An Upper West Side Gem Restored; New Photos of The Astor's Historically-Integrated Amenities

By CityRealty Staff | From Future New York Tuesday, August 7, 2018

The restored lobby is accented by a curated collection of modern art pieces and contemporary furniture (Photo taken by Evan Joseph)

The blocks of the Upper West Side in the 70s are among the most architecturally distinctive in the city. From the iconic towers of Central Park West to the vibrant commercial strips of Columbus, Amsterdam, and Broadway, the area is defined by its large concentration of high-quality structures built mostly between the 1880s and 1930s.

The area's first speculative boom was fueled by the Ninth Avenue El leading to the construction of harmonious rowhomes and eclectic tenement buildings that were later framed by larger multi-dwelling buildings. As the city continued to push northward, at the turn of the 20th century, William Waldorf Astor, second son of John Jacob Astor, built an elegant apartment house along the blockfront of Broadway between 75th and 76th Streets.

Astor commissioned the family favorite architects of Clinton and Russell, who also built The Apthorp, Graham Court, and the demolished Astor Hotel in Times Square. The Astor Apartments were finished in 1901 and was initially composed of two connecting eight-story buildings. The third and tallest wing along 76th Street was finished in 1913 and designed in a compatible style by Peabody, Wilson & Brown. All three wings share a banded gray-brick facade, limestone quoins, hand-carved Juliet balconies, and an ornate copper cornices.

After serving as a 584‐room SRO, then as a rental building, the building's 21st-century reimagination as a high-end condo was conceived and realized by Ziel Feldman, principal of HFZ Capital. Stating in their marketing materials that "this architecture and location cannot be replicated," the team tapped Pembrooke & Ives to restore The Astor to its original grandeur.

Would you like to tour this property?

Just complete the info below.

Or call us at (212) 755-5544

Model residence living room

Kitchens feature custom millwork and applicances from Gaggenau, Miele, and Subzero

Windowed baths

Its residences come in one- to five-bedrooms layouts, gracious in size and filled with natural light due to the building's three separating light-wells (two along Broadway and another at the rear). Homes have wood-burning fireplaces, custom ceiling moldings, and floorboards and built-in window seats. Kitchens are equipped with state-of-the-art appliances and are brought to life with warm white lacquer, stained oak cabinetry and Calacatta Gold countertops and backsplash. Select units have a windowed master bath and a discreet laundry room/pantry storage adjacent to the kitchen.

Currently, there are seven apartments for sale. A two-bedroom on the third floor is listed for $2.35M and a three-bedroom on the eighth floor listed for $5.7M. There are five four-bedrooms available priced from $4.5M to $7.5M. There is also a two-bedroom for rent for $9,000 per month.

The Astor has a fully-attended lobby whose mosaics, a curved stairway and marble carvings were fully restored. The space is further animated by a curated modern art collection. Other amenities include a fitness center, a children’s playroom, and a private viewing 'park' overlooking Broadway.