HISTORIC RENAISSANCE REVIVAL TOWNHOUSE WITH DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL
Rare Investment Opportunity in Central Park West Historic District
This magnificent 1897 Renaissance Revival townhouse presents an extraordinary opportunity to own a piece of Upper West Side history while capitalizing on valuable development potential. Spanning 5,127 square feet with an additional 1,077 square feet in the cellar, this 17-foot-wide architectural masterpiece offers untapped air rights of approximately 800 sf for potential vertical expansion. Post expansion you'll have 7,000+ sf including the basement!
ARCHITECTURAL GRANDEUR
The grand parlour floor showcases impeccable period details with soaring 11'4" ceilings, including:
• Original woodwork and ornate fireplaces
• Elegant pocket doors with pristine detailing
• Stunning stained glass windows
• Gracious bay windows flooding the space with natural light
• Formal stair hall with original banister
• Butler's pantry
• Turn-of-the-century hand-painted ceiling in parlour room
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Designed by renowned architect George Frederick Pelham, this townhouse represents one of his final residential masterpieces before transitioning to iconic Upper West Side apartment buildings. The property's cultural significance is enhanced by its role as a filming location for "Boardwalk Empire" and includes a mirror from the legendary Studio 54.
INVESTMENT POTENTIAL
• Available air rights for vertical expansion
• Strong structural integrity ideal for renovation
• Neighboring property at 30 West 85th Street recently sold for $18.3M after renovation
• Prime location in Central Park West Historic District
• Advantageous lot dimensions: 17-ft x 102.17-ft
• Building dimensions: 17-ft x 55-ft
• Favorable tax structure
LOCATION & ACCESSIBILITY
Perfectly positioned in the heart of the Upper West Side, offering:
• Steps from Central Park
• Premium dining and shopping
• Cultural attractions
• Crosstown bus on 86th Street
• B/C and 1 trains nearby
• Easy access to major transportation hubs
PROPERTY DETAILS
Price: $7,488,888
Square Footage: 5,127 (plus 1,077 SF cellar)
Configuration: 5 level townhouse
Year Built: 1897
Style: Renaissance Revival
Location: Central Park West Historic District
This rare offering combines historical prestige with significant development potential, presenting an exceptional opportunity for buyers seeking to create their dream residence in one of Manhattan's most coveted neighborhoods.
Active
$7,488,888
32 W 85th St, New York, NY 10024
7beds
5,127sqft
Single Family Residence
Built in 1901
-- sqft lot
$7,310,800 Zestimate®
$1,461/sqft
$-- HOA
What's special
Ornate fireplacesImpeccable period detailsNatural lightFormal stair hallStained glass windowsGracious bay windowsElegant pocket doors
- 36 days
- on Zillow |
- 1,028 |
- 50 |
Zillow last checked: 7 hours ago
Listing updated: May 31, 2025 at 08:07am
Listing by:
Compass 646-338-4911,
Mandy Ostrowsky
Source: StreetEasy,MLS#: S1768746
Travel times
Tour with a buyer’s agent
Tour with a buyer’s agent
Facts & features
Interior
Bedrooms & bathrooms
- Bedrooms: 7
- Bathrooms: 5
- Full bathrooms: 4
- 1/2 bathrooms: 1
Interior area
- Total structure area: 5,127
- Total interior livable area: 5,127 sqft
Property
Features
- Patio & porch: Other
- Exterior features: Courtyard
Details
- Parcel number: 011980045
- Special conditions: Resale
Construction
Type & style
- Home type: SingleFamily
- Property subtype: Single Family Residence
Condition
- Year built: 1901
Community & HOA
Community
- Subdivision: Upper West Side
HOA
- Services included: Maintenance
Location
- Region: New York
Financial & listing details
- Price per square foot: $1,461/sqft
- Tax assessed value: $7,062,000
- Annual tax amount: $22,452
- Date on market: 5/1/2025
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