Top 15 courtyards in New York City residential buildings

By CityRealty Staff | From Future New York Thursday, March 28, 2024

Aerial View of The Apthorp's courtyard (via Douglas Elliman)

When many of New York’s indoor attractions were closed at the height of lockdown, public green space experienced a renewed appreciation. Years later, that shows no sign of fading away, especially as the days get longer and the temperature (theoretically) rises.

In early 2021, New York architecture firm ODA presented Beyond the Street, an urban renewal concept that would break open city blocks to create interior courtyards and pathways; over time, this would create a more walkable and enjoyable experience with the help of adaptive reuse, new development, and landscape design. To accomplish this, the architecture firm proposes a new zoning regulation that would allow buildings to receive an increase of floor area and height in exchange for creating bigger courtyards.

“Vibrant pedestrian attractions like the High Line, Madison Square Park, and the new Little Island show that breathing new life into unused space are possible with great design and a little bit of landscaping” - Eran Chen, ODA

Beyond the Street from ODA on Vimeo.

Nothing close to Beyond the Street has come to pass, but the city remains committed to more pedestrian-friendly initiatives that include new public plazas with green space. However, some residential buildings are well ahead of the game on this one, having featured massive central courtyards from the start. Not only does this allow residents to enjoy green space without having to trek to the nearest park, but it also cultivates a sense of community. We look at the 15 most beautiful courtyards in residential developments below.

#15. Bloom 45, Midtown West

8 availabilities from $764K

Bloom 45 is located in a bustling section of Manhattan near the Theater District, Hell's Kitchen dining, and the Javits Center. However, the 8,000-square-foot courtyard at the center of the building offers a peaceful oasis to get away from it all. Many units overlook the courtyard, and the green plants and honey locust trees are interspersed with seating.

Bloom 45, #330
$1,667,400

Midtown West | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,033 ft²

Bloom 45, #330 (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: A modern oasis in Midtown West, with fabulous outdoor living spaces.Welcome to Residence 330, a northern-facing two-bedroom, two-bathroom at Bloom on Forty Fifth. Make yourself at home within this 1,033 square-foot unit that features a spacious primary suite including a walk-in closet and spa-like bath. See floor plan and full details here.

#14. 443 Greenwich Street, Tribeca

No current availabilities

Center courtyard at 443 Greenwich Street

443 Greenwich Street courtyard

Thanks to its private location, beautifully appointed units, and extensive amenity package, 443 Greenwich Street has become a favorite of celebrity buyers. Many units have private terraces, and all residents enjoy access to a 4,000-square-foot interior courtyard.

#13. The Aldyn, Riverside Drive/West End Avenue

9 availabilities from $999K

(Corcoran)

(Google Earth)

Located on the Upper West Side, The Aldyn has first-class amenities like a 24-hour doorman, concierge, fitness center, spa, 75' indoor pool, yoga rooms, a basketball court, and a bowling alley. At the heart of it all is a landscaped interior courtyard with lounge seating and tables.

The Aldyn, #3004
$2,850,000

Riverside Dr./West End Ave. | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 1,455 ft²

The Aldyn, #3004 (Compass)

From the Listing: Welcome to Residence 3004, a luxurious corner 2-bedroom, 2.5-bath haven nestled within the prestigious Aldyn condominium, situated in the highly sought-after Lincoln Square neighborhood. This exquisite apartment offers unparalleled vistas of the Hudson River and iconic city skyline. Designed for both relaxation and entertainment, the expansive open-concept floorplan seamlessly connects a spacious living and dining area, adorned with floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with light. See floor plan and full details here.

#12. Worldwide Plaza, Midtown West

11 availabilities from $575K

(Google Earth)

This Midtown development encompasses a full city block and features over 200 residences. Amenities include a new gym, a roof deck with open views, a saltwater pool and sauna, and a large residents-only courtyard/garden.

Worldwide Plaza, #10C
$825,000

Midtown West | Condominium | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 585 ft²

Worldwide Plaza, #10C (Compass)

From the Listing: This gracious one-bedroom home is drenched in light from southern and eastern exposures overlooking sweeping skyline views. The separate kitchen features a pass through to the dining area, granite countertops, ample storage space and stainless steel appliances including a gas range, dishwasher, and built-in microwave. The king-sized bedroom is equipped with a large double-door closet and plenty of space to accommodate additional furniture. See floor plan and full details here.

