See the most desirable prewar design features + NYC listings rich in Old World details

By CityRealty Staff | From Great Listings Tuesday, December 20, 2022

They don't make them like they used to! (45 East 9th Street, #72 - The Agency Brokerage)

When a listing is described as being in "white box" condition, it's exactly what it sounds like - a minimally finished space with the most basic of finishes. Some appreciate that, either because it won't compete with sweeping views or because it allows them to more easily put their own stamp on a space. Others, however, find it boring, especially compared to the grand interiors of old.

As such, some designers are working popular prewar designs into their new developments so as to offer the best of both worlds. One example can be seen at 109 East 79th Street, the new Upper East Side condominium that has incorporated sunken living rooms into select units. This has proven popular - many of these have already sold or entered contract at high prices, and the two current availabilities do not have this feature. We take a look at popular prewar design features, what homeowners get out of them, and listings in new and old buildings alike featuring them.

Crown Moldings

In prewar buildings, S-shaped moldings on top of a cove were installed to hide the cracks between the ceilings and the walls. Today, crown moldings are mostly enjoyed as a feature that adds character to a room.

108 Leonard, #9C
$4,735,000

Tribeca | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 1,922 ft²

108 Leonard, #9C (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Paying homage to the most coveted elements of an architectural masterpiece at 108 Leonard, ornamental majesty and historic provenance are leveraged anew with fresh modern forms and contemporary design priorities. This 1,922-square-foot 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath residence features uncompromised scale, volume and character. Upon arrival, a spacious foyer and gallery proceed to an exceptional great room with dramatic windows, expansive walls for art and ceiling heights in excess of 10'. Gorgeous wide plank gray oak flooring arranged in a chevron pattern runs throughout entertaining and transitional spaces. Custom designed by Jeffrey Beers International exclusively for 108 Leonard, Scavolini kitchen cabinetry is featured in an open plan with a Calacatta Vagli marble countertop, backsplash, and waterfall island replete with supplemental storage and ideal for both every day and occasional entertaining. See floor plan and full details here.

The San Remo, #8A
$7,500,000

Central Park West | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths

The San Remo, #8A (Compass)

From the Listing: Make this masterfully renovated and exquisitely designed San Remo 7-room apartment your new home. The grand scale layout, spanning approximately 3,000 square feet, offers 3 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms enhanced by beautiful contemporary and classic finishes, prewar details, hardwood floors, tall ceilings and delightful open views of landmarked townhouses, gardens and the iconic Upper West Side cityscape. A sun-flooded spacious living room and formal dining/family room flank opposite ends of the central entrance gallery, creating a wonderful expanse suitable for relaxed daily life and elegant entertaining. Additional features include a windowed home office and large eat-in chef's kitchen. The corner primary bedroom suite boasts a king-sized layout with ensuite dressing area and marble bathroom. See floor plan and full details here.

The Dakota, #47
$9,500,000 (-12.8%)

Central Park West | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths | 3,800 ft²

The Dakota, #47 (Coldwell Banker Warburg)

From the Listing: Meticulously restored three-bedroom apartment at The Dakota beaming with historic character and detail, five wood-burning fireplaces, soaring 14' ceilings, and countless modern-day appointments catering to today's lifestyles. An elegant foyer exudes Gilded Age grandeur with 14' ceilings and leads to two splendid entertaining spaces: a large formal living room and library, each appointed with an original mahogany-paneled wood-burning fireplace, inlaid wood floors, original hardware, and solid mahogany pocket doors. Radiating from these spaces are the east-facing family room and the sunny, spacious eat-in kitchen. Adjacent to the kitchen lies the “piece de resistance” – the formal dining room, which can comfortably seat 20 or more people. Extraordinary detail adorns every space – from restored woodwork and period pieces to hand stenciling on walls and ceilings. See floor plan and full details here.

Coffered Ceilings

In architectural terms, "coffer" means "indentation" and can refer to grid patterns in any shape (rectangles, octagons, or squares were the most popular). In addition to looking extremely dramatic, they have the benefit of absorbing excess sound. However, Bob Vila advises that they work best in rooms with high ceilings and can look too claustrophobic otherwise. Modern acoustic technology allows for smoother ceilings in new developments, but they remain eye-catching.

