New York City is interesting for its integration between what was, what is, and what’s next. Even as glassy new developments go up with open layouts, warm material palettes, and lofty proportions that nod to our industrial past, one defining detail remains difficult to replicate: exposed brick. Found most authentically in converted loft buildings, townhouses, and prewar residences, these walls carry texture and a sense of permanence, adding visual interest to any space.
In neighborhoods like Tribeca, SoHo, and along the Brooklyn waterfront, parts of the city rich with industrial conversions, brick does more than add texture. It anchors a home in its architectural past. Just like cobblestone streets peeking through asphalt, exposed brick offers a direct connection to earlier versions of the city. Listings that retain these original elements, whether brickwork, timber beams, or arched windows, often command a premium among buyers seeking character over clean lines and polish. Even those who don’t actively pursue the aesthetic tend to recognize its draw.
In this article:
The Stratton, #PH6AB
$2,995,000
Riverside Dr./West End Ave. | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 4 Baths | 2,042 ft2
The Stratton, #PH6AB (Compass)
At the same time, exposed brick is not just an aesthetic choice. In many cases, these walls are structural or part of the original building envelope. Their structural integrity contributes to their feeling of solidity, and they often do provide modest sound attenuation. Exposed brick can make hanging artwork or adding shelving more difficult than on drywall. Drilling into masonry or mortar requires care, the right tools, and sometimes building approvals. Some owners lean into the limitation, treating the wall itself as art, while others use brick clips or anchor into mortar joints.
There are also maintenance and performance nuances to keep in mind. Brick is porous, and in older buildings the mortar may require upkeep or sealing to prevent dust or deterioration. Also, depending on where the wall(s) is in the unit, it can slightly darken a room. However, with thoughtful treatment, whether sealing, whitewashing, or simply balancing it with lighter finishes, exposed brick can bring warmth and depth to the room.
So, no matter how modern a renovation may be, exposed brick creates a dialogue between today and the past that few materials can match. While some developers attempt to recreate the look with veneers, there is a clear difference between imitation and the real thing. Find below a list and round-up of available homes with exposed brick walls in the unit.
Select residences for sale with exposed brick
410 West 23rd Street, #2E (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)
521 East 83rd Street, #1W (Compass)
Little Gramercy, #2A (Compass)
115 Eighth Avenue, #9 (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)
221 West 21st Street, #1C (Compass)
350 East 78th Street, #1 (Howard Hanna NYC)
The Schuyler Arms, #3EN
$1,249,000
Riverside Dr./West End Ave. | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,100 ft2
The Schuyler Arms, #3EN (Christies International Real Estate Group LLC)
318 Second Avenue, #4 (Compass)
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Factory Lofts, #1C (Compass)
33 Tompkins Place, #3 (Compass)
791 Greenwich Street, #3 (Corcoran Group)
652 Broadway, #6F (The Agency Brokerage)
17 East 17th Street, #2
$2,495,000
Flatiron/Union Square | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,577 ft2
17 East 17th Street, #2 (Serhant)
The Esquire Building, #6A (Corcoran Group)
239 President Street, #1
$2,950,000
Carroll Gardens | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 2,182 ft2
239 President Street, #1 (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)
25 East 4th Street, #2 (Compass)
The West Broadway Arches, #5F (Compass)
140 Greene Street, #3R (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)
168 Coffey Street, #HOUSE (Realty Collective LLC)
The Fischer Mills Building, #2F (Compass)
100 Prince Street, #5W (Revived Residential)
The Halloran, #PH8CD (Corcoran Group)
Lifesaver Lofts, #5B (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)
35 West 23rd Street, #2
$5,995,000
Flatiron/Union Square | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 3,400 ft2
35 West 23rd Street, #2 (Corcoran Group)
The Spears Building, #5A (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)
The Fischer Mills Building, #THB (Serhant)
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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