#11. 1185 Park Avenue, Carnegie Hill

3 availabilities from $1.05M

(Brown Harris Stevens)

(Google Earth)

One of the few private grand courtyards in the Upper East Side can be found in the beloved 1185 Park Avenue. It is distinguished by its circular shape and unique Gothic column entrance.

1185 Park Avenue, #PH1617G
$14,500,000

Carnegie Hill | Cooperative | 5 Bedrooms, 6+ Baths | 5,100 ft²

1185 Park Avenue, #PH1617G (Sothebys International Realty)

From the Listing: This trophy penthouse boasts grand rooms, fantastic light and a spectacular, beautifully landscaped wrap-terrace with open city and river views east, west and south. The home offers 5 bedrooms, 5 full bathrooms, a library, roof level garden/sunroom and 2 powder rooms. At 5,100 interior and 2,850 exterior square feet, this stunning residence has it all, and at an extraordinarily low maintenance. See floor plan and full details here.

#10. 150 Charles Street, West Village

2 availabilities for rent from $9,995/month

150 Charles Street from Hudson River Park (via COOKFOX Architects)

150 Charles Street (via COOKFOX Architects)

150 Charles Street is in a prime West Village location near Piers 45 and 46 of Hudson River Park. However, residents enjoy exclusive access to a landscaped courtyard and Zen garden at the center of the building's thoughtful amenity package.

150 Charles Street, #2ES
$9,995 (-16.7%)

West Village | Condominium | Studio, 1 Bath | 541 ft²

150 Charles Street, #2ES (Serhant LLC)

From the Listing: Sprawling, south-facing studio with 11-foot ceilings! A gracious foyer leads you into this triple mint condition home featuring wide-plank herringbone floors and custom built-ins throughout. This spacious studio boasts an open Italian chefs kitchen with cabinets by Molteni, Alabama white marble counters, LeFroy Brooks fixtures, Miele, Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances. The spa-like bathroom features Alabama white marble, LeFroy Brooks fixtures, a custom vanity by Alan Wanzenberg and radiant floor heating. See floor plan and full details here.

#9. Front & York, DUMBO

20 availabilities from $1.15M

Front & York (CIM/LVWRK)

The full-block Front & York's design by Morris Adjmi Architects pays respectful homage to the surrounding DUMBO architecture, and the apartments' interiors also feature industrially inspired details. However, the extensive indoor-outdoor amenity package was designed with the modern buyers' wishes in mind. The over half-acre park at the center of the building offers a green oasis away from the crowds of the nearby Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Front & York, #2E-FRONT
$2,475,000

DUMBO | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths | 1,637 ft²

Front & York, #2E-FRONT (CIM / LIVWRK)

From the Listing: Residence 2E-Front is a 1,637-square-foot sun-filled corner three-bedroom, three-bathroom home with southern and western exposure, offering a gracious layout and immense divided light windows that overlook the tranquil tree-lined streetscape below. Elegant and refined interiors are graced with approximately 10’ ceilings and chevron-patterned white oak flooring. The custom designed chef’s kitchen seamlessly integrates with the great room and is equipped with a full suite of state-of-the-art Gaggenau appliances adding luster to the custom Morris Adjmi designed white oak cabinetry in a tobacco finish and hand-selected Caldia marble counter tops and back-splash. See floor plan and full details here.

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#8. Kips Bay Towers

2 availabilities from $795K

Kips Bay Towers (Compass)

Kips Bay is in the middle of a residential renaissance now, and the I.M. Pei-designed Kips Bay Towers complex was an early entrant. The four buildings surround a three-acre garden with a landscaped lawn, full-scale sports courts, picnic and lounge areas, and a children's playground.

Kips Bay Towers, #3P
$795,000 (-3.6%)

Gramercy Park | Condominium | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 737 ft²

Kips Bay Towers, #3P (Compass)

From the Listing: This extra-large one bedroom features wall-to-wall and nearly floor-to-ceiling south facing windows. Great direct sunlight all day and fantastic through the treetop views of the condo's private garden below. This apartment is pin drop quiet. There’s an expansive living room with separate foyer/dining area, many closets, and a king-size bedroom which also faces the garden. See floor plan and full details here.

#7. Oosten, Williamsburg

8 availabilities from $1.43M

(Google Earth)

(Halstead)

Piet Boon's The Oosten is a dramatic full-block development in Williamsburg that features 216 residences, ranging from lofts to penthouses to townhomes. Of all the building's amenities, it is the 13,860-square-foot interior lush courtyard that stands out the most.

