Top 10 Most Prestigious Condo Buildings in Midtown East and the Cinematic Homes Inside

By CityRealty Staff | From Future New York Wednesday, February 1, 2023

The new Midtown East skyline as seen from Selene (Williams New York)

With the exception of some rumblings around pockets of Fifth Avenue shopping and the celebrated Grand Central Terminal, Midtown East has spent the past few years subdued in the wake of pandemic-induced office closures and long-deferred return-to-work dates. However, the area has seen some stirrings of life as of late. As of last week, the Grand Central Madison Terminal brought long-awaited Long Island Rail Road service to Grand Central Terminal. Gothamist groused that this doesn’t save passengers a lot of time compared to taking the subway from Penn Station, but it does ease congestion at Penn Station and allow for a more direct trip to the East Side.

Moreover, while Grand Central Madison makes the prospect of a commute more enticing, things could get more interesting close to home. In his recent State of the City address, Mayor Eric Adams spoke at length of a plan to rezone part of Midtown Manhattan to allow for more housing and greater conversion of office buildings. Some industry experts say that Park and Madison Avenue should be left out of this, but that the Third Avenue office corridor was hit especially hard, is now ripe for residential conversion, and that not a moment should be lost.

If the proposed rezoning goes through, it would come on the heels of the 2017 rezoning that allowed for massive new buildings like One Vanderbilt (which set a new record for New York’s most expensive office lease in April 2022) and other projects in the works that include 175 Park Avenue, 347 Park Avenue, 415 Park Avenue, and the new JP Morgan Chase headquarters at 270 Park Avenue.

These new buildings aim to draw New Yorkers from all boroughs, but the convenience of being able to walk to work cannot be overlooked. Landmarked religious institutions, fine dining restaurants, and high-end department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, and Bloomingdale’s have long made Midtown East attractive to tourists. However, between home decor stores lining Third Avenue and recently opened gourmet grocery stores, locals have come to embrace it as a residential destination.

Developers recognized the convenience of Midtown East as well, and a new crop of condominiums with high-end interiors and well-curated amenities has sprung up. We take a look at the most architecturally impressive, state-of-the-art condos in the neighborhood.

Views of the new Midtown East skyline from Selene (Brown Harris Stevens)

Top 10 Midtown East Condo Buildings

#10. Trump Tower, 721 Fifth Avenue

Developed by Donald Trump | Design by Swanke Hayden Connell
58 stories | 238 condo units
Completed in 1983

Average Sale Price/ft²: $1,626
9 one- to three-beds available from $2,000,000

Trump Tower (The trees on the cascade of terraces were removed a few years back)

Whether or not you agree with Donald Trump's politics, the cachet of one of the world’s most famous addresses is undeniable. A prime location at Fifth Avenue and East 56th Street, crisp modern design by architect Der Scutt of Swanke Hayden Connell, and proximity to Central Park, and Fifth Avenue shopping at your doorstep, have ensured enduring value for this iconic black-glass building.

Trump Tower, #35E
$2,950,000

Midtown East | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,100 ft²

Trump Tower, #35E (Domus Arbiter Realty Corp.)

From the Listing: This apartment is over 1,100 square feet, featuring two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The living room and main bedroom have floor-to-ceiling windows facing a breathtaking Central Park view and uptown skyline views. The contemporary apartment offers excellent proportions, generous closets and a gracious entry. See floor plan and full details here.

#9. 200 East 59th Street

Developed by Macklowe Group | Design by CetraRuddy
35 stories | 67 condo units
Completed in 2018

Average Sale Price/ft²: $2,384
14 one- to three-beds available from $1,775,000

200 East 59th Street

The 35-story sliver at the corner 200 East 59th Street sits at the junction of Midtown East, Billionaires’ Row, and Lenox Hill, some of the city’s most rarified residential destinations. Small floorplates make for exclusive living, with just two units per typical floor. Glass-railed balconies feature in every apartment. Sheer, floor-to-ceiling windows lend ample sunlight. Ceiling heights gradually rise toward the upper floors, which open onto Central Park views.

200 East 59th Street, #16A
$3,735,000

Midtown East | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 1,964 ft²

200 East 59th Street, #16A (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: This spacious, corner 1,416 square-foot two-bedroom, two and a half-bath residence features a deep wraparound terrace overlooking Central Park, and western views of the Midtown skyline. The floor-to-ceiling glass windows and expansive 10' ceilings tie the inside/out living concept together perfectly. The 548-square-foot terrace seamlessly connects the great room to an open kitchen outfitted with Italian white glass and aluminum trim cabinetry by Aran Cuchine, book matched honed Calacatta marble slab countertops, a natural white oak island and full-height backsplashes, and integrated Brilliant White glass appliances by Miele including an integrated wine refrigerator. The expansive primary bedroom features a walk-in closet and luxurious en-suite primary bath. See floor plan and full details here.

