Features
What's old is new again - porte-cocheres, traditionally associated with prewar buildings, have become a key amenity in new luxury buildings (Central Park Tower port-cochere via VUW)
From Future New York
Making an Entrance: Top NYC Buildings with Porte-Cocheres and Dramatic Driveways
By CityRealty Staff
Friday, May 7, 2021
The phrase "porte-cochere" comes from the French phrase "carriage porch," and throughout New York, several of the buildings that have these covered entrances or driveways date back to a prewar era when carriages were the main means of conveyance. Cars have long since displaced horses as the dominant means of conveyance, but port-cocheres have become a key feature in New York’s luxury buildings.
The prevalence of the port-cochere, a decidedly car-oriented amenity, has some scratching their heads. At the end of 2019, The New York Times noted that port-cocheres take up more space than most city apartments, and that the city was moving away from car culture. Indeed, new bike lanes and bus lanes were taking shape all over New York even before the first coronavirus case was reported, and the pandemic sped up the transition to a more pedestrian-friendly city with popular initiatives like Open Streets and Open Restaurants. Most recently, as part of a new package of City Council bills aimed at New York City deliveries, Councilman Antonio Reynoso has suggested that at least 25 percent of available curb space be repurposed as loading zones in residential and commercial zones, which will cut into the number of parking spaces.
At the same time, the new initiatives have put parking at a premium and made it an in-demand amenity for car owners. Port-cochere buildings typically have on-site parking garages, which gives residents one less thing to worry about. Celebrities and other high-profile individuals appreciate the privacy port-cocheres have to offer, and all types of residents appreciate being able to pull right up and unload their luggage, shop
ping bags, or other cumbersome items at the entrance with the help of the building’s staff. And even those who don’t own cars appreciate the safety and shelter of a port-cochere, especially during inclement weather. Below, we take a look at the most beautiful port-cocheres in New York City residential buildings and the availabilities inside.
Port cochere via VUW
Interiors via Corcoran
From the listing: This north, west, and south-facing, three-bedroom, three and one-half bathroom residence boast Central Park views from the Living/Dining Room. The formal entry foyer and gallery are fitting for this classic layout featuring ceiling heights of approximately 10’-7”. Floor-to-ceiling glass spans the perimeter of the entire residence, filling this home with light. Residents can enter on the north side of the building through a discreet private driveway with valet service on 58th Street, and bespoke experiences continue throughout the entire building. See floor plan and full details here.
One Beacon Court via CityRealty
Interiors via Sotheby's International Realty
From the listing: Dazzling views and extraordinary light abound from this 46th floor corner residence. As you enter through an elegant gallery you are immediately drawn to walls of floor to ceiling windows showcasing the most iconic New York City vistas. The sophisticated living and dining room are the perfect spaces for both comfortable living and more formal entertaining. Residents enjoy a 24-hour doorman and concierge services, valet service with carport, a fitness center, entertainment lounge and a children's playroom. See floor plan and full details here.
All images of The Belnord
From the listing: Beauty abounds in this floor-though three bedroom, three and a half bathroom home with north and south exposures, 10-foot ceilings, fully restored, oversized mahogany windows, and white oak floors with chevron and plank patterns throughout.
Upon arrival, a formal entry foyer and gallery leads to the stunning great room, an exceptional setting to live, dine, and entertain. Pre-war meets contemporary splendor with an unrivaled 30,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor amenities, including a 24-hour attended lobby, expansive porte-cochere, and 22,000 square foot courtyard and garden, evoking total privacy and tranquility. See floor plan and full details here.
All images of 432 Park Avenue via Douglas Elliman
From the listing: With a private elevator entry and gallery leading to a grand, corner living and dining room, this 2,633 square foot high-floor residence offers northern views over Central Park and eastern views toward the East River and beyond, captured in spectacular 10' by 10' windows, under soaring 12'6" ceilings. With views to the east, the eat-in kitchen has a marble floor and countertops, cabinetry of lacquer and natural oak, Miele stainless steel appliances, and Dornbracht polished chrome fixtures. In-suite dining and room service, concierge, 24-hour doorman, onsite parking garage and valet services are provided by the building’s staff. See floor plan and full details here.
