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Between the onerous application process, an influx of flashy new condos, and the memory of labor shortages and supply chain woes caused by the pandemic, prewar co-ops have fallen somewhat out of favor in recent times. However, some speculate that there is still a market for them. Lisa Lippman, the Brown Harris Stevens broker marketing the Central Park West home of tech executive Vikas Kapoor, points out that her client’s co-op offers greater value and lower monthly costs than a condo of similar size.

Moreover, even the most amenity-rich condos cannot offer the cachet of prewar co-ops that have historically counted the rich and powerful over the years. As such, Bonnie Chajet of Coldwell Banker Warburg, one of the listing brokers for news anchor Peter Jennings’ co-op on Central Park West, is optimistic about this apartment, saying that homes like this one will be in high demand regardless of economic climate. Indeed, a number of April 2023’s most expensive and noteworthy celebrity listings were located in prestigious prewar cooperatives.

In this article:

955 Fifth Avenue
955 Fifth Avenue Park/Fifth Ave. to 79th St.
SoHo 25, 25 West Houston Street
SoHo 25, 25 West Houston Street SoHo
The Volney, 23 East 74th Street
The Volney, 23 East 74th Street Park/Fifth Ave. to 79th St.
234 West 138th Street
234 West 138th Street Harlem
101 Central Park West
101 Central Park West Central Park West

Vikas Kapoor — Listed for $20,000,000

271-Central-Park-West-01 271 Central Park West, #12W (Brown Harris Stevens); Vikas Kapoor (By Mezocliq, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=58361331)
Central Park West co-ops
Upper West Side co-ops
In 2010, tech entrepreneur Vikas Kapoor and his wife Jaishri, a former investment banker, bought their Central Park West apartment for $14 million. Thirteen years later, it is on the market for what Crain’s New York Business notes is one of the highest-priced co-ops on the Upper West Side. While Central Park is directly across the street, the apartment enjoys a massive private terrace and is located in a building with a private basketball half-court.

From the Listing:
This exceptional duplex boasts five bedrooms and five and half bathrooms, a library, and an office and offering both direct and side views of Central Park and open west views as well! Off of a semi-private elevator landing, the welcoming foyer opens up to an elegant staircase with a double height ceiling. The oversized, South facing living room with over 10 foot ceilings boasts a fireplace and four windows that stream in light and provide big side views of Central Park. Adjacent to the living room is a grand dining room that is perfect for entertaining and also has a south exposure and side Park views.

The windowed chef’s kitchen features top-of-the-line appliances, custom cabinetry and a massive adjacent pantry or staff room with more cabinet space and a full bathroom. On this floor there are also three very large bedrooms with open views south and west, serviced by two beautifully renovated bathrooms. The upper level of this apartment gives access to the fabulous terrace! The terrace wraps around the apartment to the east, south and west with unparalleled Park, City, Midtown and River views. It is fabulously landscaped and designed, providing for endless possibilities for entertaining and relaxing.
1 Available Listing for Sale for $20,000,000

Barbara Walters — Listed for $19,750,000

944-Fifth-Avenue-01 944 Fifth Avenue, #6 (Compass); Barbara Walters ( Rubenstein - Barbara Walters and Sir Howard StringerUploaded by Tabercil, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=115287531)
Fifth Avenue co-ops
Upper East Side co-ops
Months after the death of pioneering journalist Barbara Walters, her longtime Fifth Avenue home has been listed. The Wall Street Journal noted that Ms. Walters frequently entertained guests and potential interviewees alike in her apartment, and that it remains filled with antiques and other mementos from her life (no word on whether these are for sale, too).

From the Listing:
There is such a special feeling in this wonderful full floor apartment on Fifth Avenue and 75th Street, the most coveted and beloved location on The Upper East Side. The scale of the entrance gallery and rooms, the views to Central Park at just the perfect height, and the knowledge that so many wonderful dinner parties and meetings have happened in this chic residence make this a most unique residence. The living room, with a wood burning fireplace and ceilings over 10 feet, stretches along Fifth Avenue with three big picture windows framing the Park views. The room is generous enough for multiple seating areas as well as a baby grand piano.

Graceful, wide openings between the living room, dining room and charming library create wonderfully connected entertaining rooms all with Central Park exposures. The wood paneled primary bedroom suite with two large windows showcasing views of the Park, has its own wood-burning fireplace and feels like an escape to a beautiful hotel in the French countryside. There are two baths and a sitting room/office attached to the primary bedroom, as well as abundant closet space.
2 Available Listings for Sale from $19,750,000

Richard Kirshenbaum — Listed for $11,900,000

955-Fifth-Avenue-01 955 Fifth Avenue, #4/5A (Sotheby's International Realty)
Upper East Side co-ops
NYC co-ops
When the New York Observer (RIP) was in its heyday, advertising executive Richard Kirshenbaum contributed a column called “Isn’t It Rich?” that gently mocked wealthy New Yorkers. While he never mentioned his sources by name, it was widely understood that they were inspired by his neighbors at his Fifth Avenue cooperative. Crain’s New York Business reported that he will have to seek inspiration elsewhere – he and his wife, former entertainment publicist Dana Geier-Kirshenbaum, have listed the apartment.

