530 Park Ave

Prewar features combine with updated yet timeless finishes

The difference between 530 Park Avenue and a brand-new condominium is apparent from the moment the door opens. In line with the building’s prewar history, each residence has a foyer laid with oak, herringbone floors, which continue into the living and dining rooms. Even with the foyer and separate dining room (rarities in the New York City market), the condos are generously sized. “I love the layouts in these units, especially the bedrooms which have a lot of space,” Azaria says. “So many new buildings have such small rooms. Here, everything feels so spacious. Even the doorways are really big.” All units have custom closets, hand-finished cove crown moldings and new casement windows, which completely block the street noise from Park Avenue, according to Azaria.

It’s hard to believe that the kitchens were redone over a decade ago. The white, inset cabinetry (custom-designed by English-based Smallbone) and blue-gray, Pietra Cardosa Italian granite countertops look just as contemporary today as the day they were installed. “They did everything right with these kitchens, from the pantry and wine cooler to the garbage disposal and appliances. The same goes for the bathrooms” Azaria says. Primary bathrooms are outfitted with marble walls and floors, radiant heating and linen closets, while secondary bathrooms are tiled with a stunning marble basket weave. As a thoughtful touch, both have interior-mounted, full-length door mirrors.

Large units command high prices

Units range from studios to four-bedrooms; half of the building is composed of one- and two-bedroom residences. Studios hover around 650 to 700 square feet and have sold for as high as $1.3 million, while one-bedrooms range from 860 to 1,160 square feet and typically sell between $1.6 million to $1.9 million. The largest two-bedroom stretches to 2,400 square feet and recent ones have listed between $2.8 million and $5.6 million. Three- and four-bedroom condos range from 2,200 to 3,400 square feet, with prices reaching $10.5 million.

A peaceful, French-inspired garden is the building’s defining feature

The outdoor space at 530 Park Avenue, designed by Town & Gardens, Ltd, is more refined than those typical of the city. In place of the skyline views, thin landscaping and concrete-laden rooftops that scream “New York City,” the ground-level courtyard offers a serene, European-like atmosphere. An antique water fountain sets a tranquil tone, and around the corner, a black tile reflecting pool runs through the center of the graveled garden, flanked by wrought iron park benches. The privacy wall is covered in English Ivy, and red maple trees, evergreen shrubs, hydrangeas and flowering perennials dot the area. “This is the perfect private garden to have in the city,” Azaria says. “Right outside there’s the traffic along Park Avenue, but when you walk over here, you can actually pause and think and read.” Two indoor spaces overlook the garden: the fitness center and sitting room, whose coffered ceiling, picture frame molding and herringbone floors capture the building’s prewar heritage. A dark-paneled billiard room, children’s center and catering kitchen are present, as well.

Two blocks from 843 acres of green space, plus upscale shopping and dining nearby

The condominium’s location at the corner of Park Avenue and East 61st Street is what Azaria calls “unbeatable.” One block east on Madison Avenue, there’s storefront after storefront from high-end designers like Valentino and Baccarat. Another block over, the entrance at Central Park leads visitors to the park’s namesake zoo, Wollman Rink and paths toward The Mall or Sheep Meadow. Several Michelin-star restaurants are within walking distance, including JoJo by by French chef Jean-Georges and Chola for Indian dishes, but there are also casual mainstays like Lilli and Loo for Asian fare or Piccola Cucina for Italian cuisine. As for transportation, stations for the N, R, Q, W and 4, 5, 6 trains are nearby, and several buses operate along Madison Avenue. The area’s convenience attracts a broad group. “This area is very family-friendly,” Azaria says. “I also get a lot of Midtown workers who want to live in this area, plus people who grew up nearby and are ready to move back.”