Two Fifty West 81st (Renderings by Williams New York. Design by Robert A.M. Stern Architects)
The western blocks of the Upper West Side between West 72nd Street to 96th Street are among the best preserved in the city. Comprised of a dignified collection of pre-war townhouses, high-rise flats, schools, and churches; the streets retain a consistent old-world character rare in today’s Manhattan. At 250 West 81st Street, just outside the neighborhood’s Riverside-West End Historic District, Alchemy Properties in partnership with The Carlyle Group is constructing a ground-up condominium that rises to the occasion. Designed by the celebrated architect and historian, Robert A.M. Stern Architects, 31 grand residences are to be assembled behind an elegant limestone and pale-brick façade.
Rendering of Two Fifty West 81st (Renderings by Williams New York)
Today the team has officially launched the marketing website for Two Fifty West 81st. New renderings created by Williams New York reveal more of the project’s sumptuous bits such as the understated entryway and the timeless detailing surrounding its windows and balustrades. The team says Robert A.M. Stern carefully composed the silhouette of the building to create private terrace experiences as well as oversized windows for many of the residences. The distinctive crown, visible throughout the neighborhood, harkens to the graceful Candela atop of 1040 Fifth Avenue and to 10 Gracie Square. All in all, considering the unfortunate recent additions that have gone up nearby, for once, a new development enhances rather detracts from this remarkable stretch of Manhattan.
Stern says, "Two Fifty West 81st is a reinterpretation of the classical Upper West Side prewar buildings for the way that people live today." From tree-line 81st Street, residents enter an oval entry gallery with a 14-foot-high dome ceiling and a fireplace with imported marble surround. The building’s amenities span 6,000 square feet and include a professional music studio for adults and children, a fitness center, sports court, golf simulator, children's playroom, bike storage, and a rooftop Sky Terrace, ideal for open-air dining.
Enlarge Image
Enlarge Image
Enlarge Image
Enlarge Image
Enlarge Image
Enlarge Image
Enlarge Image
Enlarge Image
Enlarge Image
Enlarge Image
Enlarge Image
The team says the layouts and placements of oversized windows are carefully considered to perfectly frame views of the Manhattan skyline. The 31 palatial spreads, ranging from two- to five-bedrooms will have foyers, elevated ceiling heights, and hand-laid herringbone oak floors. Kitchens will have custom millwork cabinetry fitted by the renowned English cabinetmaker, Smallbone of Devizes. They will be complemented by marble countertops, polished chrome fixtures and an integrated suite of Gaggenau appliances. Master baths have radiant heated floors, rain showers, separate soaking tubs and Waterworks fixtures in a polished nickel finish. Additionally, buyers of mid- to upper-floor homes will enjoy majestic views across the neighborhood towards Riverside and Central parks.
Tentative asking prices show two-bedrooms will start at $3,825,000, three-bedrooms from $4,950,000, four-bedrooms from $6,450,000, and five-bedrooms from $8,650,000.
A recent visit to the site shows that the building is approaching its pinnacle. The building’s massing reinforces the robust streetwall up and down Broadway. There will be two floors of retail at the building’s base to help maintain the thoroughfare’s vibrancy. The project is located near the beloved grocer Zabar’s, and close to the American Museum of Natural History and the Children’s Museum of Manhattan.
Construction progress of 250 West 81st Street as of late January 2018(CityRealty)
(CityRealty)
(CityRealty)
(CityRealty)
Would you like to tour any of these properties?
6sqft delivers the latest on real estate, architecture, and design, straight from New York City.
