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280 West End Avenue, #A, former home of President Grant's family (The Corcoran Group) 280 West End Avenue, #A, former home of President Grant's family (The Corcoran Group)
Nearly six and a half years after initially listing it, the saga of business executive and former U.S. Ambassador to Belgium Bruce Gelb's apartment at 1060 Fifth Avenue has drawn to a close. Ambassador Gelb originally put it on the market for $65 million in April 2016, a few months after the death of his wife of 63 years, Lueza Gelb. It has been on and off the market ever since, and public records indicate that it has closed for $17.5 million, or 73.1% below the original ask.
1060-Fifth-Avenue-01

In this article:

730 Park Avenue
730 Park Avenue Park/Fifth Ave. to 79th St.
Liberty Tower, 55 Liberty Street
Liberty Tower, 55 Liberty Street Financial District
The Metropolitan, 235 West 108th Street
The Metropolitan, 235 West 108th Street Broadway Corridor
302 West 86th Street
302 West 86th Street Riverside Dr./West End Ave.
1025 Fifth Avenue
1025 Fifth Avenue Carnegie Hill
It is hard to cite any one factor at work here. Ambassador Gelb's apartment was in a prestigious Fifth Avenue building designed by J.E.R. Carpenter, and overlooks beautiful views of Central Park. However, between the supertalls of Billionaires’ Row and trendy new downtown buildings, real estate status symbols have changed in recent times. It does not help that such distinguished cooperatives as this often have highly selective boards that might deter some buyers. The most recent listing states that the apartment features “all the period architectural elements that distinguish the great buildings of the late 1920s in New York City”; impressive as that sounds, it also leads one to wonder how long it has been since the apartment was updated. Finally, the years since Ambassador Gelb listed the apartment were tumultuous ones for the economy.

From October 19-25, 2022, a total of 406 listings experienced price reductions, though none at such a deep discount. A selection of notable homes may be found below.

781-Fifth-Avenue-01 The Sherry Netherland, #2804 (Compass)
Fifth Avenue apartments
Upper East Side co-ops
From the Listing: This exquisitely appointed corner 2-bedroom 2 bath is perched on the 28th floor in the prestigious 38-story Tower of The Sherry-Netherland, a top full-service co-op with unique advantages found almost nowhere else! This apartment enjoys sweeping picturesque views west and north over Central Park and the iconic architecture of Central Park South, Central Park West and Fifth Avenue. Stepping off the manned elevator cab onto your semi-private landing, old world charm abounds. The ornate entry foyer gives way to the stunning oversized living room.

A jewel in the heart of New York City, the white-glove Sherry-Netherland has an unrivaled level of services for its residents which are included in the maintenance: Daily housekeeping service, evening turn down service, pillows, blankets, bed linens, towels, tissues and paper, monthly deep cleaning including windows (inside and out) and laundry service. Heat and electricity is also included in the maintenance.
See floor plan and full details here.

66-Madison-Avenue-01 The Madison Parq, #11K (Brown Harris Stevens)
NoMad co-ops
Madison Avenue co-ops
From the Listing: Harcourts Live Auction - Bidding to start from $450,000 Auction Date: 12:00pm November 17, 2022. Submit pre-emptive offer to stop the auction Financed or Cash. Seller has nominated a reserve that must be met in order for the sale to take place.

This sunny, double exposure prewar apartment has all the light and privacy you want. The welcoming living room has a south facing bay window and a north facing window in the kitchen which flood the entire space with beautiful light all day long. In the kitchen, you will find a completely renovated space with stainless steel appliances, dishwasher, and granite countertops. The marble bathroom with its glass enclosed shower and window makes for a very gracious space to pamper yourself.
See floor plan and full details here.

2211-Broadway-01 The Apthorp, #2H (Brown Harris Stevens)
Upper West Side condos
Upper West Side Landmarks
From the Listing: This special three-bedroom, three-bath home at one of the West Side’s most famous landmarked apartment houses is a true gem! Boasting soaring 11-foot ceilings, a signature marble and mosaic tile entrance gallery, beautiful herringbone oak flooring and plaster reliefs on the walls and ceilings, this bright and cheerful home has all outside rooms with open views. Newly renovated, the dramatic and unique prewar details blend seamlessly with today’s conveniences such as multiple zoned central air, high speed wiring, and new period style double windows that seal out all city noise for a tranquil home environment. The corner living room faces west and north, affording wonderful light and views to Riverside Park, the Hudson River and beyond. See floor plan and full details here.