All images of One Manhattan Square via Extell
From the listing: Residence 42B is a 1,045-square-foot two-bedroom, two-bathroom with an open gourmet kitchen and breakfast bar. This residence faces southwest with stunning New York Harbor views.
This residence features imported stone and custom finishes, premium Miele appliance package, 5" wide stained oak flooring, master bath with custom wood cabinetry, marble tile walls and mosaic floors with radiant heat, under-mount Wetstyle sink with glass vanity top and Dornbracht polished chrome faucets and a washer and dryer. Residents arrive at One Manhattan Square via private motor court, and can revel in over 100,000 square feet of resort-like amenities that span three full floors of the tower and over one acre of private outdoor gardens. See floor plan and full details here
All images of The Towers of the Waldorf Astoria via Douglas Elliman
From the listing: Own a piece of history at The Towers of the Waldorf Astoria! Residence 2807, crafted by AD100 designer Jean-Louis Deniot is an 811-square-foot one-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bath home with five large southwest facing windows providing plenty of sunlight throughout the day. As you enter the home, the sense of arrival is celebrated by a grand foyer with marble floors with brass inlays. The open kitchen thoughtfully placed in its own niche, enhances the open layout by extending the long sight lines in the residence. Life at The Towers is defined by seamless service with fully staffed residential lobbies, and a private residential porte cochere with 24-hour valet parking and a dedicated onsite concierge. See floor plan and full details here.
All images of 111 West 57th Street via Douglas Elliman
From the listing: This full-floor 4,183-square-foot Tower Residence with three bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms is designed for elegant living on a grand scale. Its richly detailed finishes are conceived throughout by Studio Sofield, and demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to traditional materiality, quality and craftsmanship. Residents at 111 West 57th Street will benefit from 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. See floor plan and full details here.
All images of The Centrale via Douglas Elliman
From the listing: This expansive two bedroom, two and a half bathroom residence designed by Champalimaud offers northern exposures through floor-to-ceiling windows. White oak flooring throughout leads from the entry into an open living and dining concept, complete with a chef's kitchen offering honed Capri marble countertops, backsplash, and a waterfall island with room for seating. The kitchen has a refined aesthetic with streamlined custom white oak millwork that seamlessly integrates a full Gaggenau appliance package. Residents arrive to The Centrale through a sheltered porte-cochere or the private residential lobby, which are both attended to 24 hours a day. See floor plan and full details here.
All images of 565 Broome Soho via Douglas Elliman
From the listing: This gracious residence with10' ceilings and 6 inch wide-plank white oak floors throughout, features expansive north and south facing views.
A formal entry foyer leads to a breathtaking corner great room and open kitchen ideal for both entertaining and daily living. Floor-to-ceiling glass wraps this expansive 19'2 inch x 36'4 space allowing for abundant natural light and spectacular north, east and south facing vistas through the curved facade. Unlike any other property in SoHo, 565 Broome SoHo offers the luxury and convenience of a private covered porte cochere with automated parking, expansive views and 17,000 square feet of amenities. See floor plan and full details here.
All images of 35 Hudson Yards via Related/Oxford Property Group
From the listing: No detail was overlooked in this expertly planned residence boasting ceiling heights up to 14 feet and lavishly finished, 7.5-inch-wide, French oak floors. The expansive Great Room spans over 1,000 square feet, showcasing limitless southern views extending for miles towards downtown Manhattan, the Freedom Tower, the Statue of Liberty, East River Bridges, and even the Atlantic Ocean, flanked by two inviting fireplaces and extensive art walls for showcasing your collection. Residents will have access to the ultimate lifestyle including services and benefits unique to Hudson Yards, such as a semi-private driveway. See floor plan and full details here.
All images of The Paterno via Bohemia Realty Group
Interiors via Douglas Elliman
From the listing: Residence 48 features a private balcony and is currently configured as a 4-bedroom with 3 full bathrooms, and a den/home office. The great room is a perfect space for entertaining with an expansive, open layout that includes generous space for living and dining.
