There were 297 condo, co-op, condop apartment sales recorded in Manhattan from July 4-10, 2021. Though the Fourth of July holiday slowed the count of total transactions, several big-ticket sales that include the Fifth Avenue home of Bette Midler pushed the aggregate sale total to $642,398,948. There were 153 condo transactions coming in at a median price of $1.63 million or $1,556 per square foot. 139 co-op deals were recorded at a median price of $791K.
Ms. Midler is known for her superlatives, and the past week gave her another one: the top residential real estate sale, when her family's longtime Fifth Avenue triplex closed for $45 million. When the magnificent home was listed for $50 million in September 2019, she said, "It's time for another family to enjoy it" and declared plans to move to a smaller New York apartment with her husband, performance artist Martin von Haselberg (not pictured).
Ms. Midler is known for her superlatives, and the past week gave her another one: the top residential real estate sale, when her family's longtime Fifth Avenue triplex closed for $45 million. When the magnificent home was listed for $50 million in September 2019, she said, "It's time for another family to enjoy it" and declared plans to move to a smaller New York apartment with her husband, performance artist Martin von Haselberg (not pictured).
1125 Fifth Avenue terrace via Evan Joseph
In this article:
One of the many appealing features of Ms. Midler's apartment was its spectacular views of Central Park, a feature shared by many of the city's most expensive sales ever and some of the top sales of the past week. The second-highest sale was a penthouse at 1133 Fifth Avenue, which closed for $26.5 million; it was followed closely by a combined penthouse at 279 Central Park West that sold for $18,268,750.
109 East 79th Street via The Boundary
On the contracts side, luxury contracts (priced above $4 million) dropped below 30 for the first time in 22 weeks. From July 5-11, Olshan Realty's market report saw a total of 28 luxury contracts signed with a total asking price sales volume of $248,185,000.
Some have speculated that the pandemic would turn private outdoor space into the most highly-coveted amenity; indeed, four of the top five contracts were for listings with private terraces or gardens, and the one outlier was an apartment at The Plaza directly facing Central Park. The top contract of the past week was a townhouse unit at 109 East 79th Street with an asking price of $17.5 million and a buyer only identified as being from the tri-state area. The ground-floor duplex has five bedrooms, five baths, and a massive private garden off the living area. It was trailed closely by a penthouse at Two Waterline Square with four bedrooms, five and a half baths, a private terrace with hot tub and outdoor kitchen, and asking price of $17.25 million, one of the most expensive yet to go into contract at the Waterline Square development.
Some have speculated that the pandemic would turn private outdoor space into the most highly-coveted amenity; indeed, four of the top five contracts were for listings with private terraces or gardens, and the one outlier was an apartment at The Plaza directly facing Central Park. The top contract of the past week was a townhouse unit at 109 East 79th Street with an asking price of $17.5 million and a buyer only identified as being from the tri-state area. The ground-floor duplex has five bedrooms, five baths, and a massive private garden off the living area. It was trailed closely by a penthouse at Two Waterline Square with four bedrooms, five and a half baths, a private terrace with hot tub and outdoor kitchen, and asking price of $17.25 million, one of the most expensive yet to go into contract at the Waterline Square development.
285 Lafayette Street via MW Studio/Michael Weinstein for Corcoran Group
Downtown, a Nolita condo belonging to David Bowie entered contract with an asking price of $16.8 million, as reported in The Wall Street Journal. The rock star bought the apartment for $3.81 million in 1999, shortly after the former chocolate factory was converted to a condominium. Mr. Bowie's love of his downtown neighborhood was well known, and fans left flowers and tributes outside the building following his 2016 death. The apartment had been on the market for less than a month, and is owned by a trust linked to his estate.
Top Sales
1125 Fifth Avenue via CityRealty
Interiors via Evan Joseph
From the listing:
This magnificent and impressive 14-room penthouse occupies the top three floors of one of Fifth Avenue's finest full service prewar cooperative buildings on Carnegie Hill. The residence offers spectacular views of Central Park, the Reservoir and the iconic Manhattan skyline. Abundant sunlight streams in throughout the day from all four exposures.
Upon arrival, a private elevator landing opens onto a large open gallery flooded with southern light. The gallery flows into an impressive and vast 70 foot sweep of entertaining space with exceptionally high ceilings. This ideal entertaining space includes a double living room, large open dining room, and a sun-drenched renovated eat-in-kitchen.
