Invented by the Mesopotamians and perfected by the ancient Romans, the arch is one of mankind's most remarkable engineering and architectural feats. While its usage is best known for supporting monumental structures such as bridges and cathedrals, smaller arched elements are pervasive throughout architecture, old and new. With much of New York City's housing stock built during pre-war Classical Revival periods, arched windows, doorways, and loggias are rather commonplace in the city, especially in older Manhattan and Brooklyn neighborhoods.

As for individual apartments and homes, the vintage appearance of arched openings brings timeless appeal to spaces, whether traditional or contemporary. Since they are far less common than rectangular openings, arches enhance the architectural image of your home as their soft curves gently open up spaces while adding a distinctive human quality.

Builders and architects have once again taken notice of the arch's enduring qualities, spurring a small renaissance of new buildings with arched windows. Such new condos in NYC include 130 William Street by David Adjaye and several traditionally-inspired constructs designed by Morris Adjmi Architects and Robert A.M. Stern Architects.

Often times the use of arches is reserved for the most spectacular units of a building. At 200 East 83rd Street, a newly-launched condo designed by Robert A.M. Stern and Rottet Studio, its collection of crowning penthouses feature double-height arched spaces to create, in their words, "A gracious and sublime living experience." Buyers have gravitated to the superior craftsmanship of the building and the sales team reports that 30% of its 86 residences are already in-contract, prior to the official sales launch last week. Current two- to five-bedroom availabilities start at $3.2 million.

“We’re particularly proud of the sculptural qualities that we’ve been able to bring to 200 East 83rd Street — its elegant silhouette against the sky, the depths of its moldings and arches, the sparkle of its sconces and metalwork,” said Paul Whalen, RAMSA partner. “Created for a city that proudly expresses its layers of growth, our ornamental narrative reaches all the way back to the history of native Manhattan flowers.”

Find below an ode to the arch, a round-up of local listings with magnificent arched windows that promise to serve as conversation pieces in addition to eternally warming your home.

From the Listing: Truly one of the most unique and luxurious spaces to come to market in Tribeca, the sixth floor of 408 Greenwich Street is now offered for its lucky new owner. The loft is the result of a gut-to-the-studs renovation, completed by Voorsanger Architects, one of only a handful of individual projects the acclaimed firm has ever completed. Enter into the apartment via key-locked elevator, and you immediately take note of the level of care and attention that went into the renovation. See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: A beautiful, one-of-a-kind studio with high ceilings, gorgeous arched windows at treetop level on the special block which is West 72nd Street, between CPW and Columbus Avenue. A neighborhood where just about everything you need is in walking distance, transportation, restaurants, great shopping, Lincoln Center, and just a half-block away from Central Park. See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: Rare pre-war studio loft with 10-foot ceilings and a dreamy double wide arched window flooding the home with natural light. Take in warm western light, hardwood floors, and extra-tall ceilings in this wide-open studio offering a flexible floor plan ready to accommodate generous living and sleeping areas and an abundance of closet space, including a spacious walk-in closet! The open kitchen is outfitted with full-size appliances and plenty of cabinet space, while the breakfast bar provides convenient seating for casual dining. See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: Here is your opportunity to own this fabulous mint condition East Village charmer. Currently configured as an oversized one bedroom plus den, the opportunities to create multiple unique layouts are endless in this flexible floor plan. Located one flight up in an impeccably maintained walk-up building with extremely low monthlies, no underlying mortgages, and sound financials, this apartment is not to be missed. See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: The perfect combination of charm, elegant finishing, layout, natural light, and flow await you in unit PHE, a top floor stunner in The Morellino Condominium in the heart of Harlem. This spacious and thoughtfully renovated home offers warm hardwood flooring, gorgeous exposed brick walls and beautiful arched windows that let the natural light flood in! Did I mention that this is a Penthouse on the top floor? See floor plan and full details here.

In a section of Manhattan that has seen one glass skyscraper after another in recent years, Sir David Adjaye’s first New York skyscraper at 130 William Street comes as a welcome treat. With its 66-story hand-crafted concrete facade now finished, the 244-unit condo building is now open for immediate occupancy. Remaining availabilities range from a one-bedroom for $1.3 million to a three-bedroom penthouse with private loggia for $7.41 million. The on-the-market units bled to an average price of $2,216 per square foot, well above the Financial District’s $1,615 per square foot asking condo median.

The building's repeating arched windows steal the show inside and out. The windows will flood the apartments with incredible natural light and offer spectacular city and river views. Homes also feature large walls for displaying an art, wide-plank oak flooring and open plan kitchens with Gaggenau appliances, Italian Pietra Cardosa stone kitchen countertops, and master baths with Bianco Carrara marble.

The comprehensive amenity package includes a full-time doorman, concierge service, an indoor/outdoor landscaped lounge, a private dining room, a children's play room, a pet spa, bicycle storage and the only private IMAX theater in the city. Other health and wellness offerings include a sauna, a fitness center with terrace, a yoga studio, a basketball court, a golf simulator, an infinity-edge spa pool, and hot and cold plunge pools. The crown jewel of the building’s common area is a rooftop observation deck nearly 800 feet in the air, complete with grilling, dining, and lounge areas and private cabanas.