The space receives outstanding natural light via the French doors leading out to the private balcony and long wall of charming windows running alongside it. The Paterno's distinct and tasteful, curved facade defines Riverside Drive and West 116th Street and Riverside Drive, along with its marvelous porte-cochere entrance. The home can be purchased fully furnished for an additional $100,000. See floor plan and further details here.
Manhattan House entrance via Compass
Interiors via Corcoran
From the listing: With a total of 1,113 square feet throughout, this residence is exceptionally laid out with an expansive living area featuring generous light and picturesque treetop views.
The current owners went through a detailed and meticulous six-figure renovation, with significant upgrades throughout these include restored light-colored wide plank oak floors, custom window treatments by Hunter Douglas, outfitted walk-in closets by California Closets, upgraded electrical and high-speed internet wiring, recessed lighting, a custom designer LED light fixture, two new A/C compressors for maximum efficiency, fully renovated bathroom, updated kitchen appliances and storage, custom home office, and separate laundry area. Manhattan House is easily approachable via two porte-cochre entrances that lead into the grandly proportioned, glass-enclosed lobby overlooking one of the largest private gardens in the city. See floor plan and further details here.
All images of 20 East End Avenue via Corcoran
Interiors via Corcoran
From the listing: Spanning a generous 5,201 square feet of interior space and 663 square feet of private, sunny exterior space, this elegant residence features herringbone-patterned, walnut-stained Appalachian white oak floors, custom moldings, oversized casement windows, and a gas fireplace. Designed in the spirit of a classic New York City 25 foot townhome, this stately residence offers a gracious entry foyer with a grand circular staircase that connects the entertaining and living spaces with the private quarters above. Enjoy the privacy and status of a single family home on the Upper East side, while still having all of the convenience and elegance of 20 East End’s amenities and services, including a port-cochere. See floor plan and further details here.
River House entrance via Sotheby's
Interiors via Sotheby's International Realty
From the listing: "Palatial luxury" best describes this exquisitely traditional home with grand proportions, high ceilings, beautifully designed wood flooring and full height windows. The regal 45-foot-long Grand Salon with wood-burning fireplace looks directly to the East River through multiple picture windows. Towering above the East River, the renowned 26-story River House Cooperative is a grand and gracious enclave situated at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac with an ornately gated and large cobbled-stone Palazzo styled courtyard. See floor plan and further details here.
All images of 70 Vestry Street via Compass
From the listing: This grand corner 4-bedroom apartment with unobstructed views over Hudson River Park is designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects, interiors by Daniel Romualdez. Walk into a gracious entry foyer and gallery, perfect for displaying art. The kitchen features custom oak paneling, Bardiglio Luco marble counters with Miele appliances. 70 Vestry offers a complete lifestyle package with over 12,000 square feet of unprecedented amenities, including port-cochere. See floor plan and further details here.
All images of 551W21 via Christie's
From the listing: Residence 9B is a nearly 4,000-square-foot, three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom home with breathtaking city and water views to the south, north and east. With direct elevator access through a private vestibule, this stately, column-free home offers a magnificent center galley and a south-facing 30 by 19-foot grand room with adjacent library. Exquisitely crafted by the master architects of Foster + Partners, 551 West 21st Street features a private, gated drive court surrounded by a 20-foot green wall and a dramatic, awe-inspiring 34-foot, double-height lobby with grand chandelier. See floor plan and further details here.
All images of The Greenpoint via Corcoran
From the listing: This luxurious home features custom floor-to-ceiling windows, high-ceilings, double exposures with abundant natural light, wide-plank walnut floors, and outdoor terrace off the living room. The state-of-the-art open kitchen is outfitted with a honed Statuario marble countertop and backsplash alongside a premium Miele appliance package including gas cook-top and double wall ovens. The Greenpoint is well-appointed with a 30,000-square-foot, noteworthy amenity package including private porte cochere with optional valet services to effortlessly pick-up and drop-off your vehicle for a monthly fee. See floor plan and further details here.
455 Central Park West via Town
Interiors via Compass
From the listing: This extraordinary Central Park West duplex apartment features fully renovated 4 bedroom, 4.5 baths, and a large eat-in kitchen. A grand foyer opens to a beautiful staircase curving upward to the second floor.