This magnificent and impressive 14-room penthouse occupies the top three floors of one of Fifth Avenue's finest full service prewar cooperative buildings on Carnegie Hill. The residence offers spectacular views of Central Park, the Reservoir and the iconic Manhattan skyline. Abundant sunlight streams in throughout the day from all four exposures.
Upon arrival, a private elevator landing opens onto a large open gallery flooded with southern light. The gallery flows into an impressive and vast 70 foot sweep of entertaining space with exceptionally high ceilings. This ideal entertaining space includes a double living room, large open dining room, and a sun-drenched renovated eat-in-kitchen.
1133 Fifth Avenue via CityRealty
1 Available Listing for sale for $7.5M
279 Central Park West via CityRealty
2 Available Listings for sale from $12M
All images of 90 Morton Street via Reuveni Real Estate
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From the listing:
This stunning three-bedroom, four and a half-bathroom penthouse measures 3,593 square feet with a 532-square-foot private terrace. The 45-foot Great Room features a gas fireplace and is adjoined to an open library space with its own private bathroom. The sprawling entertaining space boasts north and west exposures through vast blackened steel frame and double paned glass windows. 10’7" ceilings are beamed showcasing the character and distinction of the buildings original use as a Printing House built in 1912.
The open chef's kitchen, conveniently located off of the great room, features top-of- the- line Gaggenau appliances including a 36’’ gas and vented cook-top, convection oven, speed oven, 36’’ refrigerator/freezer with a walnut veneer, Sub-Zero wine cooler, additional under island refrigeration, pot filler faucet, dishwasher and spacious Poliform pantry. Seamless Quartzite countertops and blackened steel cabinets with fluted glass panels add a touch of downtown flair to the open and dramatic kitchen, complete with an adjoined private terrace accessed via two double French doors.
This stunning three-bedroom, four and a half-bathroom penthouse measures 3,593 square feet with a 532-square-foot private terrace. The 45-foot Great Room features a gas fireplace and is adjoined to an open library space with its own private bathroom. The sprawling entertaining space boasts north and west exposures through vast blackened steel frame and double paned glass windows. 10’7" ceilings are beamed showcasing the character and distinction of the buildings original use as a Printing House built in 1912.
The open chef's kitchen, conveniently located off of the great room, features top-of- the- line Gaggenau appliances including a 36’’ gas and vented cook-top, convection oven, speed oven, 36’’ refrigerator/freezer with a walnut veneer, Sub-Zero wine cooler, additional under island refrigeration, pot filler faucet, dishwasher and spacious Poliform pantry. Seamless Quartzite countertops and blackened steel cabinets with fluted glass panels add a touch of downtown flair to the open and dramatic kitchen, complete with an adjoined private terrace accessed via two double French doors.
From the listing:
This exceptional Walker Tower three-bedroom + two home office duplex has been completely transformed to achieve an unprecedented level of quality and refinement. At over 4,144 square feet, the combination of two units has resulted in a one-of-a-kind floor plan offering two private terraces and sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline. The recently completed home is resplendent with bespoke details lending both a unique style and luxurious design.
On the main level, the Great Room is flooded with natural light from oversized windows facing north and east, revealing breathtaking views of the Empire State Building. Ceiling heights reach 12 feet. A built-in entertainment system features custom millwork and a ventless fireplace.
This exceptional Walker Tower three-bedroom + two home office duplex has been completely transformed to achieve an unprecedented level of quality and refinement. At over 4,144 square feet, the combination of two units has resulted in a one-of-a-kind floor plan offering two private terraces and sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline. The recently completed home is resplendent with bespoke details lending both a unique style and luxurious design.
On the main level, the Great Room is flooded with natural light from oversized windows facing north and east, revealing breathtaking views of the Empire State Building. Ceiling heights reach 12 feet. A built-in entertainment system features custom millwork and a ventless fireplace.
Top Contracts
All images of 109 East 79th Street via The Boundary
From the listing:
Located just off Park Avenue on one of the most coveted streets on the Upper East Side, 109 East 79 is a masterpiece of residential design by world-renowned Steven Harris Architects. Developed by Legion Investment Group, 109 East 79 rises 20 stories and takes its place comfortably among its Gilded Age neighbors, with views sweeping over historic townhouse gardens to the north and east and light-filled East 79th Street and Park Avenue to the south. The building’s façade of fluted limestone and masonry brick, with vast stretches of casement-style windows, offers a timeless addition to a storied streetscape.
