A rating for the building relative to other buildings of the same type throughout the country.Learn more
72Units
12Stories
1913Year Built
$736K - $2.5MValue Range
Available Units
For Sale
No Units Available
For Rent
No Units Available
Highlights
Fitness Center
P.S. 9 Sarah Anderson Rated A
Elevator
Bike Room
3 min walk to Theodore Roosevelt Park
A Beaux-Arts gem on the Upper West Side
35 W 81st Street, also known as The Orvista, stands as a testament to early 20th-century elegance in the heart of Manhattan's Upper West Side. Completed in 1913, this 12-story Beaux-Arts building houses 72 units, offering residents a blend of historic charm and modern comfort. Situated on a tree-lined street directly across from the American Museum of Natural History, the building provides a prime location for those seeking the quintessential Upper West Side experience. With its white-glove service and classic pre-war details, 35 W 81st Street continues to be a sought-after address for those drawn to the neighborhood's cultural richness and community-centric atmosphere.
Spacious pre-war layouts with modern touches
The Orvista offers a variety of unit configurations, including one, two, and four-bedroom apartments. One-bedroom units range from 650 to 751 square feet, with sale prices around $850,000. These homes feature high ceilings, often exceeding 9 feet, and beautiful wood floors throughout, including herringbone patterns in some living rooms.
Many apartments boast generous layouts with separate dining areas and spacious foyers adorned with large closets. Kitchens have been updated in many units, featuring high-end appliances such as Viking ranges, Sub-Zero refrigerators, and Miele dishwashers. Some kitchens include polished black granite countertops and abundant cabinet space extending to the ceiling.
Larger units, such as the four-bedroom apartments, can span up to 69 feet in length, offering sweeping views of the Natural History Museum gardens, the Hayden Planetarium, and Central Park. These expansive homes may include features like custom window seats, chef's kitchens with marble islands, and multiple bathrooms with elegant finishes.
Bedrooms in the building are typically well-proportioned, with many primary suites featuring en-suite bathrooms and ample closet space. Some apartments have been thoughtfully combined and renovated to create larger, more luxurious living spaces with additional amenities like home offices or laundry rooms.
The building allows for in-unit washer and dryers with board approval, adding to the convenience of these classic yet modernized homes. Air conditioners in some units are built into the window frames, preserving the aesthetic of the pre-war windows while providing year-round comfort.
Full-service amenities with a touch of pre-war elegance
35 W 81st Street offers a range of amenities that cater to the needs of its residents. The building features a fitness room, allowing residents to maintain their workout routines without leaving home. For those seeking outdoor relaxation, the roof deck provides stunning views in all directions, including vistas of the city skyline and nearby Central Park.
Storage solutions are plentiful, with the building offering storage bins for rent and a dedicated bike storage area. A central laundry facility is available for residents who prefer not to install washers and dryers in their units.
The building's services are equally impressive, starting with a full-time doorman who provides 24-hour security and assistance. A live-in superintendent ensures that any maintenance issues are promptly addressed. The attentive staff contributes to the warm, community-like atmosphere that residents appreciate.
The Orvista is pet-friendly, welcoming furry companions to join their owners in this historic residence. The building also accommodates various living arrangements, offering flexibility for owners.
Cultural riches and green spaces at your doorstep
The Upper West Side location of 35 W 81st Street places residents in the heart of one of Manhattan's most beloved neighborhoods. The building sits directly across from the American Museum of Natural History and the Rose Center for Earth and Space, which houses the Hayden Planetarium. This proximity not only provides incredible views but also easy access to world-class educational and cultural experiences.
Central Park, often considered the crown jewel of New York City's green spaces, is just a block away. The park offers endless opportunities for recreation, relaxation, and enjoyment of nature, from peaceful walks to outdoor concerts and events.
The neighborhood offers a variety of dining options for residents to explore. For those who enjoy shopping, the area features several clothing stores within walking distance. Stores like bocnyc and Purdy Girl offer stylish women's clothing within a short walk from the building.
The area is also rich in cultural attractions beyond the Natural History Museum. The neighborhood's entertainment options contribute to its vibrant atmosphere.
Families with children will appreciate the proximity to several well-regarded schools, including P.S. 9 Sarah Anderson, which has received high ratings from both GreatSchools and Niche.
Effortless connectivity to the city and beyond
35 W 81st Street benefits from excellent transportation options, making it easy for residents to navigate the city. The 81st Street-Museum of Natural History subway station is just a five-minute walk away, providing access to the B and C lines. This station offers convenient connections to Midtown, Lower Manhattan, and Brooklyn.
For those who prefer the 1, 2, or 3 trains, the 79th Street station is approximately a 10-minute walk from the building. This line runs along the west side of Manhattan, offering quick access to Times Square, Penn Station, and downtown.
The neighborhood's high walk score means that many daily errands and activities can be accomplished on foot, reducing the need for frequent use of public transportation. The area is also very bikeable, with dedicated bike lanes and Citi Bike stations nearby for those who prefer two-wheeled transportation.
For longer trips or travel outside the city, residents have multiple options. LaGuardia Airport is about a 20-minute drive away, while both John F. Kennedy International and Newark Liberty International airports can be reached in approximately 30 minutes by car, depending on traffic.
Given the abundance of public transportation options and the walkability of the neighborhood, many residents find they can comfortably live without a car.
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Quantarium
Current List Price
Sold Price
Area Factors
Low Crime
Crime Score®
3/ 10
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
84/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
95/ 100
Rider's Paradise
Transit Score®
100/ 100
Sources: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Walk Score
Sources: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Walk Score
WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Powered by CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks. Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Environmental risk data is provided by First Street Foundation® and is designed to approximate risk and not intended to include all possible scenarios.
Parks in this Area
Theodore Roosevelt Park
3 min walk
Dog Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Tecumseh Playground
7 min walk
Basketball
Picnic Area
Soccer
W 87th Street Park & Garden
7 min walk
Picnic Area
Playground
Abraham and Joseph Spector Playground
8 min walk
Playground
Great Lawn
9 min walk
Picnic Area
Trails
Events
Playground Eighty Nine LXXXIX
9 min walk
Playground
Riverside Park
11 min walk
Hippo Playground
11 min walk
Playground
Classic Playground
11 min walk
Schools
Source:
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Disclaimer: Please note that this building may not be in these schools' attendance zones.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified.