Goodhue House, #14M
$899,000

Murray Hill | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

Goodhue House, #14M (Compass)

From the Listing: As you enter, immediately you'll notice the beautiful renovations and expansive and open floor plan of residence 14M. Through the foyer is an oversized double entryway closet, and a home office alcove. As you continue in, the newly renovated kitchen includes an oversized marble island, custom built floor-to-ceiling wood cabinetry, deep-basin sink, stainless steel faucet and new top of the line appliances, including wine refrigerator and dishwasher. Adjacent to the kitchen is the windowed dining area and oversized living room with western exposure allowing for ample natural light and lovely city views, including that of the Empire State Building. With its beautiful mouldings defining the high coffered ceilings, ebony hardwood floor finishes, a renovated bathroom and tremendous bedroom including two large ceiling-height closets and an additional built in for plenty of in unit organizing of your wardrobe, shoes and accessories. See floor plan and full details here.

The Sherry Netherland, #2307
$1,775,000 (-31.7%)

Park/Fifth Ave. to 79th St. | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1.5 Baths

The Sherry Netherland, #2307 (Fox Residential Group Inc)

From the Listing: Investors are invited to visit this super special triple mint, tastefully renovated one bedroom, one and one half bath apartment now available at the world-renowned Sherry-Netherland hotel with Central Park just outside the door. The pristine renovations done in the apartment incorporate the building's historic elements such as coffered ceilings, intricate wood parquet floors, custom lighting, closets galore and a distinctive barrel vaulted entrance foyer. In addition the apartment features windowed marble baths, a decorative fireplace and a washer/dryer. See floor plan and full details here.

45 East 9th Street, #72
$2,500,000 (-10.6%)

Greenwich Village | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 1.5 Baths

45 East 9th Street, #72 (The Agency Brokerage)

From the Listing: Step inside the gracious entry foyer into a dazzling great room boasting hardwood floors, a striking wall of windows and soaring double-height 16-foot coffered ceilings. A stately, cozy wood-burning brick fireplace and two built-in arched bookshelves complete the ambiance. Adjacent to the great room is an airy bedroom/den with classic French doors and a charming balcony. Cloaking the walls of the bedroom is a magical, calming custom mural painted by artist Russ Elliot, who worked on the famous Bemmelman and Erte murals in the Upper East Side's Rosewood Carlyle Hotel. The chic windowed chef's kitchen features stainless steel appliances, a gas range and granite countertops. See floor plan and full details here.

Herringbone Floors

In fashion and architecture alike, "herringbone" refers to an arrangement of rectangles that bears a resemblance to the bones of a fish. Precision is key when laying the wood to create the pattern for flooring, which may explain why we're seeing wide-plank floors more often in new developments. However, herringbone floors have the benefit of drawing the eye forward and creating a dramatic effect, especially in a large-scale space.

49 East 86th Street, #6A
$1,485,000

Carnegie Hill | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 1,580 ft²

49 East 86th Street, #6A (Fox Residential Group Inc)

From the Listing: Great possibilities await you in a full-service luxury prewar building right in the heart of Carnegie Hill at 86th Street and Madison Avenue. This bright and spacious apartment is currently configured as two bedrooms and an office but is easily convertible to a three-bedroom apartment. With sunny open southern exposures, the apartment has high ceilings and gracious space. The entry foyer opens to a large living room facing south with a decorative fireplace and big windows. The two bedrooms, each with a full bath and generous closets, are separated from the living space down a hall. There is a large dining room (16' x 12'), which leads to the adjacent kitchen kitchen/pantry. All original hardwood floors are in good condition and the layout is ideal for entertaining and intimate living. See floor plan and full details here.

The Peter Stuyvesant, #6C
$2,150,000

Riverside Dr./West End Ave. | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

The Peter Stuyvesant, #6C (Compass)

From the Listing: Move right into this stunning sun-flooded prewar renovated classic six home with spectacular unobstructed views of Riverside Park and the Hudson River! The elevator opens to semi-private landing leading to an elegant foyer. As one enters the apartment one is struck by the Old World grandeur in this spacious 3-bedroom home with its soaring 10' ceilings and impressive prewar details including inlaid herringbone floors, dentil moldings, and wainscoting, which have been painstakingly preserved by the current owners. The gracious living room offers breathtaking views of the park and river which are magnificent by both day and night, especially at sunset. See floor plan and full details here.