With 31 two- to five-bedroom residences emphasizing classically proportioned layouts and voluminous spaces, interiors are anchored by grand entertaining and dining areas. Ceiling heights soar up to over 17’ and select residences feature unique design elements including fireplaces, private outdoor spaces, and step-down living rooms—an elegant and uncommon design feature. Interior finishes include a carefully selected palette of fine woods and stones, suffused with Harris’ signature attention to custom detail.
Located just off Park Avenue on one of the most coveted streets on the Upper East Side, 109 East 79 is a masterpiece of residential design by world-renowned Steven Harris Architects. Developed by Legion Investment Group, 109 East 79 rises 20 stories and takes its place comfortably among its Gilded Age neighbors, with views sweeping over historic townhouse gardens to the north and east and light-filled East 79th Street and Park Avenue to the south. The building’s façade of fluted limestone and masonry brick, with vast stretches of casement-style windows, offers a timeless addition to a storied streetscape.
With 31 two- to five-bedroom residences emphasizing classically proportioned layouts and voluminous spaces, interiors are anchored by grand entertaining and dining areas. Ceiling heights soar up to over 17’ and select residences feature unique design elements including fireplaces, private outdoor spaces, and step-down living rooms—an elegant and uncommon design feature. Interior finishes include a carefully selected palette of fine woods and stones, suffused with Harris’ signature attention to custom detail.
All images of Two Waterline Square via Corcoran
From the listing:
An impressively-situated terrace at the tallest point of Waterline Square offers a private hot tub and outdoor kitchen providing an ideal space for entertaining, while capturing one of the most comprehensive views of the New York City skyline and the Hudson River. This four-bedroom, five-and-a-half bathroom residence spans half of the thirty-eighth floor, and enjoys views to the north, south, and east. Each bedroom features an en-suite bathroom, and the primary suite offers two walk-in closets, two bathrooms, a morning kitchen, and direct access to the terrace. Floor to ceiling windows throughout the residence ensure expansive views.
An impressively-situated terrace at the tallest point of Waterline Square offers a private hot tub and outdoor kitchen providing an ideal space for entertaining, while capturing one of the most comprehensive views of the New York City skyline and the Hudson River. This four-bedroom, five-and-a-half bathroom residence spans half of the thirty-eighth floor, and enjoys views to the north, south, and east. Each bedroom features an en-suite bathroom, and the primary suite offers two walk-in closets, two bathrooms, a morning kitchen, and direct access to the terrace. Floor to ceiling windows throughout the residence ensure expansive views.
All images of 285 Lafayette Street via MW Studio/Michael Weinstein for Corcoran Group
From the listing:
Located in a premier full service building in Soho/Nolita, is a grand yet intimate condominium residence measuring 5,090 square feet (473 SqMt) with 3 perfectly situated terraces measuring an additional 1,025 square feet. The interior was beautifully crafted by one of Europe’s most renowned architect/designers. Direct elevator access to the apartment’s entrance gallery leads to a 56 × 22 foot great room with 3 exposures and a western terrace. 11 foot ceiling heights, a fireplace, adjacent library (w/bath), and open kitchen add to the space’s character and function. The main bedroom suite measures over 1,000 square feet and features a fireplace, dressing room, oversized bath and terrace. There are an additional 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, and a powder room.
Located in a premier full service building in Soho/Nolita, is a grand yet intimate condominium residence measuring 5,090 square feet (473 SqMt) with 3 perfectly situated terraces measuring an additional 1,025 square feet. The interior was beautifully crafted by one of Europe’s most renowned architect/designers. Direct elevator access to the apartment’s entrance gallery leads to a 56 × 22 foot great room with 3 exposures and a western terrace. 11 foot ceiling heights, a fireplace, adjacent library (w/bath), and open kitchen add to the space’s character and function. The main bedroom suite measures over 1,000 square feet and features a fireplace, dressing room, oversized bath and terrace. There are an additional 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, and a powder room.
