The Alfred,
161 West 61st Street

Overview of The Alfred at 161 West 61st Street

The Alfred is a 38 story, 226 unit condominium located at 161 West 61st Street on a quiet cul-de-sac directly across from Lincoln Center. Built in 1987 and designed by Jung/Brannen Associates, this Post-Modern tower features a distinctive setback mansard roof, Sienna colored brick and bronze glass façade atop a three story rusticated limestone base. The building sits on the former site of Power Memorial Academy, which originally housed the New York Infant Asylum built in 1893. Despite initial criticism from architectural critics who described it as looming over Lincoln Center "like an unwelcome intruder wearing a large black mansard hat," the building has become a prominent fixture in the Lincoln Square landscape.

The building offers extensive amenities included at no additional cost, featuring a 75 foot lap pool, hot tub, sauna, steam room, and racquetball court. The health club includes separate cardio and strength training areas with complimentary yoga, Pilates, and fitness classes. Additional amenities include a landscaped courtyard garden, children's playroom, resident lounge, bicycle storage, on-site garage with valet parking, and a unique weekly Sunday bagel breakfast that fosters community among residents. The building provides 24 hour doorman and concierge service, along with porters, handymen, and a live in resident manager.

Apartment layouts range from one bedroom units to full floor penthouses, with many featuring private balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows. Notable units include double-height lofted apartments with 17.5 foot ceilings and corner units with wrap around balconies offering multiple exposures. Penthouse A spans the entire floor with a 50 foot wide living room, 20 foot high windows, and multiple terraces totaling significant outdoor space. Many units have been recently renovated with high end finishes including custom oak flooring, and kitchens equipped with Sub-Zero refrigerators, Miele dishwashers, and KitchenAid appliances. Most apartments include in-unit washer/dryer hookups or installations.

The building's location provides unparalleled access to Manhattan's cultural district, with Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts directly across the street and proximity to The Juilliard School and Fordham University's law campus. Residents enjoy easy access to Central Park, Riverside Park, and Columbus Circle, along with the Time Warner Center's shopping and dining. The cul-de-sac location offers convenient loading and unloading access while maintaining a quieter residential feel despite the central Manhattan location.

Transportation options are excellent with multiple subway lines including the A, B, C, D, and 1 trains, plus crosstown bus service. The building currently has monthly assessments ranging from approximately $500 to $700 depending on the unit, with most scheduled through December 2026 for façade work and capital improvements. The Alfred represents one of the most established luxury condominiums in Lincoln Square, offering residents a combination of cultural proximity, comprehensive amenities, and architectural distinction in one of Manhattan's most desirable neighborhoods.