The Strathmore, a 43 story tower at First Avenue and East 86th Street, stands as one of the Upper East Side's tallest residential buildings. Completed in 1994 by The Related Companies and designed by architect Costas Kondylis, the distinctive orange beige brick tower features prominent corner bay windows and originally opened as a luxury rental with 178 apartments. The building is now undergoing a significant transformation from rental to condop ownership, with Related Companies and renowned design firm Ingrao Inc. reimagining the property as 180 one to four bedroom residences. Sales are expected to launch in Fall 2025 with occupancy anticipated in 2026.
The building's construction stirred considerable controversy in the early 1990s, becoming embroiled in heated zoning debates as the city moved to eliminate plaza bonuses and encourage shorter buildings. Community Board 8 opposed the project by a vote of 26 to 1, and legal challenges followed, but Related narrowly secured approval just before new regulations took effect. The project's building permit was obtained in June 1993, and construction began in November, just weeks before the City Council passed new zoning measures in February 1994. Stephen Ross, head of Related, defended the tower's height, arguing that taller buildings provide "a greater feeling of openness" and that at ground level, the difference between a 30 and 40 story building is imperceptible.
The residences showcase generous floor plans with many featuring corner exposures, floor to ceiling bay windows, and high end finishes throughout. Notable layouts include a three bedroom duplex with a 40 foot wide living space, library, and sunlit corner solarium, as well as units with solariums, eat in kitchens, and dramatic duplex configurations. The redesigned apartments feature 7 inch wide European French oak floors in chevron patterns, custom Italian cabinetry, Imperial Danby marble countertops, and Miele appliances. Primary bathrooms showcase Greek Volaka marble flooring with separate soaking tubs and shower stalls, while many units include in unit washer and dryers.
The building's amenity package remains a standout feature, offering what's described as a resort style suite that includes an indoor lap pool, squash court with viewing lounge, fitness center and training studio, children's playroom, private dining room with catering kitchen, and landscaped garden. Residents enjoy white glove service with 24 hour concierge, live in superintendent, valet parking, and bicycle storage. The building also features Related Life, a curated lifestyle program connecting neighbors through events and shared experiences.
Conveniently located near Carl Schurz Park, the Q train, and the East 90th Street ferry, The Strathmore offers prime Upper East Side living with easy access to world class dining, museums, and the FDR Drive. The building includes 20 percent affordable units and represents another successful rental to condop conversion in Related's portfolio, building on the company's established track record in the Manhattan market.
Listings are live at Upper East Side rental-turned-condop The Strathmore, with the first public availabilities starting at $960K for one-beds, $1.66 million for two-beds, $2.9 million for three-beds, and $4.82 million for four-beds. All interiors by Ingrao Inc. feature 7" wide oak floors, kitchens with Imperial Danby marble countertops and Miele appliances, primary suites with walk-in closets and elegant en suite baths, smart thermostats, and vented washers and dryers. Residents arrive to a double-height lobby, and amenities include a fitness center, an indoor lap pool, a squash/sports court, a children's playroom, a lounge, and a private dining room with catering kitchen.
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