The Laureate

Thoughtfully designed, beautifully appointed apartments

In an obvious homage to the prewar aesthetic, the living and dining spaces are clearly demarcated by a series of recessed pass-throughs with crown moldings, as well as tray ceilings in some rooms. Some owners have painted the moldings a darker hue, further emphasizing the subtle mix between a closed- and open-concept floor plan. “The other thing that is really unique is they designed it to create larger homes for the neighborhood,” Kalish says. “Prior to this being there, there were really only smaller apartments, or you’d have to be in a co-op. They’re graciously scaled apartments, some with four, five and six bedrooms.” Residents can also expect wide hardwood floors, oversized windows and separate lounging and dining areas, as well as a proper foyer. Kitchens are also spacious with custom cabinetry and countertops, and are very unlike the tiny, cookie-cutter open-style kitchens many buyers see in newer Manhattan builds. “It’s really the large-scale rooms. [Deborah Berke] did all these beautiful finishes with the moldings and the floors. The Juliet balconies were a big signature feature that people loved.” Buyers can expect slight updates and newer finishes between units, depending on the previous owner.

As for other interior details, bathrooms are clad in a beautiful blue Bianca marble with double sinks, radiant-heat floors, walk-in showers and soaking tubs. Washers and dryers are allowed in the units — some even have separate laundry rooms: “Not like a closet, but an actual laundry room. Many new developments don’t have that.”

Highly coveted units with hefty price tags

Given its boutique status, units are extremely rare to market. In the past, 900-plus square foot one-bedrooms have listed for $1.9 million, while two-bedrooms typically go for $3.5 million and up. Most of the three-bedrooms were sold when the building first opened, but a few in recent years have sold between $4.2 million and $10.5 million, the latter being a penthouse. Prices for four-bedrooms, often with private terraces, typically start in the high $9 million dollar range.

A full-service building with sophisticated amenities and an attached parking garage

Residents are greeted each day by a doorman, concierge and an arrangement of fresh flowers in the quaint lobby. “It’s a really comfortable, cozy and elegant lobby,” Kalish adds. “They just redid it and it’s in line with the aesthetic of the building.” The hallways were also renovated a few years back and include new blue carpeting and wall treatments. On the fourth floor, residents can access the common spaces, which include a gym, a wood-clad library with a gorgeous piano and a separate music room. There’s also a large outdoor terrace furnished with lounge chairs on the upper floors. “Another huge feature is the fact that there is a garage attached to the building. It’s very unique for any building [to have a garage], but especially in the UWS.” The spaces are leased, not deeded, and residents can pull right into the garage and go to the elevator. Depending on availability, spots are priced roughly between $895 for a standard SUV to $1,100 for larger vehicles per month. Lastly, the building is pet-friendly and also has a pet spa.

Near both Riverside and Central Park on 76th Street between Broadway and Amsterdam

Even non-New Yorkers will recognize some of the famous sights of Manhattan’s Upper West: John Lennon’s memorial at Strawberry Fields, the Museum of Natural History, Hayden Planetarium, The Dakota building and the iconic skyline of prewar highrises overlooking the Central Park. But more than that, the neighborhood is decidedly family-friendly and known for its chic, diverse residents. “It’s in a prime area, sandwiched between two parks — Riverside and Central Park — and they’re both amazing and super convenient to this building,” Kalish says. “In addition to that, you have all the shops and conveniences of the neighborhood.” Most UWS restaurants are surprisingly laid-back, ranging from Nice Matin, a classic French eatery, to long-standing favorites like Zabar’s and Barney Greengrass. Residents can access the 1, 2 and 3 trains at the 72nd Street station along Broadway or the A, B and C trains at the 81st Street-Natural History Museum station farther east along Central Park West.