730-Park-Avenue-01 730 Park Avenue, #8C (Brown Harris Stevens)
Park Avenue co-ops
Upper East Side co-ops
From the Listing: Live your dream in this tailor-made, grand scale home that accommodates gracious living and entertaining while offering an abundance of wall space for art. This private floor located in one of Park Avenue’s most distinguished and sought-after buildings is pristinely maintained and offers many fine original architectural details. Your private elevator vestibule opens into a massive gallery clad in marble that leads to all formal / entertaining rooms. The 27’ x 19’ corner living room with north and west exposures has a wood-burning fireplace and partial Central Park views along with fine prewar details and flows gracefully into the beautiful wood paneled library with a wood-burning fireplace and built-in media center. See floor plan and full details here.

47-Columbia-Place-01 47 Columbia Place, #TH (Douglas Elliman)
Brooklyn townhouses
Brooklyn Heights houses
47 Columbia Place Brooklyn
From the Listing: Situated on a picturesque Brooklyn Heights block, 47 Columbia Place wraps a secret world in a modern facade. Enter a reception landing from either the personal garage or front door, and the home reveals its charm and possibilities. Take a few short steps up to the entertaining and kitchen area, with all the chef’s needs at hand, and a dining space that floats above the double-height living area with garden views. A double-height wall of glass begins a floor below in the living room, with its fieldstone, wood-burning fireplace and soaring views - and an invitation to the magical garden just outside, a three-tiered landscape with sheltered nooks and water features, including a koi pond, rock gardens and waterfalls. See floor plan and full details here.

280-West-End-Avenue-01 280 West End Avenue, #A (The Corcoran Group)
Upper West Side co-ops
West End Avenue co-ops
From the Listing: Home of the widow and son of Ulysses S. Grant, located on West End Avenue and West 73rd Street. Gorgeous Old World details include original plaster moldings, Italian Renaissance marble fountain, English windows, and terra cotta floors. The spacious living room faces south and west. A new separate kitchen comes with stainless steel appliances and cherry wood cabinets. See floor plan and full details here.

251-West-95th-Street-01 251 West 95th Street, #5W (Compass)
Upper West Side co-ops
West End Avenue co-ops
From the Listing: With exceptionally low maintenance, this sprawling renovated prewar home boasts high ceilings, custom lighting, and incredible storage throughout. The lofty, open living room, dining room, and kitchen have an inviting modern feeling with wonderful southern light, ideal for both living and entertaining. A flexible room layout offers multiple options for quiet work-from-home spaces or family gatherings. The heart of this home is the generous, renovated chef’s kitchen with stainless steel appliances and abundant cabinetry. An individual, full-size private storage cage transfers with this apartment. See floor plan and full details here.

450-East-83rd-Street-01 Cielo, #9C (Nest Seekers)
Yorkville condos
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Upper East Side condos
From the Listing: Beautiful sun-filled one-bedroom in new construction with 10-foot ceilings and 9-foot picture windows. European manufactured kitchen with limestone counters and Balthaup larch wood cabinets. Open eastern exposure invites light into the home. See floor plan and full details here.

55-Liberty-Street-01 Liberty Tower, #PH31 (Brown Harris Stevens)
Financial District co-ops
Lower Manhattan co-ops
From the Listing: Formerly the attic of Liberty Tower! Arrive into the foyer gallery which unfolds into the multiple living areas, separate open dining room, and corner kitchen, an entertainer’s dream home. Enjoy 360-degree city views in all directions, including: the Hudson and East Rivers, Wall Street Canyon, and Municipal Building views. Interior architectural details include exposed beams, mechanical pipes, as well as sloped and vaulted ceilings measuring as high as 13’-8". With four bedrooms, four bathrooms, and two home offices, everyone can find their private space. See floor plan and full details here.