From the Listing: This stunning 1,293+/- sq.ft. one bed plus home office apartment is located in the iconic Clock Tower Condominium. Beautiful open views of the Manhattan Bridge, East River, and Brooklyn Bridge Park are featured through these oversized arched windows. The expansive living area, matte-finished oak floors, and approx. 11' concrete beamed ceilings make this true loft living. The home office can be used as an interior sleeping space. See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: This rarely-available Upper East Side maisonette, located in a prestigious prewar coop, offers the privacy of townhouse living with all the benefits of a full service building. A private entrance from 79th Street opens to a welcoming foyer. The grand and beautifully-proportioned living room features nearly 20-foot ceilings, two soaring arched windows and floor-to-ceiling bookshelves along one wall. See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: Enjoy all of the comforts of home with all the services and conveniences of a five star hotel in the prestigious Sherry-Netherland, one of New York's premiere landmarks, The Sherry-Netherland is at the southern end of Central Park. This triple mint and very unusual one bedroom, one and a half bath apartment has 10 large arched windows with sunny southern and eastern exposures that look over the city's sweeping skyline. See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: Welcome home to 264 West 124th Street #2 at the Carriage House Condominium located in historic South Harlem! This truly spacious and airy duplex home features 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. Upon entering this magnificent home you're immediately greeted by a sprawling and loft-like living room featuring oversized arched windows with a bright northern exposure. The proportions of the living space are reminiscent of a classic downtown loft, but with added historic character and charm. This unique split-level home features hardwood floors throughout, classic molding, a wood-burning fireplace, and a grand staircase to the second level. See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: Over 1300 square foot private terrace offers postcard views. An outdoor space to enjoy your morning coffee, entertain and enjoy the sunset over the Manhattan skyline.This cosmopolitan 3 bedroom home offers 2.5 baths, an open chef's kitchen, and beautiful light and views. See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: This open airy corner home is located in the historic Morse Building, featuring a great layout and flow with original architectural details. Enter the foyer and gallery, which unfolds into the expansive living and dining areas, open kitchen with mobile prep island, and built-in dining banquette with a clever under bench storage system; perfect for entertaining and nesting. See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: Absolutely stunning penthouse in Midwood Brooklyn consist of 3 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms spread over 2,435 Sq ft. As you enter your immediately struck by the incredible spacious and bright living area. The great room enjoys a south-facing exposure and sun-drenched Terrace looking out onto the treetops and south Brooklyn . See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: Enjoy the most magnificent day and night open city views from every window in this 3 bed, 3.5 bath duplex Penthouse Condo! From the moment the elevator door opens onto the semi-private landing with only two apartments, you are met with a gracious elegance. See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: Exceptional and Rare! Authentic Cast Iron Loft in Prime TriBeCa! 1,913 sprawling square feet, this floor-through loft is located in an elevator-serviced boutique condominium on a quiet residential side street just south of SoHo! It boasts magnificent 13-foot ceilings, striking double-height arched windows, central air conditioning, an in-unit washer/dryer, original exposed brick walls, original cast iron beams, and columns, strip hardwood floors, and surround sound! Currently configured as a 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath residence, the half bathroom can easily be expanded to a full (see proposed alternate floor plan). See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: This impressive, renovated full-floor classic loft is located on one of Tribeca's best blocks. Grandly proportioned, with 13-foot high ceilings and hardwood floors, the expansive living area is awash in sunlight from a gigantic skylight at the center of the loft, where the ceiling height soars to 15 feet, and three oversized arched windows facing south over historic White Street. See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: Sunbathe, stargaze and dine alfresco on the private roof terrace of this striking penthouse loft located in a boutique Morris Adjmi-designed condominium in historic East Tribeca! Step off the key-locked elevator to a sun-drenched Living/Dining room with soaring ceilings, wide plank floors, and sweeping views of the iconic Manhattan skyline from a wall of dramatic arched windows. The sleek chef's kitchen with center-island is open to the entertaining space and features deep Caesarstone countertops, custom Scavolini cabinetry, and top-of-the-line Bosch and Fisher/Paykel appliances. See floor plan and full details here.

Renderings of 200 East 83rd Street depict a stately limestone tower that looks like it has always been part of its Upper East Side streetscape, but construction on the Robert A.M. Stern-designed tower is currently underway. The sales team says that over 30 percent of residences have already been sold, and the first closings are estimated for the second quarter of 2022.

All 86 bespoke residences feature interiors by Rottet Studio, soaring ceilings, custom crown moldings, and grand-scale living space. Spacious eat-in kitchens come outfitted with center islands, custom Smallbone of Devizes millwork, and suites of Miele and Sub-Zero appliances. Primary baths offer radiant heated floors, large rain showers, and deep soaking tubs. Select residences have fireplaces and generous outdoor space, and the three penthouses at the building's crown boast large terraces and custom-designed stone parapets presenting multiple exposures of Central Park, the East River, and the Midtown skyline.