Oosten, #D319
$2,900,000

Williamsburg | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 2,261 ft²

Oosten, #D319 (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: This magnificent 3-bed, 3.5-bath features 2,261 square feet and encompasses an open duplex layout, truly making apartment living feel like suburban elegance. The unit is 31' feet wide, fronted by a full wall of glass, giving a maximum open air spacious living feeling. Your front exposure peers out into the building's beautiful and well-maintained courtyard, the best view one could ask for. The staircase falls straight, allowing for the minimal square footage loss, and ideal functional living for any type of occupant. One storage space assigned to this unit. See floor plan and full details here.

#6. Gramercy Square

10 availabilities from $2.085M

Gramercy Square (Douglas Elliman)

Central courtyard between Gramercy Square buildings

Down the street from New York's only private park, the heart of the Gramercy Square condominium is an expansive courtyard garden accessible from all four buildings that were once the Cabrini Medical Center complex. Unlike Gramercy Park, though, residents are encouraged to play sports and walk their dogs in the buildings' green space.

The Tower at Gramercy Square, #17A
$9,565,000

Gramercy Park | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 3,187 ft²

The Tower at Gramercy Square, #17A (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Spanning 3,187 square feet, this tower residence features 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and epic 14+ foot ceilings with unobstructed south-facing views of lower Manhattan and the Fi-Di skyline including One World Trade and both the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges. Upon entering the home, a spacious foyer opens to a loft-like great room with continuous southern light from floor-to-ceiling windows. The open kitchen features custom Canova cabinetry with Calacatta marble island, countertops and backsplash, Lefroy Brooks fixtures, and appliances by Wolf and Sub-Zero. The split layout design separates the primary bedroom suite from the two guest bedrooms, creating the utmost privacy for residents. See floor plan and full details here.

#5. Austin Nichols House, Williamsburg

3 availabilities from $1.645M

austin nichols house williamsburg aerial

Northside Piers and 50 North 5th Street are also nearby courtyard buildings (Google Earth)

(Kushner Companies)

Originally built in 1915, the landmarked Austin Nichols House was preserved and converted into a contemporary residence boasting over 30,000 square feet of amenities and 338 apartments – all surrounded by a zen-like landscaped courtyard/garden.

Austin Nichols House, #C404
$1,675,000

Williamsburg | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 938 ft²

Austin Nichols House, #C404 (Compass)

From the Listing: This stunning 2-bed, 2-bath loft boasts 12' beamed ceilings, full smart home integration, and high-end finishes, and southern exposure, making it the perfect place to call home. The best 2-bedroom layout in the building with huge walls of windows and tremendous southern sunlight streaming in all day. All rooms view the serene Zen garden offering an escape from city life and pin-drop quiet evenings. Custom designed smart home with the ability to control lights, shades, fans, door lock, and thermostat with voice control compatible with Siri, Google Home, and Alexa. See floor plan and full details here.

#4. The Greenwich Lane, Greenwich Village

2 availabilities from $7M

The Greenwich Lane (Douglas Elliman)

Courtyard in the center of The Greenwich Lane

Amidst the transformation of St. Vincent's Hospital into some of Greenwich Village's most coveted real estate, a suite of luxurious indoor/outdoor amenities was added to the mix. At the heart of it is a beautifully landscaped central courtyard designed by M. Paul Friedberg & Partners.

The Greenwich Lane, #82
$7,000,000

Greenwich Village | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 2,044 ft²

The Greenwich Lane, #82 (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: This gracious 2-bedroom, 2.5-bath residence on West Twelfth Street offers rare exposures over some of the most coveted blocks in the West Village through newly enlarged, double-hung mullioned windows with electric shades. Beamed ceilings, hardwood floors, painted wood and stainless steel finishes invoke the highly crafted style of early modern industrial architecture. Unique painted steel entry doors and vertically paneled interior doors lead into a well-proportioned living room with large windows that offer views over the city and the private garden. See floor plan and full details here.

#3. Jardim, West Chelsea

2 availabilities from $3.35M

Jardim (Corcoran Group)

Up the street from the High Line, the Isay Weinfeld-designed Jardim takes its name from the Portuguese word for "garden." Coincidentally, that's what's at the heart of this two-building complex - a beautifully landscaped space with native evergreens, flowering trees, indigenous shrubs, and long-blooming perennials. Many apartments overlook the garden, and several units have private outdoor space.

