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209Units
19Stories
1963Year Built
$536K - $2.4MValue Range
Available Units
For Sale
For Rent
No Units Available
Highlights
Doorman
P.S. 158 The Bayard Taylor School Rated A
River View
City View
Elevator
4 min walk to John Jay Park
Lower-priced apartments known for their efficient layouts
Prolific architect Philip Birnbaum built the 19-story East River House in 1963, but even those with more than a passing knowledge of New York City real estate are likely hard-pressed to name any of his buildings. In a New York Times 1996 obituary for the architect, author David W. Dunlap refers to Birnbaum’s near-anonymous legacy. “Unlike his contemporary, Philip Johnson, Mr. Birnbaum enjoyed no public celebrity and little critical acclaim; ‘banal’ was among the kinder words used to describe his work.” Yet Dunlap went on to praise the architect for his spacious, efficient layouts. “He said he designed for the people who lived in his buildings, not the elite,” Dunlap added. Although some of the buildings Birnbaum contributed to do in fact house the elite, including the Galleria at 119 East 57th Street on Billionaire’s Row, and 1001 Fifth Avenue across from the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The NYT article also credits Birnbaum with advancing rooftop pools. But back to East River House, architecture critic Carter Horsley has described it as a “handsome, red-brick apartment building,” and its numerous balconies and terraces take advantage of East River views.
Larger units offer outdoor space, while some residences show their age
East River House became a co-op in 1971, and its 209 units have been renovated to various extents since the ‘60s. Studios start around 630 square feet, which is often the size of one-bedrooms in many buildings. Smaller apartments tend to lack views, but large windows take advantage of natural light. Efficient layouts are evident with ample closets, space for a small dining area and separate kitchens, also small. Studios can be found for less than $500,000 and reflect the fact that many have not benefited from major renovations. One-bedrooms jump to 750 square feet and start at a little more than $500,000. As in all units, minimal hallways help maximize the sensical footprint. Generous balconies and terraces are more common in the two- and three-bedroom range, which span from 1,000 to 1,700 square feet. For those on higher floors, south-facing views will never be erased thanks to low, landmark buildings on the opposite side of 79th Street. A two-bedroom needing updates at the smaller end recently sold for $620,000. A current three bedroom with 2,500 square feet is on the market for $3.6 million, however, this much square footage is an outlier. All residences are equipped with air conditioning, but washers and dryers are only allowed in certain lines and pending board approval. Renovations in general also require board approval.
Well-maintained building with full-time staff and parking garage
While this isn’t an amenity-laden building (no rooftop pool here), there is a full-time door staff and live-in super, plus a common laundry room last updated in 2019. The lobby manages to feel inviting with minimalist neutral decor and marble floors, and was last updated in 2021. Other recent updates include the intercom system, mailroom, hallways and elevators. An attached garage includes a full-time attendant. The pet policy allows one dog per unit, giving tenants a good excuse to take advantage of Carl Schurz’s nearby dog parks. There’s a bike room as well for those who wish to bike along the promenade, perhaps with their dogs.
Quiet location close to the East River Promenade and private schools
Prices are historically lower in buildings near the East River, and East River House is no exception. This is originally due to Yorkville’s lengthy distance from subways, but the long-awaited Second Avenue subway with express Q service has been a neighborhood game changer, attracting more residents and businesses to an area that has always been a draw for its reasonable pricing compared to the prime Upper East Side spots near Central Park. Plus, tourists rarely find themselves this far east. But the co-op’s location, a block from the East River, offers other perks. John Jay Park, while small, includes a public outdoor pool with waterfront views on 78th Street. The entrance to the East River Promenade is on 80th Street, and the popular Carl Schurz Park starts at 84th Street. It’s home to a playground, pickleball courts and the highly popular small and big dog parks, which also make for excellent dog watching. While this section isn’t known for its destination dining, it does offer an uptown location of the 2nd Avenue Deli, an institution for kosher noshes, while the French-owned Moulin Cafe serves up traditional chocolate croissants and cappuccinos that attract a local ex-pat French crowd who live in the area. (The private Lycée Français de New York is near John Jay Park.) Speaking of schools, Chapin and Brearley, both elite private girls’ schools, are mere blocks from East River House. It’s worth mentioning that the Hospital for Special Surgery has acquired land a block away near First, where it plans to add a 400,000-square-foot medical facility.
Crosstown bus in front, Q and 6 trains nearby
The Second Avenue subway stops at 72nd and 86th streets could be closer, but they’re new, ADA accessible and provide express Q service. As another plus, the local 6 train at 77th Street and Lexington Avenue is just a five-minute walk west, while crosstown buses traverse 79th Street and north-south along the avenues. Those utilizing the garage can hop on FDR Drive at 73rd Street and York Avenue.
Strict co-op policies
Dogs under 35 pounds are allowed, pending board approval and limited to one per unit. Pieds-à-terres are not allowed, but rentals are. As with many co-ops, everything from renovations to sublets need approval and tend to be on a case-by-case basis.
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Quantarium
Current List Price
Sold Price
Area Factors
Low Crime
Crime Score®
2/ 10
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
84/ 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
John Jay Park
4 min walk
Basketball
Picnic Area
Pool
Carl Schurz Park
10 min walk
Bike Trails
Dog Park
Fishing
DeKovats Playground
12 min walk
Picnic Area
Trails
Playground
Rainey Park
11 min drive
Baseball/Softball
Dog Park
Playground
Capobianco Field
13 min drive
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Tennis
Hallett's Point Playground
13 min drive
Jack McManus Field
14 min drive
Soccer
Trails
Multi-Purpose Field
Manhattan Park
14 min drive
Trails
Pony Field
15 min drive
Baseball/Softball
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.
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