Henderson House,
535 East 86th Street

Overview of Henderson House at 535 East 86th Street

Henderson House, completed in 1961 at 535 East 86th Street, is a distinctive 21-story cooperative apartment building designed by architect Robert L. Bien and built by I. Orlian & Sons. The building contains 133 apartments and is notable for its unusual architectural features, including dramatic external columns on its western façade and extensive glass balconies facing east toward Henderson Place and the East River.

The building's design incorporates several unique elements, including an indented entrance on 86th Street and a landscaped arcade along Henderson Place. The western third of the building features large external concrete columns sheathed in gray limestone, allowing for pure interior corners - a design element inspired by One Chase Manhattan Plaza. The eastern façade is characterized by large glass balconies offering views of Carl Schurz Park and the East River.

The property features a magnificently landscaped courtyard designed by Town & Gardens, known for their work at Rockefeller University and other prestigious locations. Ground floor apartments bordering the courtyard include private patios, while the building offers four distinctive maisonette duplex apartments with 15-foot ceiling heights in their living rooms.

Built on the former site of Misericordia Hospital, Henderson House sits across from the historic Henderson Place district, which was designated by the city in 1969. The building's location provides convenient access to Carl Schurz Park, the East River promenade, and various transportation options including crosstown bus service.

The full-service building offers extensive amenities including 24-hour doorman and concierge service, a health club, garage, children's playroom, bicycle room, storage facilities, and a live-in superintendent. The property maintains strong financials with no underlying mortgage and allows 65% financing for purchases.

Apartment configurations vary throughout the building, ranging from standard units to dramatic duplexes. Many residences feature spacious layouts with formal dining rooms, multiple exposures, and generous storage space. The building's discrete through-wall air conditioning units and thoughtful design elements contribute to its enduring appeal as a premier Upper East Side residence.