Top Contracts: Former American Express CEO's Park Avenue co-op finds a buyer; Townhouses triumph among Manhattan contracts

By CityRealty Staff | From Great Listings Monday, March 4, 2024

778 Park Avenue, #9THFLOOR (Sotheby's International Realty)

As February 2024 gave way to March, a total of 27 luxury contracts (defined here as $4 million and up) were signed in Manhattan. While this is two fewer than last week's 2024 high, Olshan Realty's luxury market report ("Olshan") notes that it was the third week in a row that more than 25 luxury deals were signed.

The top apartment contracts were emblematic of the neighborhoods and buildings favored by New York's wealthiest. Leading the charge was the ninth-floor residence of the Rosario Candela-designed 778 Park Avenue, which was asking $20,000,000. The contract came in a few weeks after a $5 million price reduction and roughly five months after the seller, former American Express CEO James Robinson, put it on the market in October 2023. The buyer was not identified, but another mogul would not be surprising: Not only does Olshan note that the co-op's board does not allow financing, but Estée Lauder executive William Lauder bought investor Ronald Perelman's apartment in the building in June 2023.

It was closely trailed by Residence #69W at Central Park Tower, which had the top condo contract and third-highest overall with a $19,500,000 asking price. The 3,165-square-foot unit features three bedrooms, three and a half baths, an expansive Great Room, a corner primary suite, and panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline and the Hudson River. Residence #69W's contract comes shortly after #69E entered contract in January 2024.

Living room with arched windows and fireplace

14 East 81st Street, #TH (Modlin Group LLC)

Meanwhile, for the second time in 2024, four townhouses accounted for Manhattan's top ten contracts. The top townhouse contract and second-highest overall was for 14 East 81st Street, which was not far behind the top sale with an asking price of $19,995,000, down from $22 million when it was listed in August 2023. The five-story, 8,200-square-foot house dates back to the 1880s, and its limestone facade looks as beautiful as when it was first designed by Thom & Wilson, but has been updated with such modern features as a commercial-sized elevator, built-in sound system, kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances, and basement wine cellar. Central Park is at the end of the block, but the house offers abundant outdoor space in the form of a landscaped garden, parlor-level Juliet balconies overlooking the garden, and terraces off the third-floor primary suite and fourth-floor bedrooms.

#10. One High Line, #EAST20B
Last Ask: $8,255,000

Chelsea | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 2,658 ft²

One High Line, #EAST20B (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Residence East 20B at One High Line is a 2,658-square-foot three-bedroom and three-and-a-half-bathroom residence curated by Gilles & Boissier, featuring northern and western exposure revealing Hudson River views from its elegant great room. Perfect for entertaining, the home's living and dining rooms blend seamlessly with the open kitchen with elegant Carnico Grigio marble floors, Molteni brushed Epicea wood and white lacquer cabinetry with cove lighting, and honed Calacatta Gold marble countertops and backsplash. A Calacatta Gold marble island with a brass patina frame is complemented by a raised St.Laurent marble. The corner north and west-facing primary suite is complemented by floor-to-ceiling windows and an abundance of natural light. See floor plan and full details here.

One High Line has 41 public availabilities from $2,265,000.

Would you like to tour any of these properties?

Just complete the info below.

Or call us at (212) 755-5544

#9. 45 Canal Street, #TH
Last Ask: $8,995,000 (-14.3%)

Lower East Side | Townhouse | 2 Bedrooms, 3 Baths | 4,000 ft²

45 Canal Street, #TH (Compass)

From the Listing: Spanning almost 4,000 square feet across four floors plus a studio level, 45 Canal Street offers an elevated, understated Downtown oasis. The result of a multi-year renovation by Trimble Architecture, with evident inspiration from venerable architect Luis Barragán, this single-family home soars with high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling casement windows on every floor, and multiple outdoor spaces. Skylights, oblique corners, and hidden cutaways create an immersive dialogue between shadows and light. Each room interpolates its own conversation with these elements, from the top-floor atelier that bathes in the open exposures, to the ground-floor studio, where a more diffuse light saunters in from the patio. This interplay - of work and leisure, of light and shadow, of the aesthetic and the vernacular - results in 45 Canal Street being both a home and inspiring creative space. See floor plan and full details here.

#8. Superior Ink, #12B
Last Ask: $9,850,000

West Village | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 2,169 ft²

Superior Ink, #12B (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Residence12B is a waterfront masterpiece ideally located on a cobblestone street in the heart of the historic West Village in the prestigious condominium Superior Ink. This elegant, quietly glamorous home perfectly situated on the southwest corner of the Hudson River offers three bedroom suites, three full bathrooms and a chic powder room. This turnkey home was renovated with designer enhancements, finishes and upgrades throughout curated by Thad Hayes, one of the most sought-after interior designers consistently honored as one of "The AD 100." The apartment underwent a full renovation, and no detail was overlooked and no expense was spared to create an impeccable luxury living space with magical unobstructed views. See floor plan and full details here.

