After flurry of sales at The Eldorado, see history highlights and current availabilities at celebrated Central Park West co-op

By CityRealty Staff | From Great Listings Tuesday, October 17, 2023

While it has been a quiet time for co-ops as of late, autumn 2023 has been a busy time at The Eldorado on Central Park West. Earlier this fall, Mike D. of the Beastie Boys (ne Michael Diamond) sold the massive combination apartment belonging to his art collector parents, Hester and Harold Diamond, for $13,500,000. A few weeks later, finance executive Richard Bayles sold his apartment to Emmy-nominated actor Alfred Molina for $5,995,000 in a transaction just shy of the past week's top five sales. The day after this sale was recorded, so too was another in the building — acclaimed trial lawyer and Selendy Gay Elsberg founding partner David Elsberg and his wife, fellow lawyer Natalie Holme Elsberg, sold their apartment for $4,250,000. This article takes a look at the history of the building, residential life in the present day, and the small handful of current availabilities.

One of the building's most distinctive features is its near central alignment to the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir.

History

The Eldorado dates back to 1931, when it took shape at 300 Central Park West and took its name from the eight-story structure it replaced. The high-rise, full-block building was designed by Margon & Holder with Emery Roth as a consultant. The Eldorado is the northernmost of Roth’s multi-towered residences on Central Park West (the others being The San Remo and The Beresford) and stands out for its Art Deco design. The spires at the top of the towers have been described as “Flash Gordon finials” by the AIA Guide to New York City and noted for their similarity to the pinnacle of the Empire State Building.

The towers of The Eldorado set it apart in the Central Park skyline and are every bit as impressive inside as out: Full-floor apartments in the towers boast high ceilings and fireplaces. Additionally, select units in the building have private terraces overlooking Central Park.

The Eldorado got its start as a rental house, but went co-op in the early 1980s with many residents, Mr. and Mrs. Diamond among them, opting to buy their units in the building. Shortly after that, it was declared a New York City Landmark in 1985. It is also a contributing property to the Central Park West Historic District.

“The Eldorado is a fine essay in Art Deco design as expressed in the brickwork, ornament, entrance, balconies, and windows…The towers with their futuristic crowning pinnacles are one of New York City’s major architectural adornments” – Landmarks designation report

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Like many of the apartment buildings lining Central Park West, The Eldorado was popular among affluent Jewish New Yorkers in its early days, with Barneys New York founder Barney Pressman and rabbi/activist Stephen S. Wise among them. Nobel Prize-winning author Sinclair Lewis was also among the early residents. Later, when the building went co-op, the board accepted the likes of Michael J. Fox, Alec Baldwin, Bruce Willis, Faye Dunaway, and Moby.

Residential entrance with original details (Brown Harris Stevens)

Life at The Eldorado

Today, The Eldorado has a full staff of doormen, concierge, porters and handymen, and on-site management and superintendent to cater to residents’ needs. The building’s gym was recently renovated, and additional amenities include a mini basketball court, lounge, and children’s playroom. Mail and packages are delivered to residents’ doors, and other conveniences include a bike room and parking garage.

Another perk of life at The Eldorado is its Upper West Side address. It is directly across from Central Park with easy access to the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, Central Park Tennis Center, and 86th Street Transverse. Beyond Central Park, the building is a short distance from Columbus Avenue dining, prominent Upper West Side schools, and the 86th Street B/C trains.

The attended lobby sets the tone for elegance (Brown Harris Stevens)

View from a high-floor home at The Eldorado

The Eldorado, #7L
$2,395,000

Central Park West | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

The Eldorado, #7L (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Located in the coveted and iconic El-Dorado, this well-proportioned classic five is rarely available. From the moment you enter your private landing and into the grand entry foyer of this classic five room home, you will feel the scale of Emory Roth. The elegant living room is complemented by bucolic views of the western garden. Superb light flanks both the living room and the dining room, which creates a very rare, dramatic and peaceful view. The wall that adjoins these two rooms can easily be removed, allowing one to create an oversized great room for entertaining, or even a possible third bedroom. The sun-filled kitchen, located on the western wing of this home, provides the ability to create a rare, eat-in kitchen set-up. See floor plan and full details here.