40 East End Avenue, #12B
$4,735,990

Yorkville | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 1,959 ft²

40 East End Avenue, #12B (Corcoran Sunshine Marketing Group)

From the Listing: Residence 12B is a bespoke half-floor, three-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom home designed by renowned architect Deborah Berke Partners. Spanning approximately 1,959 square feet, this generously scaled residence features 10-foot ceilings, over-sized casement windows, custom moldings, 8-foot doorways and white oak herringbone flooring. The windowed closed chef's kitchen boasts high-gloss lacquer painted Italian cabinetry complemented by hand-selected Italian Arabescato Cervaiole marble slabs, sophisticated appliances by Gaggenau and ample storage space. The generous primary bedroom suite contains a gracious walk-in closet and en-suite primary bathroom with hand selected Arabescato Cervaiole marble. Private storage is included in purchase. See floor plan and full details here.

Would you like to tour any of these properties?

Just complete the info below.

Step-Down Living Rooms

Step-down living rooms are also known as sunken living rooms or "conversation pits," as architect Bruce Goff dubbed it when he installed one in an Art Deco house in 1927. Designers and developers eventually came to see them as tripping hazards and stopped including them in their buildings, but their sense of grandeur and appearances on The Dick Van Dyke Show and Mad Men alike have immortalized them in many a New Yorker's imagination.

Eastgate, #7D
$849,000

Lenox Hill | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 900 ft²

Eastgate, #7D (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: A prewar classic 1-bedroom/1-bath home in the well known Bing & Bing Eastgate Buildings. This apartment is in excellent condition with dual north and east exposures. Apartment features a large arched entry foyer with dining area, step down living room, decorative fireplace, windowed renovated galley kitchen, windowed bathroom, oak parquet floors and four oversized closets, three of which are walk-in. See floor plan and full details here.

20 Clinton Street, #6G
$1,325,000 (-7%)

Lower East Side | Condominium | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 726 ft²

20 Clinton Street, #6G (Nest Seekers LLC)

From the Listing: This gorgeous renovated large one-bedroom condo with eight windows and three exposures throughout and is perfectly situated on the top floor of an Art Deco elevator building on trendy Clinton Street. The apartment offers large rooms, a proper foyer, step down living room, city quiet windows, a newly renovated windowed bathroom and a partially open kitchen. The primary bedroom is one and half times the size of most bedrooms, has three windows with two exposures and has ample space for a sitting area. See floor plan and full details here.

180 East 79th Street, #10E
$2,495,000

Lenox Hill | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths

180 East 79th Street, #10E (Fox Residential Group Inc)

From the Listing: This superb, high floor, approximately 2,400-square-foot E-line apartment is available for the first time in many years in a wonderful prewar co-op building. All the classic original details and finishes remain intact. Enter from a semi-private elevator landing into a huge foyer that extends across the width of the spectacularly wide step-down living room with a wood burning fireplace and large picture windows. It is flanked on the east by an almost equally large formal dining room and on the west by the bedroom wing. Off the entry foyer is an eat-in kitchen and a very spacious staff room, home office or third bedroom with a full bath. See floor plan and full details here.

Built-in Bookshelves

In the age of e-books, minimalism, custom closets, and open floor plans, built-in bookcases and shelving are not in significant demand. But decades ago, they had the benefit of adding storage without eating into an apartment's precious square footage.

264 Lexington Avenue, #10A
$1,140,000 (-4.2%)

Murray Hill | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath

264 Lexington Avenue, #10A (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: This spacious, beautifully renovated 2-bedroom apartment has great ceiling height, incredible natural sunlight, a working fireplace, and undeniable pre-war charm. This high-floor gem is an east-facing corner unit that features oversized windows, generous 9.5' ceilings and three exposures. As you enter, you are greeted by a welcoming entry foyer, and you'll notice the living area is completely separated from the bedrooms. The windowed kitchen and bath provide extra light and air along with excellent views of the Empire State Building. Restored hardwood floors, custom built-ins, and wood burning fireplace provide incredible warmth and character. See floor plan and full details here.