From the Listing:
Luxury Fifth Avenue duplex with direct Park views. This non-replicable residence is a modern masterpiece that accentuates a naturally elevated and gracious lifestyle. This architecturally significant duplex boasts over 70 feet of direct Central Park views over two floors. The extraordinary home underwent a meticulous four-year designer renovation and is in triple mint condition, offering 13 voluminous rooms, 5 bedrooms, and 5.5 bathrooms, spanning nearly 5,000 square feet.

The gallery foyer boasts high ceilings and is modeled after a 16th century Venetian Palazzo. The Carerra marble floors have geometric patterns. A custom designed, Lindsey Adelman chandelier hangs 20 feet above the double height staircase. This impressive reception room has custom Venetian plaster walls that grace the staircase area and upper foyer walls along with LED lighting. Nearby is a full marble guest bathroom and a powder room adorned with custom beaten nickel basin. Throughout the home are original extra wide plank oak floors, central air conditioning, linear AC diffusers, intercom system, Lutron lighting, Sonos sound system, Water Works fixtures, custom wood radiator covers, 15 out-fitted closets, and sleek custom-crafted millwork.
4 Available Listings for Sale from $5,995,000

Peter Jennings — Listed for $10,450,000

101-Central-Park-West-01 101 Central Park West, #11B (Coldwell Banker Warburg); Peter Jennings (Peabody Awards - IMG_0285, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=46050875)
Central Park West co-ops
Upper West Side co-ops
This just in: A few blocks up the street from ABC News studio and the block named in his honor, Kayce Freed Jennings, the widow of ABC World News Tonight anchor Peter Jennings, has listed the apartment they shared. In the time that the couple lived there, they teamed up on renovations and hosted a number of book parties and benefits in the apartment. Ms. Jennings told The Wall Street Journal that she is looking to downsize.

From the Listing:
Indulge in the ultimate luxury with this exceptional high-floor corner classic 9 residence, perfectly situated on the southeast corner of one of Central Park West’s most coveted pre-war cooperatives. This iconic residence boasts grand prewar rooms that have been renovated to include central AC, modern kitchen and baths, and ample outfitted closets. As soon as you step into the elegant 17 x 15 foot gallery, you will be immediately captivated by the stunning views of Central Park that can be seen from the magnificent 30-foot living room featuring three oversized windows and a wood-burning fireplace. With soaring ceilings and multiple seating areas, this space is perfect for entertaining or simply relaxing.

The oversized dining room, measuring 14 x 27 feet, offers exterior windows that face west, providing breathtaking views of the classic Upper West Side brownstones and evening sunsets. The eat-in kitchen is a chef’s dream, boasting top-of-the-line appliances and ample storage space. A separate washer/dryer area completes this wing of the home, adding to the convenience and comfort of your daily life. The southern wing of the residence features three main bedrooms plus a beautiful wood paneled library, all facing south. The oversized primary bedroom suite occupies the corner position facing east and south, offering clear open views of Central Park and downtown.
4 Available Listings for Sale from $4,250,000

Steve Nash — Listed for $6,250,000

82-Amity-Street-01 82 Amity Street, #TH (Leslie J. Garfield); Steve Nash (Wiki Commons)
Cobble Hill townhouses
Brooklyn townhouses
82 Amity Street
Months after former NBA All-Star Steve Nash was fired as coach of the Brooklyn Nets, he has listed his Cobble Hill townhouse about a mile from Barclays Center (h/t New York Post). It returns to the market over two years after he bought it for $4,995,000.

From the Listing:
Located in one of Brooklyn’s most coveted neighborhoods, 82 Amity Street is truly a rare opportunity. This 20’-wide, turnkey townhome has been thoughtfully designed in a Scandinavian motif after a meticulous gut renovation. Features include a custom curved plaster staircase, hand-scraped wide plank white oak floors, exposed white brick, and modern steel casement doors and windows along the garden and parlor rear walls. The grand stoop entry leads directly into a spacious and light parlor floor with living, dining, and kitchen seamlessly connected together.

The formal living room is anchored by a gorgeous original marble mantle and the chef’s kitchen is outfitted with Space Theory cabinetry by Henry Built, Bosch and Bertazzoni appliances, and an oversized island with white quartz countertops. The rear glass wall overlooks the lovely landscaped garden. On the garden floor, there is a gracious guest bedroom with a full bathroom and a rear sunken living room with custom built-ins and exposed white brick walls. The rear window wall looks out to the sun-soaked garden, creating a lovely indoor/outdoor connection.

