393 West End Avenue (Rendering via Alden Studios)
Between multiple historic districts and tight zoning that aims to preserve its cherished prewar character, new development sites on the Upper West Side are hard to come by. In light of this, some residential developers find it easier to restore the area's older buildings and convert the interiors to triple-mint apartments than to go through the process required by the Landmarks Preservation Commission ("Landmarks"). This is easier to do with some types of buildings than others; as per the rent laws passed in 2019, 51 percent of tenants in a rental must agree to buy their apartments before a condo or co-op conversion can take place.
As such, prewar condominiums on the Upper West Side are few and far between. However, plans to convert 393 West End Avenue from a rental to a condominium were filed before the new laws took effect. Closings have recently commenced, and current availabilities range from a one-bedroom for $1.63 million to a four-bedroom for $6.785 million.
As such, prewar condominiums on the Upper West Side are few and far between. However, plans to convert 393 West End Avenue from a rental to a condominium were filed before the new laws took effect. Closings have recently commenced, and current availabilities range from a one-bedroom for $1.63 million to a four-bedroom for $6.785 million.
In this article:
"It’s an attitude of refined constraint, and a contemporary revival of romantic styles that brings a bit of magic back to this special part of the Upper West Side" — Nancy J. Ruddy, Founding Principal, CetraRuddy
Family-owned developer and real estate investment firm Rabina was at the helm of the conversion of 393 West End Avenue, which architect CetraRuddy describes as “a sleeping giant on West End Avenue.” It was originally constructed by Goldner & Goldner in 1927, a time when CetraRuddy co-founder Nancy Ruddy notes that Americans were opening up to the wonders of European and Italian architecture. This resulted in more imaginative architectural details that CetraRuddy took great pains to preserve and restore amidst the condo conversion.
Owing to its address in the West End-Collegiate Historic District Extension, the project could not proceed without Landmarks’ approval. In January 2022, Landmarks unanimously approved the requested modifications, which included enlarging a rooftop addition and installing a new marquee. John Cetra, co-founder of CetraRuddy, says that they didn’t want to install a canopy that would obscure the building’s architectural detail. The result is a simple, modern solution tied to the arch of the door.
393 West End is located in a tranquil section of the Upper West Side. Riverside Park is only one block away, and Central Park is in the opposite direction. The tree-lined blocks are dotted with quiet cafes and local boutiques, and the dining options of Amsterdam and Columbus Avenues are a short distance away. Nearby cultural institutions include Lincoln Center, Beacon Theatre, and the American Museum of Natural History, home of the new Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation. Commuters will appreciate having the 79th Street 1 train a block away.
↓ In designing the interiors, CetraRuddy adapted prewar floor plans and proportions to modern life. As such, all units feature restored tray ceilings, white chevron oak floors, LED lighting, in-unit washer/dryers, and multizoned LG VRF cooling with Nest thermostats.
393 West End Avenue interiors (Brown Harris Stevens)
↓ Open chef’s kitchens are the heart of the home. Naica quartzite countertops with leathered finishes offer an eye-catching and low-maintenance alternative to marble, a Miele appliance suite is there to meet all the chef’s needs, and there is abundant storage space.
↓ Larger than some New York City studios, the primary suites feature generous closet space.
↓ Luxurious primary baths are clad in marble and offer spa-inspired features like frameless walk-in showers and heated floors.
↓ No detail is overlooked – Breccia Capraia marble slab accent walls serve as works of art in the powder rooms.
Garden-level amenities span 4,000 square feet and include:
- 24-hour attended lobby with sculptural stone concierge desk, modern painting by Esther Kläs, Bianco Spino and Grigio Collemandina mosaic floors, and a nickel leaf ceiling
- A Great Room with banquettes, private nooks, and access to a landscaped courtyard
- The Cottage, an enchanted forest-inspired children's playroom with access to an outdoor terrace
- A teen lounge with gaming station
- A fitness center with private movement studio
- The Club Room, a lounge with a plush nine-foot sofa and a fully equipped bar
Would you like to tour any of these properties?
Content Specialist
Michelle Mazzarella
Michelle is a contributing writer and editor for real estate news in New York City
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