230 Riverside Drive: Review and Ratings

Review of 230 Riverside Drive by Carter Horsley

This very handsome, 19-story apartment building at 230 Riverside Drive on the northeast corner at 95^th Street was erected in 1931 by Ralph Ciluzzi and converted to condominiums in 2004.

It has 269 apartments and was designed by Charles H. Lench. This premier, prewar condominium has fabulous amenities including full-time doormen, fully equipped fitness center, playroom, key card-operated laundry room, bike storage, and a landscaped courtyard. Additionally, the building is pet-friendly and within close proximity to the 96th Street express subway station. There is currently a monthly assessment of $65.74 through December 31, 2018.

Mr. Ciluzzi also built at about the same time the 17-story apartment house at 127 West 96^th Street designed by Boak & Paris.

H. Thomas O’Hara was the architect for the conversion.

It was converted to condominiums by BCRE 230 Riverside LLC, of which Moshe Dan Azogui is a principal.  Mr. Azogui is executive vice president of head of the United States office for Brack Capital Real Estate. Brack Capital Real Estate is also a sponsor in the condo conversion of the Olcott Hotel at 27 West 72^nd Street and its portfolio also includes 90 West Street, the great Cass Gilbert skyscraper that was damaged in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, 150 East 85^th Street, Chartwell House, and a new residential construction project known as Element at 225 East 60^th Street.

Bottom Line

A very attractive and tall, red-brick tower that has convenient public transportation.

Description

The building has chamfered corners with delicate quoins and the south corner is highlighted by masonry piers on both sides.

The rooftop watertank enclosure has gargoyles and there are handsome terracotta arched framed windows on some of the upper floors.

The masonry building has terracotta band courses at the 2^nd, 3^rd and 17^th floors and some terraces.

It has no sidewalk landscaping and permits some protruding air-conditioners and the entrance is on the side-street.

The lobby was redecorated in Art Deco style in 2011 with Botticino stone and mosaic flooring, and crystal chandeliers.

Amenities

The building has a 24-hour doorman, a live-in superintendent, a fitness center, a children’s playroom, a bicycle room, storage and a laundry.  Apartments

Apartments

All apartments have beamed ceilings and arched doorways.

Apartment 4A is a corner two-bedroom unit with an entry foyer that leads to a 25-foot-long living/dining room.

Apartment 9A is a two-bedroom unit with 9-foot-long entry foyer that leads to a 21-foot-long living room and an enclosed 11-foot-long kitchen.

Apartment 10D is a two-bedroom unit with an entry foyer that leads to an angled, 22-foot-long living room and a 10-foot-long dining room next to a 10-foot-long kitchen.

Apartment 8N is a one-bedroom unit with a 10-foot-long entry foyer that leads to a 19-foot-long living/dining room.

History

The building replaced the 6-story Robert Fulton Apartments.

Location

It is across from 95^th Street from a park that extends to 96^th Street, a major cross-town street and entrance to the Henry Hudson Parkway.