View of Central Park and Central Park West from 15 West 96th Street
Construction is nearly complete on 50 West 66th Street, the tallest residential building on the Upper West Side, but another project by the same developer is poised to cast it in shadow. Less than two and a half year after purchasing the former Disney campus from Silverstein Properties, Extell Development has announced plans for a 1,200-foot-tall luxury condominium supertall tower at 77 West 66th Street. The project can take shape as of right owing to the zoning rules that allowed the former Disney campus to rise in a largely residential area in the first place.
Earlier this summer, Extell founder Gary Barnett told Manhattan's Community Board 7 that he is prepared to dedicate two buildings on the site—one to be converted from an office building, one new development—to 100 units of affordable housing as "a gesture of peace." However, local preservationists are not pleased about the prospect of another towering building casting shadows on Central Park and catering to uber-luxury buyers.
Earlier this summer, Extell founder Gary Barnett told Manhattan's Community Board 7 that he is prepared to dedicate two buildings on the site—one to be converted from an office building, one new development—to 100 units of affordable housing as "a gesture of peace." However, local preservationists are not pleased about the prospect of another towering building casting shadows on Central Park and catering to uber-luxury buyers.
Diagrammatic massing for 77 West 66th Street (George Janes & Associates)
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At 50 West 66th Street, move-ins are underway on the lower-level House Residences, and exterior construction looks to be winding down on the Tower Residences with private loggias overlooking Central Park. Residents of all components will enjoy amenities like a state-of-the-art fitness center, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, full-sized basketball and pickleball court, and outdoor Sky Lounge overlooking Central Park.
50 West 66th Street was New York City's second best-selling building of the first half of 2025. Current availabilities range from a two-bedroom House Residence for $6 million to a full-floor, six-bedroom Tower Residence with two private loggias for $85 million.
50 West 66th Street was New York City's second best-selling building of the first half of 2025. Current availabilities range from a two-bedroom House Residence for $6 million to a full-floor, six-bedroom Tower Residence with two private loggias for $85 million.
50 West 66th Street (CityRealty)
These projects represent the latest phase of development in Central Park West. Plans for the park itself in the mid-19th century spurred the first wave of land speculation in the area, but development began in earnest in the 1880s thanks to the opening of the Ninth Avenue El train and a cable car route along Tenth Avenue. In 1896, the introduction of electricity into the area allowed for the construction of elevator buildings.
In the decades that followed, the economic prosperity of the 1920s, the new IND subway line below Central Park West, and a widened avenue bed had major impacts on residential development. Additionally, while zoning laws prevented buildings directly along Central Park West from rising above certain heights, exceptions were made for large sites where one or more towers could rise from bases. This inspired now-iconic projects like The San Remo, The Eldorado, The Majestic, and The Century.
"Central Park West remains much the same as it did in the 1930s, and retains the architectural variety and dramatic silhouette that make it a unique presence in New York City"—Central Park West Historic District designation report
While new development is underway, the grand prewar buildings lining Central Park West have not lost their luster among luxury buyers. Indeed, their gorgeous architecture may have gained greater appreciation in this age of glassy towers, and their rich histories and famous residents could have burnished their reputations. The ability to treat "New York's backyard" as their own, not to mention close proximity to world-famous museums, popular restaurants and retail, local schools and conveniences, and multiple transportation options also helps. Availabilities in Central Park West's most famous buildings are few and far between, and such listings regularly rank among New York's top sales.
Below, we look at the most iconic and eye-catching buildings on Central Park West. While CityRealty's boundaries for Central Park West encompass West 60th to 110th Streets from Central Park West to Columbus Avenue, this will only comprise buildings located directly on Central Park West.
Architect: Costas Kondylis with Philip Johnson Ritchie & Fiore | Converted in 1997
156 Units | 44 Floors
"A sparkling and impressive 44-story mixed-use tower that, in 1997, was converted from a drab office building" – Carter Horsley
One Central Park West
At the entrance to Central Park West, the transformation of the former Gulf & Western Building could be considered one of Donald Trump's few positive contributions to society. The lower 17 floors house the Trump International Hotel, and the upper-level residential component was recently rebranded One Central Park West to help buyers feel more warmly about the building. The curtain walls allow for incredible light and views, and condo owners enjoy access to the hotel's amenities and services, which include a state-of-the-art health club and spa, a 55-foot indoor pool, and in-room dining from Nougatine and the Michelin-starred Jean-Georges.
