Superlatives come easy when we talk about NYC apartment buildings; there's always a tallest and most popular with celebrities, a most expensive and most luxurious. Building amenities, views and starchitect pedigrees compete. The best value and the lowest price are everyone's favorite. It's hard to say which of those things—or other factors entirely—make people check out a building online, but the popular favorites are rarely a surprise. Below you'll find the Manhattan buildings viewed most on the CityRealty site in the last month—and all of them have apartments available.
285 Lafayette Street
Okay, so David Bowie lived at 285 Lafayette Street for over 15 years, since 1999 when he and his wife Iman bought two penthouses in the building. That alone should suffice, though its celebrity pedigree doesn't stop there. The former candy factory has been home to Courtney Love and hotelier Ian Schrager among others. It's easy to see how its quintessential loft cred, unbeatable downtown location and impeccably done conversion could attract big names who are also New Yorkers at heart.
Trump Tower, 721 Fifth Avenue
Though it's been a while since we've been able to go a day without encountering the Trump name on something, we'll go out on a limb here and say that if Donald Trump were a building this would be the one (he'd probably agree, since it's his primary NYC residence). And hey, he's clearly a popular guy, so it's not a surprise that the Fifth Avenue eponymic oeuvre rises to the top. We're guessing the stunning vistas and location at what architecture critic Carter Horsley calls, "the center of the civilized world" don't hurt, either.
The Dakota, 1 West 72nd Street
One of the Upper West Side's most iconic architectural treasures, the Dakota has a rep for being home to the superfamous (and their drama), from John Lennon and Yoko Ono, Roberta Flack and Lauren Bacall to Connie Chung and Maury Povich. This prestigious co-op may be a favorite among the famous because it offers peerless levels of privacy and service in addition to the spacious and unique apartments within.
The Plaza, 1 Central Park South
Both the interior and exterior of the Plaza has served as the backdrop of many a movie and television show, and it's no wonder. This enchanting residence is one of the city's most famed, highlighted by beautiful architecture and an unparalleled location on the corner of Central Park. Inside, 181 apartments fill this residence, each boasting high ceilings, period moldings and mantelpieces. Those who live within also enjoy the hotel-life with access to the Plaza's notable restaurants, including the famous Palm Court, as well as its Caudalie Vinotherapie Spa and the Warren-Tricomi Salon. Another fun fact: The Beatles stayed at the Plaza during their first visit to the U.S. in February 1964.
15 Central Park West
Also known as the "Limestone Jesus," 15 Central Park West, designed by starchitect Robert A.M. Stern, completely redefined luxury living when it was completed in 2008. Amenities in this ultra-luxury building include a private dining room for residents, a library, a screening room, private wine cellars, a health club, pool and more. The residence is a favorite of celebrities—as well as less-famous but equally wealthy residents—including Sting, Robert Deniro, Denzel Washington, Sandy Weil and Jeff Gordon. Up until last year, it was also New York City's most expensive address.
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