Superior Ink has 1 public availability asking $15,900,000.

#7. 955 Fifth Avenue, #4/5A
Last Ask: $9,950,000

Upper East Side Gold Coast | Cooperative | 5 Bedrooms, 6 Baths

Living room with fireplace and beamed ceiling

955 Fifth Avenue, #4/5A (Sotheby's International Realty)

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. See floor plan and full details here.

955 Fifth Avenue has 1 public availability asking $7,250,000.

#6 (tie). The Stanhope, #5S
Last Ask: $9,995,000 (-11.2%)

Carnegie Hill | Condop | 5 Bedrooms, 5.5 Baths | 4,357 ft²

The Stanhope, #5S (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: This magnificent 4,357-square-foot home at 995 Fifth Avenue represents a brilliant marriage of classic Rosario Candela pre-war design to today's contemporary style. A semi-private elevator landing flows graciously into a magnificent entrance featuring an Italian Rosewood gallery with a chic powder room. From the gallery, you are drawn into an expansive sun-drenched living room, and adjoining media/dining room all which open up to provide 42 feet of frontage overlooking Fifth Avenue, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and partial Central Park views, through three sets of large CitiQuiet soundproof double windows. Adjacent to the living space is a massive custom gourmet eat-in kitchen featuring Smallbone of Devizes cabinetry, a Sub-Zero refrigerator, two Sub-Sero wine/beverage refrigerators, a Wolf oven, Miele dishwasher, and a large island finished in absolute-Carrara Marble, with incredible storage and large windowed dining area. Individual storage bin, first-floor guest studio apartment, and dedicated parking spot across the street included in sale. Offered fully furnished (excluding art and piano). See floor plan and full details here.

The Stanhope has 4 public availabilities from $6,500,000.

#6 (tie). 40 Leroy Street, #TH
Last Ask: $9,995,000

Greenwich Village | Townhouse | 4 Bedrooms, 3 Baths | 3,650 ft²

40 Leroy Street, #TH (Compass)

From the Listing: Welcome to 40 Leroy Street, a meticulously renovated four-story townhouse nestled in the heart of the Historic Greenwich Village district. Comprising four bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms, and a sprawling 1,000-square-foot rooftop oasis, complete with a fully equipped kitchen and a cozy fireplace, 40 Leroy provides both luxury and privacy. Originally constructed in 1837, this brick row house has undergone a comprehensive modernization in the last decade. Boasting zoned central heating and air conditioning, advanced security features, including an intercom system, six fireplaces, and sound-system wiring, this home seamlessly blends historic charm with contemporary convenience. See floor plan and full details here.

#5. 129 East 70th Street, #TH
Last Ask: $12,995,000

Park/Fifth Ave. to 79th St. | Townhouse | 4 Bedrooms, 5 Baths | 5,608 ft²

129 East 70th Street, #TH (Serhant LLC)

From the Listing: Located on the Upper East Side's most prestigious and sought-after blocks, this four-bedroom and four-and-a-half-bathroom homestead is rich in history yet perfectly attuned to a modern living. This venerable 19-foot-wide home rises four stories with an iconic redbrick faade with Italianate and Ruskinian Gothic details, arched windows, and a Gothic bay window topped with a Juliet balcony. The home features five wood-burning fireplaces, a gated front garden, a conservatory, and a spacious backyard with stone pavers, lush plantings, and ivy-strewn fencing. On the first level is a welcoming parlor with gallery-style walls and a wood-burning fireplace with its original wood-carved surround. Further in is a central staircase with an oculus, and beyond that is a stately library with built-in shelves and wall niches, impeccable woodwork, and a fireplace. See floor plan and full details here.

#4. 135 East 79th Street, #PH15E
Last Ask: $18,000,000

Carnegie Hill | Condominium | 5 Bedrooms, 5.5 Baths | 5,188 ft²

135 East 79th Street, #PH15E (Compass)

From the Listing: Penthouse 15E at 135 East 79th Street offers a level of classic scale and proportion that harkens back to the great apartments of the Upper East Side of old, with all the luxuries and conveniences of a modern condo building. The expansive five-bedroom duplex is filled with light, rich in city views from every room, with two private terraces totaling 467 square feet, in addition to the 5,188 square feet of interior space. Upon exiting the elevator, there are private vestibules on both floors to allow not just for additional privacy and security, but a true feeling of returning home. The entry foyer features a curved staircase and impressive double-height ceilings, which make a statement immediately upon entering the residence. This apartment includes a private storage space that transfers with the purchase. See floor plan and full details here.

