15 Central Park West

In designing this residential tower, New York City fan favorite architect Robert A.M. Stern paid homage to the pre-war aesthetic of the 1920’s and 1930’s Art Deco buildings along Central Park, Fifth Avenue, and Park Avenue. Unlike those pre-war coops, however, 15 CPW is a new ultra-luxury condominium built in a classic and timeless design with an array of refined amenities. Comprised of two towers wrapped in an expansive limestone facade, the same limestone that was used in creating the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Empire State Buildings. The two towers are comprised of a 19-story “house” that fronts Central Park and a 43-story tower that fronts Broadway, joined by a glass-enclosed lobby with a private driveway to screen residents from paparazzi.

One of the most written about condo buildings in Manhattan real estate circles, the building has attracted an interesting array of residents. Residents include a lot of bold-faced names, including those in finance and banking, heads of industry, and a number of celebrities. Author Michael Gross details in his book House of Outrageous Fortune many interesting stories about the development of and residents of the building. In his book, he describes how the building was a bellwether of the city’s changing social and financial landscape over the last 15 years - a shift from pre-war coops and their picky boards to condos in newer locations, like Columbus Circle.

Despite this New York luxury condo being new construction, the tower fits in perfectly with neighboring towers along Central Park West, harking back to the 1920’s, the era of storied Manhattan apartment houses. Sweeping views of Central Park can be seen from the house and the tower on floors higher than the 19th floor. Neighboring buildings along Central Park West include some of the most well known New York Luxury Properties, like The Dakota, San Remo, El Dorado, Majestic, and Beresford; however, each of these buildings are pre-war and coops. 15 Central Park, however, stands out as one of the most exclusive and expensive buildings along Central Park West.

Along the best thoroughfares in Manhattan, pre-war buildings on Central Park West, Fifth Avenue, and Park Avenue were built by the rich for the rich. These pre-war apartment houses often featured high ceilings, grand spaces, charming details, intricate ceiling and baseboard moldings, formal dining rooms, and multiple exposures - all harking back to years gone by. These gorgeous pre-war buildings, however, lack amenities, technology and modern conveniences.

Pre-war buildings tend to age more gracefully than many post-war buildings. Therefore, new buildings designed in pre-war style tend to stand the test of time and retain value. Mr. Stern concluded that combining pre-war style with amenities, technology and modern conveniences would be a recipe for success in Manhattan’s ultra-luxury condo market, and he was right.

Located along Central Park two blocks north of Central Park’s southwest corner. It is two blocks north of the Time Warner Center in the Lincoln Square neighborhood of the Upper West Side. With Central Park as its front yard, residents of 15 CPW have a plethora of things to do: run along the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis reservoir, ice skate on the Wollman Rink in winter, take the kids to see sea lions, penguins, tigers and bears at the Central Park Zoo, or take in the latest exhibit at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The proximity of the building to just about every NYC cultural, dining, and shopping destination available, including Lincoln Center, Midtown offices, the Plaza District and Fifth Avenue, makes 15 CPW one of the most desired locations in New York. Lincoln Center is very close by. In addition, Whole Foods and the Equinox gym flagship are just two blocks south at the Time Warner Center. Top restaurants, including Per Se, Masa, Asiate, Nougatine at Jean George, can be reached in five minutes. Or, instead, dine at the on-site private restaurant with an in-house chef open exclusively to residents.

With 202 condos, from a 1,026 sq. ft. one-bedroom residence to a 6,617 sq. ft. four-bedroom residences, 15 Central Park West appeals to an array of condo buyers at varying price points, including primary home owners, pied-à-terre owners, investors and tenants. Ninety percent of the units have direct park views, but these views can be mostly found in the highest and largest apartments.

Residences boast large windows, classic styling, custom moldings, custom white custom kitchen cabinetry by Robert A.M. Stern, Vermont Verde stone countertops, top-of-the line appliances, gorgeous oak herringbone flooring and 10-foot to 14-foot ceilings. Many apartments, however, have since been renovated, so current finishes may differ significantly from unit to unit.

