969 Fifth Avenue

Overview of 969 Fifth Avenue

Built in 1926 and designed by Joseph L. Raimist, 969 Fifth Avenue stands as a distinguished 16 story cooperative on the southeast corner of 78th Street, directly across from Central Park. This dark brown brick building with its stone base houses only 12 to 13 apartments, making it one of the more exclusive addresses on the avenue. The building was converted to a co-op in 1946 and features a canopied entrance with a striking two story decorated arch flanked by bronze light sconces. Its prime location offers residents unobstructed views of Central Park and places them within walking distance of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Madison Avenue boutiques, and cross town transportation.

The building's most remarkable feature may be its position across from the James B. Duke Mansion at 1 East 78th Street, the limestone masterpiece designed by Horace Trumbauer in 1912 and modeled after the Hotel Labbatiere in Bordeaux, France. Duke, president of the American Tobacco Company, lived in this magnificent home with his daughter Doris Duke, who donated it to New York University in 1958 for the prestigious Institute of Fine Arts. The building also benefits from the Henry Cook block's unique height restrictions, which protect northward views permanently, as Cook originally owned the entire block and imposed deeded limitations that persist today.

The site has distinguished architectural provenance, having originally been home to a mansion built in 1887 for pharmaceutical executive William Lawrence by renowned architect Richard Morris Hunt. Hunt, who designed residences for the Vanderbilts and other prominent families, created the Lawrence mansion in the Francois I style. The Lawrence family later developed Bronxville, New York, and founded Sarah Lawrence College, with the Fifth Avenue mansion being sold to developers in 1925 to make way for the current building.

Apartments range from approximately 1,300 to over 4,000 square feet, with many featuring wood burning fireplaces and multiple exposures providing abundant natural light. The building includes several impressive duplex units, including one spanning the 11th and 12th floors with five bedrooms and elaborate entertaining spaces. The penthouse boasts a remarkable 112 feet of wraparound terrace with 24 feet facing west toward Central Park and 88 feet facing north, offering unparalleled views of the Metropolitan Museum, George Washington Bridge, and Manhattan's west side. Many apartments feature high end finishes including Parquet de Versailles flooring, custom millwork, and state of the art appliances by Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Miele.

Building amenities include full time doorman, concierge, and elevator operator service, along with private storage, laundry facilities, and a pet friendly policy. The intimate scale of the building, with its high staff to resident ratio, ensures personalized service and privacy. While architectural critics have noted the building's more restrained façade compared to earlier Fifth Avenue luxury buildings, its location, limited number of units, and protected views make it highly desirable among discerning buyers seeking a prestigious Central Park address.