The breathtaking circular living room, lined with windows facing south and west with Central Park views, is truly a unique space (more than 1,100 square feet and 37 feet in diameter), with a spectacular 37-foot cathedral ceiling in one of the five turreted structures. Wonderful light graces this apartment along with high ceilings, hardwood floors, and a wood-burning fireplace, which are major highlights in any home, but are secondary features in this castle on the park. See floor plan and further details here.
252 East 57th Street porte-cochere via Worldwide Development/DBOX
Interiors via Corcoran
From the listing: A brand-new apartment with designer upgrades made by the owner include a customized living room lighting system, custom fitted closets and designer light fixtures and chandeliers, designer wall and ceiling finishes throughout the apartment. The deluxe open windowed, island kitchen with stools features all Miele appliances including a 5 burner gas cooktop, wine cooler and two ovens- Asko washer/vented dryer; walnut cabinetry, Hanstone glass quartz counter tops. Luxury amenities include gated port cochere and automated parking garage.
See floor plan and further details here.
All images of 160 Leroy Street via Brown Harris Stevens
Interiors via Douglas Elliman
From the listing: Panoramic views over the Hudson will take your breath away as you walk into this expansive, 1,644-square-foot residence, envisioned and meticulously executed by renowned developer and hotelier, Ian Schrager and Pritzker Prize-winning architects Herzog & de Meuron.
Apartment features include nearly 11' ceilings, hand selected Scandinavian Larch wood floors, floor-to-ceiling windows and state of the art appliances. 160 Leroy Street offers an impressive amenity package including concierge services, a stunning cobblestone porte-cochere, landscaped courtyard by Madison Cox, spa, 70-foot pool, fitness center, yoga/Pilates studio, steam room, sauna, massage room, a lounge with a catering kitchen, and children's play room. See floor plan and further details here.
All images of 50 United Nations Plaza via Zeckendorf Realty
From the listing: Enjoy seductive views of the East River, Chrysler and Empire State Buildings from this half-floor luxury condo's its floor to ceiling panoramic bay windows. There are 11' ceilings and solid white oak floors throughout. The owner has added lighting throughout that can be adjusted to fit the mood, as well as extra sound proofing and a contemporary gas burning fireplace in the living room that enjoys tantalizing views of the East River. 50 United Nations Plaza has a gated motor court and valet service providing security and discrete comings and goings.
See floor plan and further details here.
All images of 40 East End Avenue via Corcoran
Interiors via Corcoran
From the listing: 40 East End Avenue’s gracious Maisonette is a three-level four-bedroom, 3 full bath and 2 powder room home designed by renowned architect Deborah Berke Partners.
Spanning 4,888 square feet with 608 square feet of private outdoor space, this generously scaled residence features ceilings as high as 11 feet, a private elevator, over-sized casement windows, custom moldings, 8-foot doors, a private landscaped garden and white oak flooring. The amenities at 40 East End offer an extension of the already gracious residences and are designed with a focus on convenience and glamour. See floor plan and further details here.
All images of 15 Central Park West via Compass
From the listing: Situated on the 37th floor of the Tower at 15 Central Park West is this 3,105-square-foot residence beautifully designed by interior designer Russell Piccione. This home provides triple exposures, sublime light from sunrise to sunset and sought-after expansive views of Central Park, Columbus Circle, the Hudson River and beyond. Designed by world renowned architect Robert A.M. Stern, 15 Central Park West delivers an array of ultra luxury amenities: 24-hour doorman and concierge, on-site garage and motor court with reception staff, 14,000-square-foot fitness center with a 75-foot skylit indoor pool, library, conference room, private theater, billiards room, children's playroom and a private restaurant. See floor plan and further details here.
All images of Jardim via Douglas Elliman
From the listing: Meticulously conceived by award-winning Brazilian architect Isay Weinfeld, this 1-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom residence comprising 1,099 interior and 40 exterior square feet highlights the hallmarks of Weinfeld's inimitable design. An open eat-in kitchen leads to the living/dining room, where the entire south-facing wall of glass slides open to reveal the lush interior gardens. A dramatic brick-vaulted private driveway serves as a breathtaking portal to the ultra-private oasis, opening to a fully-attended lobby with three separate elevator banks. See floor plan and further details here.
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