Upon arriving at 200 East 83rd Street, the first thing one sees is a vaulted porte-cochere with automated parking opening to a private courtyard. The sophisticated lobby is attended 24 hours a day by a doorman and concierge, and an extensive amenity package includes a state-of-the-art fitness center and yoga studio, a 70-foot indoor pool with double-height vaulted ceilings and access to a loggia with Central Park views, a spa with steam room, sauna, and treatment room, a Winter Garden with a double-height loggia and outdoor terrace access, a wood- and leather-paneled library with fireplace, children's playrooms, and a private screening room.

From the Listing: This extraordinary Flatiron Live / Work Condo loft has been renovated to the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship and is architecturally stunning.. As you enter from the elevator directly into the loft, you will be captivated by the 12' ceilings, massive south-facing arched windows, Dinesen wide plank Douglas Fir 300mm floors, and the exposed concrete & brick walls. This is without question one of the most amazing entertaining-oriented lofts that can be used as "home", the perfect pied-a-terre or for Live-Work. See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: Rare corner offering at The Greenwich Condominium. Apartment 9B at 65 West 13th Street is a sprawling, mint condition, 2 bedroom (convertible 3), with a separate home office, 2.5 bathroom loft in one Greenwich Village's most coveted pre-war, full service condominium buildings.

This spectacular loft spans over 2,800 square feet, offers 11' high ceilings and enjoys classic skyline views to the north and west through its arched (unique to the 9th floor) floor-to-ceiling windows in every room. Ingeniously designed, this home is rich with architectural detail, loaded with customizations and beautiful tailored millwork, including paneling that has all been faced from a single fletch of a single tree, throughout. See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: Once in a while, an authentic loft with terraces comes to the market. 620 Broadway PH6F presents this rare opportunity to purchase a massive and authentic NoHo loft with soaring ceilings and three lush outdoor terraces. This top-floor three-level loft has seventeen-foot ceilings, lovely views of the Beaux-Arts architecture of NoHo, and three gorgeous planted terraces. The main level has a sprawling live/work studio with a massive skylight, full bath, and full laundry. In addition, there is another full bath on this level, and a studio sink. See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: The only new condominium in NYC with 18- foot ceilings in a 42-ft long Great Room, with towering arched windows, The Library (2W) has 5 bedrooms, 5 en suite baths & a powder room. With a private landing & 3463 SF on two levels, the Library is one of 13 extraordinary, one-of-a-kind residences in Tamarkin Co.'s conversion of this landmarked former school. The kitchen features solid white fumed oak cabinets crafted by Christopher Peacock, with fluted glass cabinet fronts and Nanz hardware, and is open to the 37 ft Great Room providing a relaxed living and dining environment. See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: All your dreams are fulfilled with this stunning Tribeca Penthouse Oasis. Situated in the heart of the North Tribeca historic district on a cobblestone street where the Pearline Soap Factory once stood, 414 Washington/78 Laight Street is a seven unit ultra-luxury boutique condominium with expansive full-floor lofts. See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: Welcome to this one-of-a-kind duplex condo in the esteemed American Thread Building in TriBeCa. Boasting bold architectural details, massive arched windows, and an abundance of natural light, this 5-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom home is a seamless blend of contemporary luxury and classic city charm. See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: Ascend from the historic streets of SoHo to the top of the famed Singer Building to find an unparalleled penthouse loft featuring four sun-flooded exposures and a private sun deck with sweeping views of Manhattan. Endless light pours in through 22 windows and four skylights, highlighting the stunning design by famed architect Mark Foster Gage. The home is as functional as it is beautiful. Modern touches complement historical features that are inherent to the building. Enjoy high ceilings, a wood-burning fireplace, Lutron lighting, electric shades and radiant heated floors throughout. See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: Captivating and ultra-modern. Loft 5N is a 3 -bedroom/3.5-bathroom full-floor home with a private elevator entrance. Perfect and singular, this 4800 square foot luxury loft begins with its entry guided by a custom backlit bookshelf wall that leads easily into the great room. Surrounded and bathed in natural sunlight with custom arched windows, this room features multiple exposures. Imported European oak floors have been added throughout the space as well as custom ceiling beams and lighting by world-renowned Herv Descottes. The adjacent private terrace with its brick archway is accessed by two sets of French doors, completing this most remarkable interior landscape, which has been skillfully designed to accommodate your every desire. See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: Penthouse H is the crown jewel of 443 Greenwich Street, an enclave of exclusivity in the heart of Northwest Tribeca. Measuring over 12,000 interior and exterior square feet, Penthouse H features six bedrooms, six bathrooms, two half bathrooms, 20' soaring ceilings, multiple terraces, a plunge pool, and two dedicated parking spaces. This is a rare combination of volume, character, light, and luxury beyond imagination. See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: Turnkey opportunity for an authentic 3BR furnished Soho loft in the highly prized 285 Lafayette. Originally founded in 1886 as the Hawley & Hoops Chocolate Factory, this apartment was the top floor of the original factory prior to the condo conversion and expansion in 1999. See floor plan and full details here.