A Beaux-Arts gem in the heart of the Upper West Side
78 W 85th Street, a charming Beaux-Arts condominium, stands as a testament to the timeless elegance of the Upper West Side. Constructed in 1920, this seven-story building houses 51 units, offering residents a blend of historic charm and modern convenience. The structure's classic architectural style is evident in its detailed stone facade and symmetrical design, featuring an arched doorway flanked by classical columns. Situated on a tree-lined street just steps from Central Park, 78 W 85th Street embodies the community-centric, unassuming elegance that defines this beloved Manhattan neighborhood.
Versatile layouts with pre-war character and modern updates
78 W 85th Street offers a range of living spaces to suit various needs, from cozy studios to spacious one-bedroom apartments. Studio units span from 300 to 663 square feet, while one-bedroom layouts range from 635 to 675 square feet. Many units have been thoughtfully renovated, blending pre-war charm with contemporary comforts.
The studios, some configured as alcove studios, make efficient use of space. They often feature separate dining alcoves that can double as home office areas, providing flexibility for modern living. High ceilings, typically reaching 10 feet, create an airy ambiance and enhance the sense of space. Many units boast exposed brick walls, adding character and warmth to the interiors.
One-bedroom apartments offer more generous living areas, with some units providing unobstructed western views of the city. These larger layouts often include ample closet space, with some bedrooms featuring two closets for added storage.
Throughout the building, hardwood floors are a common feature, adding a touch of elegance to each home. Many kitchens have been updated with modern amenities, including quartz countertops, subway tile backsplashes, and stainless steel appliances. Some units are equipped with through-wall air conditioning for year-round comfort.
The building's pre-war character shines through in details like crown molding and original wooden window shutters, which not only add charm but also provide privacy. Large windows in many units flood the spaces with natural light, creating bright and inviting interiors.
While specific pricing can vary based on unit size, location within the building, and level of renovation, the mix of layouts and features ensures that 78 W 85th Street can accommodate a variety of lifestyles and preferences, from first-time homebuyers to those seeking a pied-à-terre in one of New York's most desirable neighborhoods.
Classic comforts with modern conveniences
78 W 85th Street offers a selection of amenities that cater to the needs of its residents while maintaining the charm of its pre-war origins. The building's elegant mahogany lobby sets the tone for the refined living experience within. An elevator provides convenient access to all floors, a welcome feature in a seven-story pre-war building.
For added convenience, the building includes a laundry room in the basement, eliminating the need for residents to venture out for this essential task. The presence of a live-in superintendent ensures that any maintenance issues are promptly addressed, contributing to the smooth operation of the building.
Security is a priority at 78 W 85th Street, with a voice intercom system in place to manage visitor access. The building offers 24-hour access, accommodating the varied schedules of its residents.
While the building may not boast an extensive list of luxury amenities, it compensates with its prime location and well-maintained living spaces. The absence of high-end facilities like gyms or pools is reflected in reasonable common charges, making 78 W 85th Street an attractive option for those seeking a balance between comfort and affordability in one of Manhattan's most sought-after neighborhoods.
The building is pet-friendly, although specific restrictions may apply. This policy adds to the community feel of the condominium, allowing residents to share their homes with their furry companions.
Overall, the amenities at 78 W 85th Street focus on providing essential comforts and services, creating a welcoming home environment without the added costs associated with more extensive amenity packages.
A cultural haven with urban conveniences at your doorstep
78 W 85th Street is ideally situated in the heart of the Upper West Side, a neighborhood renowned for its cultural richness and community-oriented atmosphere. This location offers residents the perfect blend of urban convenience and neighborhood charm, with some of New York City's most iconic attractions just steps away.
Central Park, the city's green oasis, is merely a block from the building. Residents can easily access this 843-acre park for morning jogs, picnics, or leisurely strolls. The nearby Great Lawn, a 55-acre expanse within Central Park, provides ample space for relaxation and recreation, including several baseball fields.
Cultural enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity to world-class institutions. The neighborhood is home to several museums and cultural venues, offering endless exploration opportunities for residents and visitors alike.