44 East 67th Street, #4D
$1,395,000 (-6.7%)

Park/Fifth Ave. to 79th St. | Condominium | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 874 ft²

44 East 67th Street, #4D (Compass)

From the Listing: Pre-war, Candela-designed, corner condominium positioned on one of the most desirable streets on the Upper East Side! The apartment features a sunny southern exposure, herringbone floors, beamed ceilings, a windowed kitchen and bathroom, and a wall of built-in shelving. 44 East 67th Street is a full-service, pet-friendly elevator condominium with 24-hour doorman/concierge, full-time resident manager, a large laundry room in the basement, bike storage, and a common courtyard. See floor plan and full details here.

The Parc Vendome, #18C
$3,950,000

Midtown West | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths | 2,600 ft²

The Parc Vendome, #18C (Coldwell Banker Warburg)

From the Listing: Offered by the estate of Vartan Gregorian, the world renowned philanthropic foundation and university leader, historian, and humanist, this residence hits every note on your wish list. The story begins the moment you enter the gracious entrance foyer lined with bookshelves, and continues through every room of this beautiful, grand-scaled apartment with light pouring in from every window. It features two large primary bedrooms each with an ensuite bath, a third bedroom/office, an additional full bath, a grand-scale living room with wood-burning fireplace, the perfectly proportioned dining room and finally the wonderful kitchen/great room only imagined in your dream country home. See floor plan and full details here.

Arched Openings

For a time, arched doorways and entries were seen as a quaint feature of yesteryear and an indication that an apartment was not exactly new. But what's old is new again, and design enthusiasts appreciate how they add charm and character to an otherwise unremarkable space. Some intrepid DIYers have even gone so far as to add them to their modern homes, but the arches are already in place at many prewar listings.

447 East 57th Street, #2A
$1,575,000

Beekman/Sutton Place | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths

447 East 57th Street, #2A (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Located on one of the most idyllic blocks in Manhattan, 447 East 57 Street in Sutton Place epitomizes prewar luxury. The home's design showcases many of the details and accents for which Candela was known, including stunning millwork and crown moldings. The over 26' living space beyond the foyer is illuminated by three oversized, double-hung windows overlooking 57th Street. The recently upgraded chef's kitchen features top-of-the-line appliances, including Wolf wall ovens and a cooktop, a Miele dishwasher, and a Sub-Zero refrigerator and wine cooler. The 17'9" x 16'9" primary bedroom features abundant closet space and a newly renovated ensuite marble bath. See floor plan and full details here.

590 West End Avenue, #PHB
$1,799,000

Riverside Dr./West End Ave. | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 990 ft²

590 West End Avenue, #PHB (Compass)

From the Listing: This mint renovated and brilliantly sunny one-bedroom, one-bathroom penthouse measures approximately 990 interior square feet, and includes two charming walled terraces. Upgraded to include chic fittings in the primary bathroom and windowed kitchen, this apartment also features a marble-clad wood-burning fireplace in the living room, and handsome pale parquet floors throughout. One enters this space via a gracious dining area flanked by a windowed kitchen to the south, and a terrace to the east--perfectly situated to accommodate outdoor dining for both morning coffees and evenings with friends. An arched entry connects the dining space with the apartment's gracious main entertaining area. See floor plan and full details here.

1165 Fifth Avenue, #14/15C
$6,950,000 (-7.3%)

Carnegie Hill | Cooperative | 5 Bedrooms, 5 Baths | 3,800 ft²

1165 Fifth Avenue, #14/15C (Coldwell Banker Warburg)

From the Listing: This incredible home is a one-of-a-kind combination of two C-Line apartments at 1165 Fifth Avenue, featuring a sprawling layout of grand scale rooms, 9-foot+ ceilings, wide-open eastern exposures, and southern peeks of Central Park and the reservoir. The renovation required a complete transformation of the layout, and the result is a beautifully conceived apartment that includes five bedrooms, five full bathrooms, and multiple formal and casual living spaces. Upon entry from the 15th floor, a gracious entry foyer leads to a large traditional living room with wood-burning fireplace and herringbone floors, that connects to a long and wide formal dining room that's ideal for entertaining. The custom-built staircase off the kitchen leads to the 14th floor, which includes three additional bedrooms, three full baths and two versatile living spaces. Storage transfers with the apartment. See floor plan and full details here.