From the walnut-paneled library to the private dining room just for residents to private wine cellars and a well-appointed fitness center, the property has a clubby feel to it. There are residents-only events throughout the year that add to the club-like feeling. Like many private clubs in NYC, 15 CPW has its own share of the city's power players who are ready to relax, talk business, or network. A small army of over 40 staff provides the highest service level one will find in a NYC luxury condo to these power players and their husbands, wives, children, and staff.

The private dining room has become a popular spot for power lunches, as well as Mother’s Day brunch and Thanksgiving Day breakfast (when the parade passes by the building). However, there is no dress code at the restaurant as one might find at a private club. On the walk to the walnut paneled library, which has dozens of books and comfy chairs, one will pass not one, but three gas-burning fireplaces - indeed, very cozy and clubby.

Robert A.M. Stern is the founding partner of Robert A.M. Stern Architects LLP (RAMSA). Although mostly recognizable for his traditionalist designs, Mr. Stern's firm has designed buildings across various styles, from traditional to modernist, depending on the context and location, including residential, commercial, and hotels for The Walt Disney Company. Robert A.M. Stern's recipe for success in NYC has been designing new developments in pre-war style. His work can be found at other key buildings in NYC, including 20 East End Avenue, 520 Park Avenue, Superior Ink, 30 Park Place, and 220 Central Park South.

From 1998 - 2016, Mr. Stern was the dean of the Yale School of Architecture. Previously, he had taught at Columbia University. Mr. Stern authored many books about architecture and urbanism, including five volumes about New York City's architectural history, each focusing on a different period. Mr. Stern received a bachelor's degree from Columbia University and a master's degree in architecture from Yale University.

TIME WARNER & RESIDENCES AT MANDARIN ORIENTAL
These twin towers are located at 25 Columbus Circle and 80 Columbus Circle, respectively, with The Shops at Columbus Circle connecting the two towers at the base. Designed by SOM and developed by The Related Group, apartments here boast great views of Central Park and the Hudson River.

CENTRAL PARK TOWER
Designed by architects Adrian Smith and Gordon Gill, this super-tall new construction tower at 217 West 57th St. (at the corner of Broadway) is being developed by Extell. Soon to be the tallest residential building in Manhattan when completed in 2020, the building will house Nordstrom in the base of the building.

220 CENTRAL PARK SOUTH
Another Robert A.M. Stern designed limestone gem developed by Vornado, similar to 15 Central Park West, as it has an 18-story Villa and 79-story Tower combo. Protected north views of Central Park are the draw here. Delivery scheduled for 2019.

ONE57
A bit further afield, the new glass tower, 157 West 57th St, is located at 57th between 7th Avenue and 8th Avenues and houses the Park Hyatt Flagship hotel. Designed by French architect Christian Portzamparc, One57 has great symmetrical views of Central Park to the north.

Fitting for an ultra-luxury condo building, 15 Central Park West is a true white-glove building featuring 5-star service and a full array of amenities, including: landscaped gated motor court; parking garage; 14,000 sq. ft. fitness center; skylit 75-foot lap pool; sauna; screening room; private restaurant with in-house chef; wine tasting room; library with fireplace; children’s playroom; outdoor terrace; and more.

At over $13,000 per square foot, 15 CPW is home to the highest sale ever recorded in residential New York real estate on a per square foot basis. The 15 Central Park West penthouse sale of $88 million was made by Sandy Weill, former Chairman of Citigroup, to Russian oligarch Dmitry Rybolovlev's daughter Ekaterina in 2011. It continues to be the most expensive condo sale in NYC on a price per square foot basis.  Prices in the building, however, generally range from approximately $3,500 per square foot to over $10,000 per square foot depending upon the view (comparable to One 57 and other Billionaire's Row condos).