#8. Olympic Tower, 641 Fifth Avenue

Developed by Aristotle Onassis | Design by Skidmore Owings & Merrill
52 stories | 226 condo units
Completed in 1978

Average Sale Price/ft²: $1,717
13 one- to five-beds available from $2,400,000

Olympic Tower

In 1975, magnate Aristotle Onassis erected the 51-story Olympic Tower across from St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the Rockefeller Center, attracting high society elites and ushering a new era in New York’s luxury living. The somber skyscraper helped crystalize high-rise modernism into a lifestyle statement that persists in spiritual descendants from Trump Tower to 432 Park Avenue.

Olympic Tower, #34B
$3,250,000

Midtown East | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,238 ft²

Olympic Tower, #34B (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Fully furnished - just bring your toothbrush! Armani-style interior graces the apartment and can include all the new sophisticated furnishings, three high definition TVs, and contemporary fine art. This spacious apartment with high ceilings, has Ipe solid wood floors with floor-to-ceiling windows giving way to stunning Manhattan skyline and Central Park views. In addition, it includes two sumptuous bathrooms with refined Porcelain tile and Caesarstone counters, plenty of custom closets, a high-tech custom kitchen with top of the line appliances and a custom made wine cooler. The apartment also offers a new temperature controlled HVAC air system, and a washer/dryer. See floor plan and full details here.

#7. Park Avenue Place, 60 East 55th Street

Developed by RFR Holding | Design by Kohn Pedersen Fox
45 stories | 76 condo units
Completed in 2005

Average Sale Price/ft²: $1,480
6 one- to three-beds available from $1,450,000

Park Avenue Place

Park Avenue Place looks a little like a high-tech, stainless-steel aircraft carrier, minus its superstructure, standing on one end, which is to say that it is very elegant and has a precise feel. As such, it is a good neighbor to Heron Tower, the slightly smaller tower just to its east that is a pleasant, conservative, pin-stripe office building that lends a calming effect to an otherwise "wild" block.

Park Avenue Place, #PH3
$6,500,000 (-6.5%)

Midtown East | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 2,950 ft²

Park Avenue Place, #PH3 (Sothebys International Realty)

From the Listing: High above on the 44th floor of Park Avenue Place Condominium this palatial duplex penthouse is a model of elegance and sophistication. Be dazzled with the double-height living room with soaring 22.5' ceilings and marvel at the exquisite Murano glass chandeliers from La Murrina. Relish the dramatic views and the light that floods through every floor-to-ceiling window. Relax in the 53' long terrace, accessible through the living room or the kitchen. The gourmet eat-in kitchen features white lacquer cabinetry, absolute black granite countertops and floors, Dornbracht fixtures, Sub-Zero refrigerators, Miele appliances, built-in Miele coffee system and wine cooler. On the second floor you will find the spacious primary bedroom with extra tall ceilings and featuring an ensuite double-sink bathroom with oversized windows. See floor plan and full details here.

#6. The Centrale, 138 East 50th Street

Developed by Ceruzzi Properties | Design by Pelli Clarke Pelli
64 stories | 124 condo units
Completed in 2020

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Average Sale Price/ft²: $2,084
10 one- to five-beds available from $2,475,000

The Centrale

The 803-foot, 64-story Centrale introduces Billionaires’ Row-style living into central Midtown. The slender skyscraper rises high above the broad office slabs in the Park Avenue corridor, and offers unobstructed 360-degree panoramas from the upper floors. The design aesthetic combines mid-century modernism with Art Deco, both hallmarks of Midtown East, while tall-ceiled apartments sport a palette of refined finishes and high-end fixtures.

The Centrale, #38B
$3,525,000

Midtown East | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 1,518 ft²

The Centrale, #38B (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: This expansive two-bedroom, two and a half-bathroom residence designed by Champalimaud offers north, east and southern exposures through floor-to-ceiling windows. White oak flooring throughout leads from the entry into an open living and dining concept, complete with a chef's kitchen offering honed Capri marble countertops, backsplash, and a waterfall island with room for seating. The kitchen has a refined aesthetic with streamlined custom white oak millwork that seamlessly integrates a full Gaggenau appliance package, including an undercounter wine refrigerator, complemented by Dornbracht fixtures. The primary bedroom features an expansive walk-in closet and en-suite five fixture primary bath. See floor plan and full details here.

