The Lancashire,
563 Park Avenue

Overview of The Lancashire at 563 Park Avenue

The Lancashire at 563 Park Avenue stands as a distinguished Neo-Renaissance masterpiece built in 1910 by developer William J. Taylor and architect Walter B. Chambers. Located on the northeast corner of 62nd Street, this red brick building was historically significant as "the first luxury apartment house" on Park Avenue, replacing five row houses during the avenue's transformation from a residential street to a luxury corridor. The building was converted to a co-op in 1947 and features one of the most complex and lively façades on Park Avenue, with a rusticated limestone base, numerous wrought-iron balconies, and alternating floor heights that create visual interest.

The building's architectural details are particularly noteworthy, featuring wrought-iron balconies positioned strategically under corner windows on multiple floors and a continuous balcony running under all top floor windows. The façade incorporates white stone belt courses, curved arch decorative elements above larger windows, and a three story limestone base with an attractive arched, canopied entrance on the side street. Chambers, the architect, was instrumental in establishing the first American architectural atelier based on the French Ecole des Beaux Arts, training notable architects including Leonard B. Schultze (involved with The Pierre and Sherry-Netherland Hotel) and William Van Alen (architect of the Chrysler Building).

The Lancashire contains only 18 to 20 cooperative apartments across 13 stories, offering exceptional privacy with just two residences per floor accessed via semi-private landings. The building provides white glove service with a part time doorman, full time elevator operator, storage facilities, and a roof deck. Residents enjoy the prime location directly across from the prestigious Colony Club and within walking distance of Central Park, high end shopping including Bloomingdale's, Hermes, and Bergdorf Goodman, plus renowned restaurants ranging from casual to fine dining establishments.

The apartments showcase impressive prewar proportions and details, with many featuring soaring ceilings ranging from 10 to 12 feet, multiple wood burning and gas fireplaces, and expansive living rooms up to 36 feet in length. Several units boast imported 18th century parquet de Versailles floors, while corner apartments offer multiple exposures with floor to ceiling windows providing abundant natural light. The 9th floor is particularly special, featuring the building's highest ceiling heights and the only floor with charming Juliette balconies. Many apartments include staff rooms, and some larger units are configured as duplexes with elegant curved staircases.

Among the building's most exceptional residences are apartments designed by renowned Belgian designer Axel Vervoordt, representing some of the very few residences in the United States to feature his work. These units showcase meticulous European craftsmanship including lyme plaster and paint applied by European artisans, custom stainless steel kitchens, and luxurious details such as goatskin parchment leather clad bedrooms. The building permits up to 50% financing, welcomes pets, and charges a 2% flip tax, making it an attractive option for discerning buyers seeking a piece of Park Avenue history with modern luxury amenities.