New York City is famous for its upscale condos and apartments with extraordinary views and hotel-style amenities. Nonetheless, finding a place to live in NYC can be challenging.
Fortunately, Manhattan has many iconic buildings with luxury residences and high-end amenities. Moreover, you can consult an NYC real estate agent, like a member of The Fry Team, to help you find the ideal home or investment property in the city. You may not be able to live in commercial-only skyscrapers like the Empire State Building or the Chrysler Building. Still, other new towers and conversions offer notable architecture and luxurious trappings.
Some of the most famous NYC buildings that offer chic condos and apartments are on so-called Billionaire’s Row, on West 57th Street, but other notable condos are further downtown or uptown. Read on for more details about iconic New York buildings you can call home.
1. Central Park Tower
Photo courtesy of New York YIMBY
Central Park Tower, which is on Billionaire’s Row, is currently the tallest residential tower globally. This iconic new addition to the Manhattan skyline is 1,550-feet tall and took over 10 years of planning and development to construct. Its state-of-the-art design offers modern architecture with exceptional views.
The tower’s hotel-style services and amenities create the feeling of an urban resort in one of the most famous NYC residences. Its modern footprint and dynamic design offer panorama and citywide views for living and entertaining spaces.
The tower’s Central Park Club is an exclusive curation of services and facilities. Among these luxury entertaining, leisure, and wellness amenities is The 100th Floor, the highest grand ballroom and private restaurant in New York.
2. 220 Central Park South
The residential tower at 220 Central Park South, also on Billionaire’s Row, was designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects with interiors by the Office of Thierry W. Despont. The structure’s limestone-clad exterior conveys pre-war luxury, while the interior architectural style offers modern living inspired by the historic homes of New York.
The skyscraper is just shy of 1,000 feet and ranks among NYC’s tallest buildings. The entire structure combines an 18-story “villa” with the 70-story tower rising behind it. Residents can enjoy state-of-the-art fitness amenities, such as basketball and squash courts, a rock-climbing wall, and an athletic club and spa.
The penthouse at 220 Central Park South was famously sold in 2019 for approximately $238 million to billionaire hedge fund manager Ken Griffin. The sale set the record for the most expensive home ever sold in the United States, which remains to this day.
3. 432 Park Avenue
Photo courtesy of ArchDaily
The luxury condominium tower 432 Park Avenue is an icon among famous NYC buildings and was one of the first sky-high towers completed on Billionaire’s Row. The building’s amenities are hand-selected by a team of concierge professionals with a thorough understanding of luxury living. Among them are a state-of-the-art screening room and temperature-controlled wine cellars.
Jay Wright, a strength and training coach, designed the building’s health and wellness program, emphasizing high-end programming. The Wright Fit program aims to maintain physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental balance with high-end, tailored fitness and wellness services, from personal training to sauna and massage therapy.
Residents of 432 Park Avenue also have the exclusive option to purchase studio suites to use as personal quarters for staff members, such as a housekeeper or au pair. Homeowners can also use the studio suites for personal use, such as guest quarters or office space.
4. 15 Central Park West
Photo courtesy of New York Post
The luxury residential skyscraper at 15 Central Park West is perhaps the most famous condo built in Manhattan in the past couple of decades, and it contains some of the largest penthouses in NYC. This parkside structure, designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects, offers panoramic, multi-directional views of the park and beyond.
Residents can enjoy numerous recreational and wellness facilities, including a state-of-the-art screening room, private climate-controlled wine cellars, and in-house catering. Accessory suites are also available for additional living quarters, home offices, or extra storage.
5. MoMA Tower
The MoMA Tower, at 53 W. 53rd St., was designed by the famous Paris-based architect Jean Nouvel. The tower rises above the Museum of Modern Art (better known as MoMA) and is just over 1,000 feet tall. The unique structure seamlessly integrates into the museum’s urban campus with tapered surfaces and an exposed structural system.
Residents receive endless MoMA membership benefits, including free museum admission and member-only viewing opportunities. Additionally, members receive premium experiences, curated events, and annual meet-and-greets with the museum’s director and senior staff.
Residents enjoy countless luxury services and facilities, such as pantry-stocking services, a pet concierge, and temperature-controlled wine vaults. Studio and one-bedroom suites can also be purchased for personal use. Moreover, MoMA tower’s wellness center is managed by The Wright Fit.
6. The Woolworth Tower
Photo courtesy of Architectural DIgest
Referred to as “the Mozart of skyscrapers,” the astounding Woolworth Tower has been one of the most iconic structures in New York since 1913 and a National Historic Landmark since 1966. Architect Cass Gilbert first designed the building as the Woolworth corporate headquarters.
Today, the Woolworth Building houses commercial tenants on the lower levels and a collection of famous NYC residences on the top thirty floors. The office of Thierry W. Despont, one of the world’s most renowned restoration architects, designed the luxury condos. Residents can enjoy high-end recreational and wellness amenities, including the original 50-foot lap pool.
New York City is home to some of the country's most luxurious, unique homes. However, finding a luxury apartment in NYC to fit your needs can be challenging. That’s where an experienced real estate agent comes in. An agent who has worked in the Manhattan industry for years and has connections with fellow agents, others in the industry, and prospective buyers and sellers can help you find the perfect home and make a successful offer — sometimes before the property is even listed to the public. Connections are essential when you want to live in famous buildings.
Are you interested in living in one of these famous NYC buildings? Contact The Fry Team to speak to a knowledgeable real estate agent today.