Julianna Margulies — Listed for $5,850,000

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25-West-Houston-Street-01 Soho 25, #7C (Core Group Marketing LLC); Julianna Margulies (Flickr - Live Stream)
Soho condos
NYC condos
In 2004, midway through her Emmy Award-winning stint on ER, Julianna Margulies bought a Soho condo for $2,438,708 shortly after the building was completed. She sold it for $5.7 million in 2019, and it has returned to the market. When the New York Post announced the listing, it noted that the seller stands to make a modest profit if it goes for the asking price.

From the Listing:
Welcome home to Residence 7C, this stunning 2,500-square-foot, three-bedroom, loft-like corner unit boasts soaring 10.5-foot ceilings and an abundance of natural light in SoHo’s premier condominium, SoHo 25. Entering through the proper foyer, nine oversized windows lead you into the living areas while offering picturesque city views to the north and east. A carefully curated state-of-the-art chef’s kitchen is equipped with crafted steel shelves, a Corian Island countertop, reverse-painted glass backsplash, and top-of-the-line appliances by Sub-Zero, Miele, and Viking. Natural light pours into the adjacent living and dining room which is defined by its rounded corner.

The vibrant and elegant primary bedroom features two closets, a massive walk-in closet, and an en-suite bathroom with double sinks and a deep-soaking tub. The second bedroom also includes an en-suite bath and two closets. The third bedroom offers beautiful built-in shelving and a spacious closet. Additional home features include maple flooring throughout, abundant storage space, a washer/dryer in unit, and double-pane windows.
4 Available Listings for Sale from $1,495,000
1 Available Listing for Rent for $12,750/month

Ye — Listed for $5,400,000

25-West-Houston-Street-02 Soho 25, #4BC (Official); Ye (Flickr - The Celebs Fact)
Soho condos
NYC condos
On the same day the New York Post announced that Julianna Margulies’ Soho apartment was on the market (see above), the tabloid also announced that a combination unit owned by controversial musician Ye (ne Kanye West) had also hit the market. During the time he owned the Claudio Silvestrin-designed home, it was featured in Vogue, and then-partner Kim Kardashian later lived there with him. He sold the condo for $3 million in June 2020 taking a loss on it.

From the Listing:
Welcome to newly-renovated residence 4BC at SoHo 25, designed by renowned Italian minimalist architect Claudio Silvestrin. Just having completed a two-year renovation, this modern three-bedroom, three-bathroom home showcases the highest standards of design, architecture, and scale. As you enter the 2,500-square-foot space, you’ll immediately feel a sense of tranquility. The foyer features soft lighting and discreet floor-to-ceiling storage lining the hallway.

Thirteen oversized windows frame picturesque city views to the north and east, leading you into the living areas. The kitchen boasts a striking monolithic stone island complementing the pearwood cabinets, French limestone flooring, and a natural color palette throughout the home. The top-of-the-line Pedini kitchen is outfitted with a Gaggenau fridge, dual Gaggenau steam ovens, and a Minotti island. The open and bright living and dining rooms create a seamless space for hosting guests, with almost 10-foot ceilings and ample room for displaying artwork.
4 Available Listings for Sale from $1,495,000
1 Available Listing for Rent for $12,750/month

Henry Cobb — Listed for $3,495,000

969-Fifth-Avenue-01 969 Fifth Avenue, #1/2F (Brown Harris Stevens)
Upper East Side co-ops
Fifth Avenue co-ops
Acclaimed architect Henry Cobb’s portfolio includes the John Hancock Tower in Boston, the Goldman Sachs tower in Battery Park City, and the Fifth Avenue duplex he and his artist wife Joan bought in the 1960s. According to the listing, he designed the home so that the living spaces face tree-lined East 78th Street and the bedroom enjoys peaceful Central Park views. Crain’s New York Business reported that the apartment is on the market following the October 2022 death of Joan Cobb (Henry predeceased her in 2020), who used a room on the lower level as a sculpture studio.

From the Listing:
This lovely apartment was cleverly designed by Cobb so that many of the living spaces face treelined 78th street and the handsome limestone facade of the Duke mansion through a long line of windows. On the second floor, the primary bedroom and adjacent library (with wood burning fireplace) enjoy verdant views of Central Park. This suite also has a large windowed bathroom and gracious dressing room with multiple closets.