135 East 79th Street has 1 public availability asking $10,250,000.

#3. Central Park Tower, #69W
Last Ask: $19,500,000

Midtown West | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 3,165 ft²

Central Park Tower, #69W (Corcoran Sunshine Marketing Group)

From the Listing: Reside over 700' above New York City in this residence at Central Park Tower. This gracious three-bedroom, three-and one-half bathroom home offers over 3,000 square feet of luxury living space. The formal entry foyer and gallery lead to an expansive great room featuring both north and west facing views.The gourmet kitchen features custom cabinetry by Smallbone of Devizes and premium Miele appliances. Soaring ceiling heights of 10'7" and floor-to-ceiling windows spanning the entire residence allow for an abundance of natural light throughout the home. The intelligently designed floor plan includes three large en-suite bedrooms and a separate powder room. The corner primary bedroom suite boasts breathtaking south and west views and features an oversized walk-in closet and windowed five-fixture bathroom. See full details here.

Central Park Tower has 13 public availabilities from $6,500,000.

#2. 14 East 81st Street, #TH
Last Ask: $19,995,000

Carnegie Hill | Townhouse | 6+ Bedrooms, 6+ Baths | 8,200 ft²

14 East 81st Street, #TH (Modlin Group LLC)

From the Listing: Situated on one of the most coveted blocks between Fifth and Madison Avenue, 14 East 81st Street is a 20.5-foot wide, 5-story, renovated limestone townhouse spanning approximately 8,200 square feet. This pristine house has grand proportions, stunning architectural details, and ceiling heights up to 12 feet. Additional features include a tranquil, south-facing landscaped garden, bright full-width rooms with large windows, and surrounded by some of the most beautiful townhouses in New York. Built between 1883-1884 by William and Ambrose Partners from the designs of Thom & Wilson, this exquisite townhouse features a large entry gallery which offers entry to the expansive eat-in kitchen and garden, a commercial size elevator with access to every floor, powder room, and also a grand staircase generally only found in houses 25’ or wider. See floor plan and full details here.

#1. 778 Park Avenue, #9thFloor
Last Ask: $20,000,000

Park/Fifth Ave. to 79th St. | Cooperative | 6+ Bedrooms, 6+ Baths

778 Park Avenue, #9thFloor (Sothebys International Realty)

From the Listing: One of the finest residences in all of New York City, encompassing the entire 9th Floor, this bespoke cooperative apartment is located in the prestigious Rosario Candela-designed 778 Park Avenue. With nearly 100 feet of Park Avenue-facing frontage, this full-floor home spans over 6,500 Square Feet and is defined by 16 voluminous rooms, 6 ensuite bedrooms, 7 full bathrooms and 2 half bathrooms. Natural light streams through 42 oversized sound-proof windows allowing for open views from all four exposures. Architectural elements including 3 wood burning fireplaces, soaring 11-foot ceilings, beautifully crafted custom moldings and inlaid custom hardwood floors. See floor plan and full details here.

778 Park Avenue has no public availabilities.

Would you like to tour any of these properties?

This is your member's center

In this article:

#10. One High Line, #EAST20B
Last Ask: $8,255,000

One High Line has 41 public availabilities from $2,265,000.

Select which properties are of interest to you:

#9. 45 Canal Street, #TH
Last Ask: $8,995,000 (-14.3%)

#8. Superior Ink, #12B
Last Ask: $9,850,000

Superior Ink has 1 public availability asking $15,900,000.

#7. 955 Fifth Avenue, #4/5A
Last Ask: $9,950,000

955 Fifth Avenue has 1 public availability asking $7,250,000.

#6 (tie). The Stanhope, #5S
Last Ask: $9,995,000 (-11.2%)

The Stanhope has 4 public availabilities from $6,500,000.

#6 (tie). 40 Leroy Street, #TH
Last Ask: $9,995,000

#5. 129 East 70th Street, #TH
Last Ask: $12,995,000

#4. 135 East 79th Street, #PH15E
Last Ask: $18,000,000

135 East 79th Street has 1 public availability asking $10,250,000.

#3. Central Park Tower, #69W
Last Ask: $19,500,000

Central Park Tower has 13 public availabilities from $6,500,000.

#2. 14 East 81st Street, #TH
Last Ask: $19,995,000

#1. 778 Park Avenue, #9thFloor
Last Ask: $20,000,000

778 Park Avenue has no public availabilities.

This is your member's center

In this article:

Select which properties are of interest to you:

Select which properties are of interest to you:

Listings in this article

Tags:

Related Articles

Buy & Sell

Rent

Buildings

Insights

Company