186 Riverside Drive

Overview of 186 Riverside Drive

186 Riverside Drive stands as a distinguished 15-story cooperative designed by renowned architect Emery Roth in 1928, featuring 96 apartments that were converted to cooperative ownership in 1971. Located on the southeast corner of Riverside Drive and 91st Street, this beige brick building showcases Roth's signature architectural elements, including an unusual roofline punctuated by large angled medallions, decorative bandcourses, and floral medallions. The building is also known as 316-322 West 91st Street and features both Riverside Drive and side street entrances, with a dramatic marble lobby with travertine and terrazzo floors that exemplifies prewar grandeur.

The full service building provides white glove amenities including a 24 hour doorman, live in superintendent, and elevator operators. Residents enjoy mail delivery directly to their doors, along with modern conveniences such as a newly completed fitness room, laundry facilities, bike storage, common storage, and a community room. The pet friendly cooperative allows washer/dryer installation with board approval and considers pied-à-terre ownership on a case by case basis, though primary residence is preferred.

Apartments throughout the building showcase classic prewar details including beamed ceilings soaring over nine feet high, rich oak parquet hardwood floors, cove moldings, deep baseboards, and original hardware. Many units feature wood burning fireplaces and expansive windows that frame park and river views. Storage is abundant with multiple walk in closets in most apartments, and California Closet systems are common upgrades. The building's layout includes everything from one bedroom units to rare three and four bedroom homes, with some apartments featuring unique combinations and loft like open floor plans.

The building's penthouse units are particularly notable, featuring private terraces ranging from 16 to 60 feet in length with wood burning fireplaces and multiple exposures. Penthouse D boasts a dramatic seven sided, semi circular bay window in its 25 foot wide living room, while other penthouses offer both north and south facing terraces. Lower floor apartments often feature generous proportions, with some units offering semi private entrances and elevated first floor locations that provide both privacy and convenience.

Situated directly across from Riverside Park's most inviting entrance, residents have immediate access to 253 acres of parkland including the beloved Hippo Playground, tennis courts, dog parks, and extensive bike paths. The location within the Riverside West End Historic District places residents near excellent schools including Trinity School and Abraham Joshua Heschel School, while transportation options include the 1/2/3, B, and C subway lines, multiple bus routes, and CitiBike stations. The neighborhood offers convenient shopping at nearby Whole Foods and Trader Joe's, with Central Park just four blocks away.