One Central Park West, #40CD
$12,500,000
Central Park West | Condominium | 4 Bedrooms, 4.5 Baths | 3,900 ft2
One Central Park West, #40CD (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)
Architect: Robert T. Lyons | Built in 1906
56 Units | 12 Floors
"The St. Urban evokes Parisian Beaux-Arts grandeur, but its heft displays a definite New York City eccentricity and a powerful personality" – Carter Horsley
The St. Urban (CityRealty)
The St. Urban is one of the oldest apartment buildings on Central Park West, and Beaux-Arts design features like a mansard roof, dramatic dormer windows, and a domed corner tower with a cupola make it one of the area's most iconic. The apartments inside boast grand proportions and soaring ceilings, and amenities at this doorman building include a recently renovated gym, a lounge, bike storage, and a central laundry room. Notable past residents include architecture critic Ada Louise Huxtable and journalist Ed Bradley.
The St. Urban, #5S (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)
Architect: Emery Roth | Built in 1931
201 Units | 22 Floors
"One of Emery Roth's finest Art Deco-style towers" – Carter Horsley
The Ardsley (Compass)
In the Central Park West skyline, The Ardsley stands out for its bold design and resemblance to a Mayan temple. Setbacks and cantilevered balconies above the fifteenth floor make for an animated profile. The Art Deco lobby was restored to its original glory, and residential amenities include a fitness center, a library, a children's playroom, a bike room, and private storage.
Notable past residents include Barbra Streisand, David Duchovny, and Ellie Kemper.
Architect: Emery Roth | Built in 1931
208 Units | 30
Floors
"The Eldorado's twin peaks dominate the cityscape around the reservoir in Central Park and accentuate its streamlined, rocketship-like Art Deco-style looks" – Carter Horsley
The Eldorado (Corcoran Group)
The northernmost of Emery Roth's multi-tower buildings on Central Park West, The Eldorado is distinguished by its ornamented setbacks, geometric spires, and Art Deco-style design that has drawn comparisons to Flash Gordon. The towers that set it apart in the skyline house full-floor apartments with high ceilings and fireplaces, and residents of both the towers and the base have access to the building's doorman and concierge service, a gym, a half basketball court, and a children's playroom. Early residents included author Sinclair Lewis and Barneys New York founder Barney Pressman, and it later attracted the likes of Michael J. Fox, Alec Baldwin, Bruce Willis, and Faye Dunaway.
The Eldorado, #12G2 (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)
Architect: Irwin Chanin | Built in 1931
234 Units | 30 Floors
"This very impressive, twin-towered, Art Deco-style apartment building is one of the major landmarks on the Upper West Side" – Carter Horsley
The Majestic (CityRealty)
If not for the Great Depression and multiple dwellings laws, a single 45-story tower might have risen at 115 Central Park West. But the two towers of The Majestic set it apart as both an unofficial landmark and an individual New York City Landmark. Residents of this doorman building enjoy amenities like a state-of-the-art fitness center, a children's playroom, a coworking room, and a rooftop solarium and terrace overlooking Central Park.
The Majestic, #2F (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)
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Architect: Irwin Chanin | Built in 1931
410 Units | 32 Floors
"One of the great twin-towered Art Deco residential buildings on Central Park West" – Carter Horsley
The Century (CityRealty)
A rare prewar condominium on Central Park West, The Century is notable for its two towers and Art Deco design. The Art Deco lobby has been restored to its original glory, and an array of amenities includes a fitness center, a golf simulator, a children's playroom, a lounge, and a landscaped courtyard. Another perk is close proximity to the Lincoln Center performing arts campus, Columbus Circle retail and Michelin-starred dining, popular Upper West Side, and multiple transportation options.