1 Available Listing for rent for $45,000
All images of 37 West 70th Street via Sotheby's International Realty
From the listing:
This iconic brownstone, steps from Central Park, was built in 1891 by Gilbert Schellenger on a storied block, once home to financiers Bernard Baruch and partners Samuel Goldman and Marcus Sachs. Visionary American fashion designer Perry Ellis oversaw a meticulous restoration of the original mahogany, cherry and oak architectural details, adding floor-to-ceiling French casement windows and Art Deco bathrooms from The Savoy Hotel in London. A subsequent owner commissioned the noted American designer, artist and sculptor Ward Bennett to bring the house fully into the 20th century with his serene contemporary American vision.
The house was most recently updated to 21st century standards in 2015. A garden entry leads to a center hall which opens to spacious bedroom/office with a full bathroom, a powder Room and a spectacular eat-in chef's kitchen with fireplace, center island, walk-in pantry, six-burner professional Garland range, oak millwork, aged white Carrera marble countertops and elevette/dumbwaiter. A light-flooded corner breakfast room enjoys garden vistas through floor-to-ceiling arched French doors. Brick walls detailed with arched cornices rise 6 feet to surround a sunny landscaped garden.
This iconic brownstone, steps from Central Park, was built in 1891 by Gilbert Schellenger on a storied block, once home to financiers Bernard Baruch and partners Samuel Goldman and Marcus Sachs. Visionary American fashion designer Perry Ellis oversaw a meticulous restoration of the original mahogany, cherry and oak architectural details, adding floor-to-ceiling French casement windows and Art Deco bathrooms from The Savoy Hotel in London. A subsequent owner commissioned the noted American designer, artist and sculptor Ward Bennett to bring the house fully into the 20th century with his serene contemporary American vision.
The house was most recently updated to 21st century standards in 2015. A garden entry leads to a center hall which opens to spacious bedroom/office with a full bathroom, a powder Room and a spectacular eat-in chef's kitchen with fireplace, center island, walk-in pantry, six-burner professional Garland range, oak millwork, aged white Carrera marble countertops and elevette/dumbwaiter. A light-flooded corner breakfast room enjoys garden vistas through floor-to-ceiling arched French doors. Brick walls detailed with arched cornices rise 6 feet to surround a sunny landscaped garden.
All images of the Plaza via Compass
From the listing:
Created from the former State Rooms of the storied Plaza Hotel, this stunning turn-key residence offers the largest windows in the building, soaring 13-foot high ceilings, and leafy views of Central Park from every room. With three bedrooms, three full (could be 4) and two half bathrooms spread over approximately 3,416 square feet, this is a rare, grandly scaled, prewar gem.
An ideal layout affords a perfect flow for entertaining on a grand scale as well as for day to day living. An elegant entry gallery leads to the amazingly proportioned – nearly 35-foot long – living room, with space for several seating areas. With huge Venetian plaster walls, black herringbone floors, and oversized windows overlooking Central Park, this room is an art collector’s dream. Adjacent to the living room is a breakfast room with red-lacquered boiserie frames and mercury glass panels. The chef’s kitchen features black granite countertops, marble tile backsplash, and top-of-the-line appliances including a six-burner Viking stovetop with vented hood, an integrated Viking refrigerator, and an integrated Miele dishwasher. Off of the gallery is a large wet bar.
Created from the former State Rooms of the storied Plaza Hotel, this stunning turn-key residence offers the largest windows in the building, soaring 13-foot high ceilings, and leafy views of Central Park from every room. With three bedrooms, three full (could be 4) and two half bathrooms spread over approximately 3,416 square feet, this is a rare, grandly scaled, prewar gem.
An ideal layout affords a perfect flow for entertaining on a grand scale as well as for day to day living. An elegant entry gallery leads to the amazingly proportioned – nearly 35-foot long – living room, with space for several seating areas. With huge Venetian plaster walls, black herringbone floors, and oversized windows overlooking Central Park, this room is an art collector’s dream. Adjacent to the living room is a breakfast room with red-lacquered boiserie frames and mercury glass panels. The chef’s kitchen features black granite countertops, marble tile backsplash, and top-of-the-line appliances including a six-burner Viking stovetop with vented hood, an integrated Viking refrigerator, and an integrated Miele dishwasher. Off of the gallery is a large wet bar.
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?
Content Specialist
Michelle Mazzarella
Michelle is a contributing writer and editor for real estate news in New York City
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