Jardim, #5S
$3,895,000

Chelsea | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 1,997 ft²

Jardim, #5S (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Organic textures and warm, inviting finishes coalesce in this Isay Weinfeld-designed, full-floor, residence at Jardim. #5S is a stunning, 2-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home featuring private outdoor space and gracious eastern and southern views of the city, with easy access to the High Line, Hudson Yards, Chelsea Park, and the Hudson River Greenway. Direct elevator access leads into an oversized windowed gallery and built-in coat closet that blends seamlessly into the walls, flooded with an abundance of natural light that spills into the residence's soaring 10' ceilings. See floor plan and full details here.

#2. The Belnord, Upper West Side

5 availabilities from $6.1M

(Google Earth)

This landmarked building was carefully converted to a luxury condominium by the prolific Robert A.M. Stern Architects, and the 22,000-square-foot center courtyard and garden has been beautifully redesigned by Hollander Design Landscape Architects. A historic fountain is the centerpiece of the courtyard, and elegant seating allows residents to enjoy the trees and plantings.

The Belnord, #106
$6,350,000

Broadway Corridor | Condominium | 4 Bedrooms, 4 Baths | 2,573 ft²

The Belnord, #106 (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: This corner four-bedroom, four-bathroom is situated on the fourth floor and has been completely re-envisioned by Robert A.M. Stern Architects, boasting south and east exposures, 10-foot ceilings, fully restored, oversized mahogany window frames, and white oak floors with chevron and plank patterns throughout. Upon arrival, a formal entry foyer leads to the stunning corner great room, adjacent to an enormous eat-in kitchen. See floor plan and full details here.

#1. The Apthorp, Upper West Side

8 availabilities from $1.395M

(Google Earth)

(Brown Harris Stevens)

The Apthorp is a prestigious landmarked building on the Upper West Side, and its beautifully landscaped center courtyard is equally deserving of landmark status. All four of the building's lobbies have access to the courtyard.

The Apthorp, #6A
$6,995,000

Riverside Dr./West End Ave. | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 2,376 ft²

The Apthorp, #6A (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: A stunningly beautiful home in one of the Upper West Side's most sought-after historic buildings, this incredible apartment combines pre-war elegance with modern sensibility. This three-bed, two-and-a-half bath residence features The Apthorp's signature characteristics: a grand entry hall with marble mosaic flooring, original crown molding and two magnificent fireplace mantels, oak herringbone floors, oversized windows and ceilings of nearly 11 feet. A new, eat-in kitchen features classic cabinetry and appliances by Sub-Zero, Wolf and Miele and views of the private gardens. Additional modern embellishments include a new heating and cooling system and washer and dryer by Miele. See floor plan and full details here.

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In this article:

“Vibrant pedestrian attractions like the High Line, Madison Square Park, and the new Little Island show that breathing new life into unused space are possible with great design and a little bit of landscaping” - Eran Chen, ODA

8 availabilities from $764K

Bloom 45, #330
$1,667,400

No current availabilities

9 availabilities from $999K

The Aldyn, #3004
$2,850,000

11 availabilities from $575K

Worldwide Plaza, #10C
$825,000

3 availabilities from $1.05M

1185 Park Avenue, #PH1617G
$14,500,000

2 availabilities for rent from $9,995/month

150 Charles Street, #2ES
$9,995 (-16.7%)

20 availabilities from $1.15M

Front & York, #2E-FRONT
$2,475,000

Select which properties are of interest to you:

2 availabilities from $795K

Kips Bay Towers, #3P
$795,000 (-3.6%)

8 availabilities from $1.43M

Oosten, #D319
$2,900,000

10 availabilities from $2.085M

The Tower at Gramercy Square, #17A
$9,565,000

3 availabilities from $1.645M

Austin Nichols House, #C404
$1,675,000

2 availabilities from $7M

The Greenwich Lane, #82
$7,000,000

2 availabilities from $3.35M

Jardim, #5S
$3,895,000

5 availabilities from $6.1M

The Belnord, #106
$6,350,000

8 availabilities from $1.395M

The Apthorp, #6A
$6,995,000

This is your member's center

In this article:

“Vibrant pedestrian attractions like the High Line, Madison Square Park, and the new Little Island show that breathing new life into unused space are possible with great design and a little bit of landscaping” - Eran Chen, ODA

Select which properties are of interest to you:

Select which properties are of interest to you:

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