Renderings of the Belnord courtesy of DBOX via HFZ Capital and Westbrook Partners
The Belnord, one of the city's greatest courtyard buildings, has launched sales on a collection of condo residences fine-tuned by Robert A.M. Stern Architects. Completed in 1908, the supersized palazzo was designed by Hiss & Weekes and anchors a full block of the Upper West Side from 86th and 87th streets between Broadway and Amsterdam.
Dressed in the Renaissance Revival-style, the opulent 14-floor fortress is best known for its 94-foot by 231-foot central courtyard whose garden and marble fountain is being restored by Edmund Hollander Landscape Architects. Its barrel-vaulted entrances, situated midblock on 86th Street, carve into an imposing rusticated base and are defended by ornate gates with gilded accents. The entryways' ceilings have painted sgraffito frescos and a trio of pendant lamps lead to the park-like 22,000-square-foot courtyard. From there, ground-floor lobbies are positioned in each of the courtyard’s corners. An additional lobby can be found on 87th Street.
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The limestone and brick building was designated an individual landmark in 1967 where the preservation body extolled it as a "fine example of imaginative apartment house design," one that has set a "rarely-surpassed standard for multiple dwellings in New York City."
Fifty years since its designation, it's still apparent they don't build 'em like they used to. So for this next chapter, authored by HFZ Capital Group and Westbrook Partners, and illustrated by Robert A.M. Stern with Rafael De Cárdenas, thoughtful interventions were drawn up that would stay true to the original vision.
The reimagined homes are graciously proportioned, ranging from two- to five-bedroom layouts. Most feature entry foyers, 10-foot-high ceilings, restored mahogany windows, and white oak floors with chevron and plank patterns throughout. Some have exposures that face both onto the private courtyard and to the street. Several layouts also have traditional kitchens and separate laundry rooms.
According to the press release announcing the sales launch, kitchens are available in two color palettes, both with Calacatta Gold marble counters, lacquer-painted or cerused oak cabinetry by Molteni and state-of-the-art appliances. Each master bathroom is large and lavish with sumptuous features like double sinks, a freestanding soaking tub, and separate shower. All master baths are finished with Siberian White book-matched marble and rich platinum-finish Dornbracht fittings and hardware.
The Belnord's unit #111A has an ask of $3.2M (Douglas Elliman)
The Belnord's unit #1103 has an ask of $8.85M (Douglas Elliman)
The latest offering plan from February pegs the total sellout of the converted units at $1.394 billion.
Of the newly-listed condos, the smallest price tag goes to a 1,440-square-foot two-bedroom with an ask of $3.2 million. The biggest offering thus far is a 3,138-square-foot four-bedroom listed for $8.85 million. It has a master with bay windows that overlook the private courtyard.
“Bringing The Belnord to market is a defining moment for HFZ Capital Group and speaks to our decades-long commitment to restoring and preserving some of New York’s most notable historic buildings,” said Ziel Feldman, chairman and founder of HFZ Capital Group. “For this pivotal project, we assembled a truly impressive roster of visionaries. The result is a magnificent property that offers the perfect marriage of old and new, granting homeowners the rare opportunity to live in a romantic landmarked building paired with state-of-the-art amenities and contemporary style.”
Courtyard (DBOX)
Aside from the courtyard, there will be 9,000 square feet of amenities reserved for residents. They include a full-time doorman and concierge, children's playroom, fitness center, central air and a live-in super.
"Today opens a new chapter in the history of one of New York's most iconic buildings, The Belnord. With the careful restoration of the property's architecture, thoughtfully redesigned interiors and spacious common areas, the reimagined Belnord will be a standard of modern luxury. Together, with a first-rate team of architects and designers, we are excited to bring this historic property one step closer to its full splendor," said Paul D. Kazilionis, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Westbrook Partners.
Would you like to tour any of these properties?
New Developments Editor
Ondel Hylton
Ondel is a lifelong New Yorker and comprehensive assessor of the city's dynamic urban landscape.
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