127-Madison-Avenue-01 M127, #2 (Compass)
Madison Avenue condos
NoMad condos
From the Listing: Fully furnished loft designed by renowned SHoP Architects with a private keyed elevator in the heart of NoMad! This light-filled contemporary 20-foot wide great room offers a serene view of tree-lined Madison Avenue and the beautiful, landmarked American Academy of Dramatic Arts building. Custom fabricated, steel cantilevered windows highlight the living room and are accented with high-beamed ceilings and wide plank walnut hardwood floors. The open chef’s kitchen is ideal for cooking and entertaining and is outfitted by the timeless Italian kitchen designer Schiffini. See floor plan and full details here.

386-Columbus-Avenue-01 386 Columbus Avenue, #5A (Coldwell Banker Warburg)
Upper West Side condos
Columbus Avenue condos
From the Listing: This beautifully renovated apartment features 9 oversized 12-foot wide picture windows with treetop eastern views onto Columbus Avenue with the American Museum of Natural History across the street. A private elevator landing leads onto the sun-splashed living and dining area, an oversized 26’9” by 17’1” loft-like room with incredible eastern light, and complete privacy. The apartment has been renovated and has a new kitchen with top of the line appliances and washer/dryer. In addition, both bathrooms have been renovated and the apartment features brand-new wood floors. See floor plan and full details here.

2098-Frederick-Douglass-Boulevard-01 Gateway Tower, #4E (Christie's International Real Estate)
Harlem condos
Upper Manhattan condos
From the Listing: Located only three blocks from Central Park, this loft-like luxury condominium with low common charges and amazingly long tax abatement features a spacious foyer with high ceilings and beautiful oak floors all throughout. The living room is facing southeast and the two large bedrooms are on opposite sides of the residence. Each bedroom has two sizeable closets. The primary bedroom faces southeast and overlooks a quiet courtyard. Other features include an open kitchen with white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, soapstone countertop and island. See floor plan and full details here.

41-West-72nd-Street-01 The Hermitage, #7E (The Corcoran Group)
Central Park West condos
Upper West Side condos
From the Listing: Residence 7E is just renovated and oversized pre-war one bedroom apartment which features a grand living room, newly remodeled kitchen with stainless steel appliances, high ceilings, natural sunlight in all rooms and great quantity of closet space. The building services include 24-hour doorman, central laundry room, and a resident superintendent. The Hermitage is surrounded by the Upper West Side’s best shopping and dining places, one train stop away from Lincoln Center and is about a minute walk to Central Park. See floor plan and full details here.

235-West-108th-Street-01 The Metropolitan, #31 (Brown Harris Stevens)
Upper West Side co-ops
Upper West Side apartments
From the Listing: This flexible four room home has been completely renovated with new plumbing and electric, new bath, new kitchen, skim-coated walls, and newly sanded floors. This home has wonderful flow and excellent storage, and great possibilities/flexibility of configuration. The primary bedroom has a unique layout with ample room for a home office. See floor plan and full details here.

1025-Fifth-Avenue-01 1025 Fifth Avenue, #PHAN (Douglas Elliman)
Fifth Avenue co-ops
Upper East Side co-ops
From the Listing: Sweeping. magical views abound from this Fifth Avenue penthouse jewel with two wood-burning fireplaces and a magnificent wrap-around terrace with breathtaking north, south, and west panoramic views. You enter into a double wide living room, which is perfect for entertaining with the first fireplace, and are greeted by views of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Central Park through floor-to-ceiling windows and from the wraparound terrace. The terrace, which wraps around the entire home, offers north, south, and west views with beautiful sunsets. See floor plan and full details here.

302-West-86th-Street-01 302 West 86th Street, #PH (Douglas Elliman)
Upper West Side co-ops
Riverside Drive apartments
From the Listing: Enjoy a 1,500-square-foot private terrace which wraps around the apartment that offers views of the Hudson River to the west and the beautiful majestic downtown city skyline to the south. Large windows facing south offer lots of nature light. This apartment has not been on the market in over 40 years. Although you could presently move in as is, it would be beneficial and could use updating in all the rooms. See floor plan and full details here.

Would you like to tour any of these properties?
Just complete the info below.
  1. Select which properties are of interest to you:

Or call us at (212) 755-5544
Would you like to tour any of these properties?