For everyday needs, the neighborhood is well-served by a variety of shopping options. Gristedes, a well-stocked supermarket, is conveniently located across the street from the building. Other popular grocery stores in the vicinity include Fairway, known for its fresh produce and gourmet offerings, and Trader Joe's, favored for its unique and affordable products. Whole Foods is also within easy reach, catering to those seeking organic and health-focused options.
The Upper West Side is famous for its diverse dining scene. Local favorites include Barney Greengrass, an iconic Jewish deli known for its smoked fish, and Zabar's, a gourmet grocery store that's a true New York institution. The neighborhood offers a wide array of culinary options to suit various tastes and preferences.
The neighborhood also boasts excellent options for casual dining and quick bites. Shake Shack, located nearby, is perfect for satisfying burger cravings. Nina's Great Burrito Bar, just steps from the building, offers delicious Mexican fare for those nights when cooking feels like too much effort.
For entertainment, residents can enjoy the many cultural venues and performance spaces that the Upper West Side is known for. The area's tree-lined streets are perfect for leisurely walks, with charming boutiques and bookstores waiting to be discovered.
The Upper West Side's family-friendly atmosphere is evident in its numerous playgrounds and schools. The Abraham and Joseph Spector Playground and St. Gregory's Playground offer nearby outdoor play areas for children.
With its mix of cultural institutions, dining options, green spaces, and everyday conveniences, the neighborhood surrounding 78 W 85th Street truly offers something for everyone, embodying the diverse and vibrant spirit of New York City.
Excellent connectivity with multiple transit options
78 W 85th Street benefits from the Upper West Side's comprehensive transportation network, offering residents multiple options for navigating the city with ease. The building's location provides convenient access to both subway and bus lines, making commutes and city exploration effortless.
For subway access, residents have two nearby stations to choose from. The 86th Street station, serviced by the 1 and 2 trains, is just a short five-minute walk away. This line provides direct access to Times Square, the Financial District, and Brooklyn. Alternatively, the 86th Street station for the A, B, and C trains is also within a five-minute walk, offering express service to Midtown, Downtown, and parts of Brooklyn and Queens.
Bus service in the area is equally robust. The Columbus Avenue and West 86th Street bus stop, located just a minute's walk from the building, is served by multiple lines. The M7 and M11 buses run north-south along Amsterdam and Columbus Avenues, while the M86 crosstown bus provides east-west service across Central Park to the Upper East Side.
For those venturing further afield, the area's transportation options make it easy to access the city's airports. LaGuardia Airport is approximately a 20-minute drive, while both John F. Kennedy International and Newark Liberty International airports can be reached in about 30-35 minutes by car, traffic permitting.
The neighborhood's excellent walkability means that many daily errands and activities can be accomplished on foot. The abundance of nearby amenities, from grocery stores to restaurants and cultural attractions, reduces the need for frequent transportation use.
Cyclists will appreciate the area's bike-friendly nature, with dedicated bike lanes on many nearby streets. The proximity to Central Park and Riverside Park also provides excellent opportunities for recreational cycling.
For those who prefer to drive, while parking in the neighborhood can be challenging, there are various transportation options available for those who need regular car access.
The combination of multiple subway lines, extensive bus service, and the neighborhood's inherent walkability makes 78 W 85th Street an ideal location for those who value easy mobility around New York City. Whether commuting to work, exploring the city's attractions, or simply running daily errands, residents will find that getting around from this Upper West Side location is convenient and efficient.
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Quantarium
Current List Price
Sold Price
Area Factors
Low Crime
Crime Score®
3/ 10
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
85/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
97/ 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
W 87th Street Park & Garden
3 min walk
Picnic Area
Playground
Abraham and Joseph Spector Playground
4 min walk
Playground
Playground Eighty Nine LXXXIX
5 min walk
Playground
Theodore Roosevelt Park
6 min walk
Dog Park
Picnic Area
Trails
St Gregory's Playground
6 min walk
Basketball
Playground
Great Lawn
7 min walk
Picnic Area
Trails
Events
Sol Bloom Playground
7 min walk
Basketball
Picnic Area
Playground
Tecumseh Playground
10 min walk
Basketball
Picnic Area
Soccer
Riverside Park
13 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.
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