Tower 2.0. Quite the contrary - Dime Savings Bank was restored and reimagined as the entrance to the 73-story tower that rose behind it. The apartments above are a mix of rentals and condos with sweeping skyline views, and all residents will have access to a rooftop lounge and pool wrapping around the Guastavino dome.
The Brooklyn Tower, #PH90N
$7,850,000
Downtown Brooklyn | Condominium | 4 Bedrooms, 4.5 Baths | 3,017 ft2
The Brooklyn Tower, #PH90N (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)
30 East 29th Street
Design by CetraRuddy
46 stories | 121 units
5 2- to 3-beds from $2.695M - $5.965M
All images of Rose Hill via CORE
For its first residential tower in New York, Rockefeller Group brings elegance and glamour to the historic neighborhood that gave the building its name. Inside the timeless building, thoughtfully composed residences feature abundant natural light, flexible floor plans, high ceilings, open kitchens, and spa-like baths. Amenities include a double-height lobby, fully equipped gym, professional-grade squash court, 50' pool, sauna, and 37th-floor lounge with billiards table, private dining room, and two private terraces.
Rose Hill, #39C (CORE Group Marketing LLC)
30 Park Place
Design by Robert A.M. Stern Architects
82 stories | 157 units
11 studio to 4-beds from $1.35M - $45M
The Four Seasons Private Residences via Robert A.M. Stern Architects
On the cusp of Tribeca and the Financial District, the limestone-clad, Jazz Age-inspired tower at 30 Park Place houses a Four Seasons Hotel on the lower 22 floors and luxury condominiums on the upper levels. Not only do residents have access to the hotel's amenities and service, but exclusive residential amenities include fitness center and yoga studio, private dining room, conservatory and lounge with access to loggias, a children's playroom, and a screening room.
The Four Seasons Private Residences, #71B
$8,350,000
Tribeca | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 2,631 ft2
The Four Seasons Private Residences, #71B (Corcoran Group)
Design by Robert A.M. Stern Architects
70 stories | 118 units
2 2- to 3-beds from $13.65M - $34.5M
All images of 220 Central Park South via Vornado Realty Trustq
220 Central Park South has risen on the modern stretch of luxury known as Billionaires' Row, but its limestone facade and graceful setback nod to the grand, albeit significantly shorter, homes of yesteryear. Residents may arrive via a secure motor court, and amenities include private dining rooms, entertaining spaces, a library, a screening room, a meeting room, a lounge, a communal terrace, a juice bar, an 82' salt water swimming pool, expansive athletic club and spa, a squash court, a basketball court, a golf simulator room, a weight room, a yoga/Pilates room, and a children's play area.
220 Central Park South, #39A
$34,500,000
Midtown West | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 3,114 ft2
220 Central Park South, #39A (Corcoran Group)
Would you like to tour any of these properties?
Just complete the info below.
Or call us at (212) 755-5544
Would you like to tour any of these properties?
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