All renderings of Charlotte of the Upper West Side via Depict
Between its protected status and local community of outspoken preservationists, new construction in the Central Park West Historic District has been few and far between. Charlotte of the Upper West Side, an eight-story condominium located at 470 Columbus Avenue, is only the fourth ground-up new building to rise in this stretch of the Upper West Side in the past 30 years, and Roe Corporation had to appear before the Landmarks Preservation Commission (“Landmarks”) more than once before the design passed muster. But the developer ultimately triumphed, and a recent site visit shows that the scaffolding nets are down to reveal BKSK Architects’ masonry-inspired brick facade, horizontal terra cotta louver system, and fenestration that mirrors the punched windows of adjacent tenement buildings.
A penthouse has entered contract, and the building’s full-floor four-bedroom units with private terraces start at $10.74 million. Among them is a second penthouse, a duplex unit with a massive private terrace off the living/dining area, a private balcony off the primary bedroom, and a private roof terrace; this unit is listed for $17.5 million. A garden residence opens up to a private paved courtyard at the rear of the building for extra peace, but this unit has not yet been listed.
Facade detail
In addition to being one of only a few new construction buildings in its neighborhood, Charlotte of the Upper West Side holds the distinction of being the first Landmarks-approved building to be constructed to exceed the robust Passive House standards for building and engineering. The contextually sensitive red brick facade took shape over an airtight envelope to minimize air leaks and drafts, and the triple-layered windows all but eliminate street noise (a highly attractive feature in an area besieged by delivery trucks). The terra cotta louver system was engineered to deflect the heat of the sun in summer, maximize sunlight in winter, and fill the apartments with natural light all year long. The contextually sensitive, environmentally friendly design has won several awards, including a 2018 SARA | NY Design Award of Merit.
Additional factors in the building's Passive House certification include:
- State-of-the-art energy recovery ventilation system (ERV) and variable refrigerant flow (VRF) HVAC system in each unit
- Quadruple layers of high-performance, acoustically insulated drywall
- Non-toxic interior materials and finishes
- Fully integrated Lutron lighting controls that allow residents to control their lights and electricity even from a distance
The apartments were designed by BKSK Architects and Alyssa Kapito Interiors to feature:
- Private, direct entry
- Expansive living/dining/kitchen areas
- FSC-certified wide-plank oak flooring
- Bespoke kitchens by Henrybuilt with sustainably harvested cabinetry, locally sourced marble countertops, and energy-efficient appliances by Wolf, Miele, and Sub-Zero
- Primary bedrooms in separate wings
- Primary baths with locally sourced marble, radiant heated floors, steam showers, and blu-stoneTM free-standing tub
- Laundry room with energy-efficient Miele washer and dryer
Floor plans via Compass
The attended lobby and amenity spaces have separate, independent ventilation systems, and the air here is treated with UV light. Common spaces and amenities include:
- State-of-the-art fitness center with Technogym and Peloton equipment
- Professional-grade Full Swing golf and sports simulator
- Pet washing station
- Central laundry room
- Private and secure storage units for each apartment
Charlotte of the Upper West Side is located a short walk from Central Park, Riverside Park, Lincoln Center, Beacon Theatre, popular local restaurants and shops, and the B, C, and 1 trains. Nearby cultural attractions include the New York Historical Society, the Children’s Museum of Manhattan, and the American Museum of Natural History (where the equestrian statue of President Theodore Roosevelt is being removed).
It is also set amidst a residential building boom that has brought new standards of luxury to the Upper West Side. Around the corner, The Marlow combines authentic prewar architecture with airy, modern interiors. 378 West End Avenue was designed with pandemic-proof features like advanced air and water filtration systems, copper handles, and touchless entry that have proven strong selling points. Up the street, The Westly brings such luxuries as a rooftop pool, outdoor lounge areas, and music room to the neighborhood. However, nothing has taken shape to match Charlotte of the Upper West Side in terms of sustainability.
Construction progress circa March 2022 via CityRealty
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