The Parc Vendome,
353 West 56th Street

Overview of The Parc Vendome at 353 West 56th Street

The Parc Vendome is a pre-war condominium complex designed by Farrar & Watmough for developer Henry Mandel and built between 1929 and 1932. The complex consists of four buildings with separate entrances housing approximately 575 apartments: two 11 story buildings on West 56th Street and two 19 story buildings on West 57th Street. Converted to condominium ownership in 1983, the complex is notable for its expansive communal landscaped garden with fountain, which unusually remains open rather than enclosed by high walls. The same architectural team also designed London Terrace, another of Mandel's ambitious projects. Actress Christina Hendricks of "Mad Men" has lived in the building.

Apartments retain classic pre-war character with high beamed ceilings, hardwood floors, and casement windows. Many units feature windowed kitchens, generous closet space including walk-ins, and living rooms measuring up to 27 by 18 feet. Some apartments include fireplaces, and select units offer private terraces. Studios typically range from 585 to 600 square feet with separate sleeping alcoves, while larger units feature winged bedroom layouts for privacy. The penthouse units are particularly notable, with one offering two terraces, wood burning fireplace, and open city views extending to Hudson Yards. Common charges unusually include gas, water, electricity, and heat.

The building offers extensive amenities including a 24 hour doorman, live-in superintendent, the signature private garden, two rooftop decks with city views, and a fitness center. Social and recreational spaces include a billiards room, music room with piano, library, card room, and banquet facilities with catering kitchen and formal dining room. Additional services include two newly renovated laundry rooms, bike storage, package room, and rentable storage bins. The building is notably investor friendly, permitting short term leases with a one month minimum, pied-à-terre ownership, and pets (up to two per unit).

The location between West 56th and 57th Streets near Ninth Avenue places residents two blocks from Columbus Circle and Central Park, with convenient access to the Time Warner Center (Whole Foods, Equinox), Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, MoMA, and the Theater District. The neighborhood combines the dining and nightlife energy of Hell's Kitchen with proximity to Upper West Side charm and Midtown cultural institutions. Multiple subway lines (A, C, B, D, 1, N, Q, R, W, E) and crosstown buses provide excellent transportation options.