The Marbury: Greystone's Upper West Side Condo Conversion Removes its Shroud

By Michelle Mazzarella | From Future New York Wednesday, December 26, 2018

Rendering of The Marbury via Greystone

Just down the block from the landmarked Ansonia, another Beaux Arts building is coming into its own: The scaffolding is coming down on the eight-story building known at The Marbury, a condo conversion of the former Phoenix House headquarters. While restoring the original front facade to its former glory, architect Barry Rice reimagined the rear façade with inspiration from grand European courtyards and historic Upper West Side buildings. Additionally, the development team of Greystone and Prime Rok sought to add an ADA-compliant entrance and build rooftop additions.

As The Marbury is in the Central Park West Historic District, the work could not proceed without the approval of the Landmarks Preservation Commission. Community organization LANDMARK WEST! spoke in favor of the changes at the hearing, and Thomas Ryan, Head of Greystone Development, told CityRealty that "[they] received very positive responses from the Community Board and the Landmarks Preservation Commission." Phoenix House relocated operations to other facilities throughout New York, and the work began.

When the conversion is complete, The Marbury will be home to 14 luxury condos with a duplex penthouse among them. All units will have interiors by Maureen McDermott of Winter McDermott Design, who will also be designing the amenities. Floor plans included in a Landmarks presentation show that the apartments will be three-bedrooms with private balconies. In addition to a “Versailles-inspired lobby,” plans filed with the city list such amenities as a recreation room, lounge, private dining room, terrace, and bike room.

An offering plan under review lists a $60.56 million sellout. Prices average $4.3 million—right in line with the Broadway Corridor median for similarly-sized condos (per CityRealty listings)—and the duplex penthouse is set to list for $6.5 million. Between the apartments' size and the building's location, perhaps the high prices are not surprising. The Marbury is a short distance from Central Park, Riverside Park, the American Museum of Natural History, the Beacon Theatre, and local favorites like Levain Bakery, Patsy’s Pizzeria, and Alice’s Tea Cup. Those who absolutely must leave the neighborhood have the 72nd Street subway two blocks away.