Ornate Mantlepieces

In prewar and modern homes alike, fireplaces naturally act as the focal point of a living room. However, today's fireplaces tend to be decorative and with more streamlined designs, as opposed to the ornately carved mantlepieces that were likely to be found in homes with servants whose job it was to dust and polish the furniture.

71 East 77th Street, #9A
$1,495,000

Park/Fifth Ave. to 79th St. | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,000 ft²

71 East 77th Street, #9A (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Ideally located on a prime Upper East Side block, this beautiful residence features the building's trademark casement windows and step-down living room, resulting in a dramatic, south facing space that is flooded with light all day. An entry foyer leads past the kitchen and downstairs to the south facing living room, which features high beamed ceilings and a fireplace. The bright, windowed kitchen is open to the foyer through a breakfast bar, and there is ample room for a dining area overlooking the living room as well. The south-facing primary bedroom is graced with the same leaded casement windows, has two closets, one of which is a walk in, and a windowed en-suite bath. See floor plan and full details here.

151 West 86th Street, #7D
$4,100,000

Broadway Corridor | Cooperative | 5 Bedrooms, 3 Baths

151 West 86th Street, #7D (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: This high-floor grand and bright eight-room home offers the best value for an approximately 3,000 square foot, gracious layout that is a perfect balance for both formal entertaining and private living with four to five bedrooms and three full baths. The elegance of prewar detail and scale can be found throughout the home including nearly 10' high ceilings, pristine moldings and trim, French doors, a beautiful decorative fireplace with marble hearth and gorgeous refinished hardwood floors with herringbone pattern in the formal expanse. Modern amenities include laundry, generous custom built-in storage, renovated kitchen with stainless appliances and renovated bathrooms including a luxurious primary bath with seamless glass shower, double vanity, and marble flooring. See floor plan and full details here.

The Majestic, #11E
$6,500,000

Central Park West | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths

The Majestic, #11E (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Perfectly positioned on the 11th floor of the Majestic, this oversized classic seven room home features unbelievable Central Park views from three major rooms and one bathroom too! Off a large semi private landing enter into the gallery, where immediately you are greeted by the wonderful Park views! The elegant sunken living room offers grand entertaining space and tranquility while gazing out at Central Park through large casement windows. The formal dining room is perfect for grand entertaining, and is large enough to serve as both a media room and dining room. The primary bedroom and en-suite bathroom with dressing area both overlook Central Park. The apartment has rich pre-war details, hardwood floors throughout and thru-wall HVAC. See floor plan and full details here.

Would you like to tour any of these properties?

This is your member's center

In this article:

Crown Moldings

108 Leonard, #9C
$4,735,000

The San Remo, #8A
$7,500,000

The Dakota, #47
$9,500,000 (-12.8%)

Coffered Ceilings

Goodhue House, #14M
$899,000

The Sherry Netherland, #2307
$1,775,000 (-31.7%)

45 East 9th Street, #72
$2,500,000 (-10.6%)

Herringbone Floors

49 East 86th Street, #6A
$1,485,000

The Peter Stuyvesant, #6C
$2,150,000

40 East End Avenue, #12B
$4,735,990

Select which properties are of interest to you:

Step-Down Living Rooms

Eastgate, #7D
$849,000

20 Clinton Street, #6G
$1,325,000 (-7%)

180 East 79th Street, #10E
$2,495,000

Built-in Bookshelves

264 Lexington Avenue, #10A
$1,140,000 (-4.2%)

44 East 67th Street, #4D
$1,395,000 (-6.7%)

The Parc Vendome, #18C
$3,950,000

Arched Openings

447 East 57th Street, #2A
$1,575,000

590 West End Avenue, #PHB
$1,799,000

1165 Fifth Avenue, #14/15C
$6,950,000 (-7.3%)

Ornate Mantlepieces

71 East 77th Street, #9A
$1,495,000

151 West 86th Street, #7D
$4,100,000

The Majestic, #11E
$6,500,000

This is your member's center

In this article:

Crown Moldings

Coffered Ceilings

Herringbone Floors

Select which properties are of interest to you:

Step-Down Living Rooms

Built-in Bookshelves

Arched Openings

Ornate Mantlepieces

Select which properties are of interest to you:

Listings in this article

Tags:

Related Articles

Buy & Sell

Rent

Buildings

Insights

Company