Continental Towers, 301 East 79th Street: Review and Ratings
between Second Avenue & First Avenue View Full Building Profile
Whereas most slab towers have their main axis along the avenues, this enormous apartment building has its along the cross-street, which affords many of its residents excellent views to the north and south over lower-rise mid-block structures.
Erected in 1975, this 36-story tower has 532 apartments of which 462 are one-bedroom units. The building was converted to a condominium in 1986.
Most apartments have balconies and the building has a one-and-a-half-story-high lobby with a large chandelier and is set back fairly far in a plaza on 79th Street. The entrance, which has a revolving door, is surrounded handsomely by polished red granite under a large marquee. The building has wall lanterns along 79th Street as well as handsome planters that, unfortunately, have spikes to prevent their use as seats. The dark railings of the building's many balconies create a staccato rhythm with the tower's beige-brick façades that breaks up its huge mass, somewhat, as they are five "columns" of balconies on the cross-street, although only one on the avenue.
Building amenities and staff include a doorman, live-in super, concierge service, bike room, storage, gym, parking, and roof deck. This is a very lively section of the Upper East Side with many restaurants nearby as well as charity thrift stores. Residents have their choice of the 77th Street 6 or the 72nd Street Q.
Carter B. Horsley
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