The Century, #30Q (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)
Architect: Emery Roth | Built in 1929
175 Units | 23 Floors
"One of the world's greatest residential buildings" – Carter Horsley
The Beresford (Corcoran Group)
While New York Yankee turned investor/business executive Alex Rodriguez could theoretically have snapped up any condo he wanted, he reportedly lobbied hard for an apartment at The Beresford until the board approved him. Understandably so – the building's ornate design and three towers set it apart in the Central Park West skyline, and the towers themselve limit the residences inside to only two or three per floor. The white-glove building overlooks the American Museum of Natural History and is situated near popular Columbus Avenue dining as well as gourmet markets like Zabar's.
The Beresford, #4G (Corcoran Group)
Architect: Emery Roth | Built in 1930
136 Units | 27 Floors
"The most elegant of Central Park's extremely impressive roster of multi-towered residential buildings" – Carter Horsley
The San Remo (CityRealty)
When actress Demi Moore listed the apartment she and ex-husband Bruce Willis owned in The San Remo in April 2015, she said in a statement, “The location, architecture and history of the San Remo were on a completely different level” (h/t The New York Times). Architecture aficionados would agree with that. The San Remo was the first building in New York City to use two towers; this started a larger trend, but The San Remo stands out for its terra cotta embellishments and towers topped with copper finials. In addition to Ms. Moore and Mr. Willis, notable residents have included Diane Keaton, Mary Tyler Moore, Glenn Close, Steve Jobs, Steve Martin, and Bono...to name but a few!
The San Remo, #4C (Corcoran Group)
Architect: Robert A.M. Stern | Built in 2008
202 Units | 43 Floors
"15 Central Park West may well be the city's most desirable residential address in terms of amenities, location, and views" – Carter Horsley
15 Central Park West (Compass)
15 Central Park West is a new addition to the local streetscape, but the elegant limestone towers pay respectful tribute to their prewar neighbors. The private restaurant has become a destination for Mother's Day brunch and Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade viewing, and additional amenities include a fitness center with skylit lap pool, a private screening room, a library, a billiards lounge, a business center with board room, and personal and wine storage. It has attracted the likes of Sting, Denzel Washington, Robert De Niro, and Alex Rodriguez.
15 Central Park West, #27D
$22,800,000 (-8.8%)
Central Park West | Condominium | 4 Bedrooms, 4 Baths | 3,173 ft2
15 Central Park West, #27D (Corcoran Group)
Architect: Henry J. Hardenbergh | Built in 1884
93 Units | 9 Floors
"The Dakota is perhaps the most impressive residential building in the city because of its intriguing history and alluring presence that sparks anyone's imagination" – Carter Horsley
The Dakota
When the fortress-like, Renaissance Revival-style building on Central Park West and West 72nd Street was completed in the late 19th century, it was reportedly named in homage to the fact that it was so far from established residential areas that it might as well be in what was then the Dakota Territory. But in the present day, luminaries of all stripes flock to the building for its rich history, dramatic design, and unique floor plans.
The Dakota, #84
$17,500,000 (-7.9%)
Central Park West | Cooperative | 5 Bedrooms, 6+ Baths | 6,000 ft2
The Dakota, #84 (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)
Central Park West Listings
Towers on the Park I, #12C
$900,000
Central Park West | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 1.5 Baths | 905 ft2
Towers on the Park I, #12C (Corcoran Group)
The Olmsted, #2B (Corcoran Group)
The Bolivar, #15IJ (Compass)
One Central Park West, #1506
$2,050,000
Central Park West | Condominium | 1 Bedroom, 2 Baths | 943 ft2
One Central Park West, #1506 (Compass)
30 Lincoln Plaza, #25AB (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)
The Kenmare, #15B (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)
The Alden, #1101 (Sothebys International Realty)
Fifteen, #11 (Compass)
Liberty Lofts, #6A (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)
69 West 83rd Street, #TH
$8,950,000
Central Park West | Townhouse | 5 Bedrooms, 4.5 Baths | 7,320 ft2
69 West 83rd Street, #TH (Corcoran Group)
The Olcott, #1410 (Reuveni LLC)
50 West 66th Street, #53N
$35,000,000
Central Park West | Condominium | 4 Bedrooms, 5.5 Baths | 4,878 ft2
50 West 66th Street, #53N (Corcoran Group)
Would you like to tour any of these properties?
Just complete the info below.
Or call us at (212) 755-5544
Would you like to tour any of these properties?
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