The generous, gourmet eat-in kitchen has a restaurant grade cooktop, two Gaggenau ovens, and a Traulsen refrigerator. Behind this are a full bath, massive laundry room with pantry storage, and a small bedroom with two sunny exposures. The first floor offers multiple uses for a purchaser. The two main rooms were used as an office and a sculpture studio (with wood-burning fireplace), and there is an adjoining full bath. These spaces could easily serve as a guest suite, playroom, home office with waiting room, the choices are endless.
1 Available Listing for Sale for $3,495,000

Jenette Kahn — Listed for $3,250,000

234-West-138th-Street-01 234 West 138th Street, #TH (Sotheby's International Realty); Jenette Kahn (CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=16279682)
Harlem townhouses
Upper Manhattan townhouses
NYC townhouses
Publishing executive Jenette Kahn has brought her eye for art to MAD Magazine, DC Comics, her film production company, and the Harlem townhouse she bought for $464,000 in 1996. She told The New York Times that she estimates putting about the same amount of money into renovations, but nevertheless stands to make quite a profit as she and partner Al Williams, whom she met when he was a contractor on her house, prepare to make their lakeside home in Connecticut their permanent one.

From the Listing:
This expansive property features five bedrooms, formal dining room, living room, library, eat-in-kitchen, windowed home office, kitchenette, quiet garden, six fireplaces, exceptional space for storage, and private parking.

The impressive L-shaped stoop of brownstone and black ironwork leads to the grand Parlor floor. A perfect stage for entertaining, it boasts 11-foot high ceilings, a well-proportioned living room, gallery, and library. It retains much of the original and elegant 19th century design with quarter-sawn oak wainscoting, three fireplaces and a majestic staircase that cascades into the central gallery.

Stairs from the gallery lead down to the garden floor where you’re transported to a light and airy kitchen with clean modern lines. The full-width kitchen boasts a custom-designed island, stainless steel cabinetry, and colorfully executed breakfast banquette. Separate cocktail area is framed by a playful illuminated wall of ascending "champagne" bubbles.

Lena Horne — Listed for $1,075,000

23-East-74th-Street-01 The Volney, #5G (The Corcoran Group); Lena Horne (Film screenshot - Till the Clouds Roll By film, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7148128)
Upper East Side co-ops
NYC co-ops
A short time after entertainer/activist Lena Horne’s Upper East Side home closed, another one of the five Upper East Side units she owned in the same building has returned to the market. The New York Post noted that she used this apartment as a personal office and that the current owners bought it for $825,000 in 2018 and embarked on a series of renovations.

From the Listing:
23 East 74th St. #5G was exquisitely renovated and almost untouched since completion. Formerly owned by legendary entertainer and activist Lena Horne and used as her office, it was sold in 2018 and the current owner has renovated this to perfection for your enjoyment. No expense was spared in this meticulously renovated, triple MINT condition home.

A gracious foyer welcomes you into this pin-drop quiet home. The expanded kitchen was opened to flow seamlessly into the living space; featuring custom cabinetry, Caesarstone counter-tops, and a Gaggenau appliance package - everything perfectly placed, with plentiful storage, thoughtful prep-space, and all conveniences considered to make this a perfect "cook’s kitchen." The oversized living room with a three windowed wall allows enough space for dining, formal living-space and a second exposure that became the optimal space for a custom, built-in bench/daybed, and secondary storage station.
3 Available Listings for Sale from $1,075,000

Charlotte Gainsbourg — Listed for $23,500/month

55-North-Moore-Street-01 55 North Moore Street, #PH (The Corcoran Group); Charlotte Gainsbourg (Harald Krichel - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=115336862)
Tribeca co-ops
Tribeca lofts
Tribeca is one of New York’s most star-studded neighborhoods, and that galaxy included French actress/singer Charlotte Gainsbourg from 2015 to 2017. The New York Post noted that she was the most recent tenant in a one-of-a-kind loft penthouse that the owners lived in after she left, and that they have put it back on the market for rent.

From the Listing:
This one-of-a-kind penthouse is a stunning 4-bedroom, 3-bath loft perched atop an intimate and historic Tribeca building. Old-world 19th century details like exposed brick walls, white tin ceilings and original wood beam columns are matched by the finest modern finishes and a sea of natural light via double-pane windows and three dramatic skylights.

A private key-locked elevator opens into the magnificent great room, a loft-style space spanning 2,000 square feet and offering ample room for living, dining and entertaining. A residence like this is a spacious sanctuary that you can fashion into a real home in the city. The large gas fireplace with a marble mantle and sitting bench adds warmth to the sky-lit room. Cook to your heart’s delight in the open chef’s kitchen, equipped with a large Allavino wine closet, Viking range, vented hood, two built-in dishwashers, tasteful period cabinets and two food pantries.
1 Available Listing for Rent for $23,500/month

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Content Specialist Michelle Mazzarella Michelle is a contributing writer and editor for real estate news in New York City