The Eldorado, #10J
$3,950,000 (-9.1%)

Central Park West | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths

The Eldorado, #10J (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Brilliantly reimagined home in pristine, triple mint condition, offering the ideal environment for gracious living, and grand scale entertaining. A grand 23-foot-long gallery receives you and your guests in style and guides you to an impressively scaled 27-foot-long north facing living room with soaring ceilings, restored pre-war detail, and a wood-burning fireplace with live edge hand-sculpted mantel. The entire residence recently underwent a cosmetic and structural renovation including new casement double glazed windows, new through-wall remote controlled air conditioning, solid oak herringbone floors, stripped stainless steel period detail, restored, irreplaceable 1930 detail - the perfect marriage of the past and the present. See floor plan and full details here.

The Eldorado, #16B
$6,700,000

Central Park West | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths

The Eldorado, #16B (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Beyond beautiful, this exquisite custom designed home is like an Hermes jacket with hidden suede-lined pockets -- the epitome of luxury. Off a spacious and private windowed landing, enter into this stunning and Zen corner home. Bright and wide open south and west views frame the NYC skyline, and Central Park and the Reservoir can be seen from the terrace. Every inch and surface of this special home has been completely renovated. The enormous corner living room has both south and west open exposures with beautiful large new windows. The kitchen is a chef's delight with custom cabinetry by Leicht, Neolith stain proof and heat resistant counters, high-end appliances, and a seamless glass backsplash with a custom-printed wood design. The entire home has custom shades and drapes, frameless Italian doors with hidden hinges, Olivari hardware and magnetic locks. See floor plan and full details here.

The Eldorado, #22D
$7,500,000 (-6.2%)

Central Park West | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 4.5 Baths

The Eldorado, #22D (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: This exceptional full floor residence occupies the entire 22nd floor of the coveted South Tower at the El Dorado, one of Central Park West's most iconic prewar cooperatives. Breathtaking views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline are visible from each and every room. Magnificent sunshine streams in throughout the day from 34 brand-new windows spanning all four exposures. An oversized 10 foot private elevator landing opens into an elegant gallery. From there you enter into a beautifully proportioned corner living room with high ceilings and stunning views over Central Park, the Reservoir and the entire Manhattan skyline. A well-proportioned dining room, with terrific open western views, is also located off the gallery. The private bedroom wing has three oversized bedrooms, each with a private en-suite bathroom. See floor plan and full details here.

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In this article:

History

“The Eldorado is a fine essay in Art Deco design as expressed in the brickwork, ornament, entrance, balconies, and windows…The towers with their futuristic crowning pinnacles are one of New York City’s major architectural adornments” – Landmarks designation report

Select which properties are of interest to you:

Life at The Eldorado

The Eldorado, #7L
$2,395,000

The Eldorado, #10J
$3,950,000 (-9.1%)

The Eldorado, #16B
$6,700,000

The Eldorado, #22D
$7,500,000 (-6.2%)

This is your member's center

In this article:

History

“The Eldorado is a fine essay in Art Deco design as expressed in the brickwork, ornament, entrance, balconies, and windows…The towers with their futuristic crowning pinnacles are one of New York City’s major architectural adornments” – Landmarks designation report

Select which properties are of interest to you:

Life at The Eldorado

The Eldorado, #7L$2,395,000

The Eldorado, #10J$3,950,000 (-9.1%)

The Eldorado, #16B$6,700,000

The Eldorado, #22D$7,500,000 (-6.2%)

Select which properties are of interest to you:

Listings in this article

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The Eldorado, #7L
$2,395,000

The Eldorado, #10J
$3,950,000 (-9.1%)

The Eldorado, #16B
$6,700,000

The Eldorado, #22D
$7,500,000 (-6.2%)