#5. 252 East 57th Street

Developed by World Wide Group and Rose Associates | Design by Skidmore Owings & Merrill
65 stories | 95 condo units
Completed in 2017

Average Sale Price/ft²: $3,348
3 two- to three-beds available from $3,995,000

252 East 57th Street (Credit: Albert Vecerka of esto)

The esteemed firm of Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill, a pioneer of Modernist architecture, brings its signature minimalistm to this apartment building near the east end of Billionaires’ Wow. The 65-story tower is a jewel box of high-quality, green-tinted glass, accented with a pair of subtle, concave niches. An impressive amenity package cements 252 East 57th as one of prime residential destinations in Midtown East.

252 East 57th Street, #37B
$4,850,000 (-2.9%)

Midtown East | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths | 1,929 ft²

252 East 57th Street, #37B (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Residence 37B is a bright, expansive three-bedroom, three-bath corner apartment featuring oversized windows with panoramic views to the Silver Cup, East River and along with north and west city views. Upon entering the residence, appreciate the formal entry foyer, which flows into a spacious entry gallery with ample wall space for art. The great room extends over 28 feet in length and is complete with soaring ceilings and motorized high-end window treatments. The dining area can accommodate a dinner party for 10 and is an entertainer's delight offering mesmerizing sunsets and glimpses of Central Park to the west and views to the north over Manhattan's cityscape. Off the dining area is a separate windowed kitchen custom-designed by Eggersmann, with deluxe finishes, HanStone glass quartz countertops and backsplash, Miele appliances, vented five-burner gas cooktop, wine refrigerator, dishwasher, and two ovens. The three generously sized bedrooms have all been outfitted with California closets for maximum storage potential. See floor plan and full details here.

#4. Selene, 100 East 53rd Street

Sponsor: Vanke US | Design by Foster + Partners
63 stories | 93 condo units
Completed in 2017

Average Sale Price/ft²: $2,007
Studio to 3-beds available from $1,825,000

Selene (CityRealty)

Selene (Credit: Williams New York)

Located just off Park Avenue and next door to the iconic Seagram Building, Selene brings a shimmering design with stainless steel bays and faceted glass walls by Foster + Partners (whose New York credits include the Fifth Avenue Apple store, the Hearst Tower, and West Chelsea condo 551W21) to Midtown East. The 94 bespoke residences feature spectacular day-to-night vistas and clean lines so as not to detract from the views; they also boast high, ribbed concrete ceilings, custom kitchens, and serene baths.. Residents enjoy direct elevator access to Le Jardinier, a Michelin-starred restaurant, as well as amenities like a sunlit 60-foot lap pool, a state-of-the art wellness center, and Atlas Club & Library.

Selene, #51A
$9,150,000

Midtown East | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 3,385 ft²

Selene, #51A (Brown Harris Stevens Development Marketing LLC)

From the Listing: Residence 51A is a 3,385-square-foot full-floor home offering sweeping, panoramic views in every direction. A grand arrival gallery leads to a stunning great room and kitchen and dining area with three sprawling exposures with luminous floor-to-ceiling windows. Privately located at the opposite end of this impressive residence is the double-exposure primary suite replete with an expansive dressing area and a luxurious spa-inspired en suite bath.This Sky Collection Residence is infused with natural light and feature multiple exposures along with Carlisle eight-inch oversized wide-plank white oak flooring and features Foster + Partners-designed custom millwork and bronze-finish, flush oak interior doors. See floor plan and full details here.

#3. One Beacon Court, 151 East 58th Street

Developed by Vornado Realty Trust | Design by Cesar Pelli & Associates
55 stories | 105 condo units
Completed in 2003

Average Sale Price/ft²: $4,334
4 two- to five-beds available from $6,500,000

One Beacon Court

The 806-foot-tall One Beacon Court ranked among the city’s tallest buildings, apartment or otherwise, upon its 2004 completion. Years later, the mixed-use complex remains among East Midtown’s premier addresses thanks to its mid-block porte cochere, across-the-street adjacency to Bloomingdale’s, in-building shopping and subway access, and Central Park views from the upper floors. Notable residents have included Jack Welch, Steve Cohen, Brian Williams, and Beyonce.

One Beacon Court, #PH50
$58,500,000

Midtown East | Condominium | 5 Bedrooms, 5.5 Baths | 9,675 ft²

One Beacon Court, #PH50 (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Welcome to the most magnificent uptown condominium residence with the grandest scale of any apartment on 1 floor - over 9,500 square feet - plus incredible 360-degree views of Central Park and the city skyline, soaring ceilings over 13 feet, and two spectacular 100-foot-long terraces. This one-of-a-kind residence occupies the entire 50th floor in One Beacon Court, one of Manhattan's most luxurious condominiums, and was designed and custom built over many years by David Rockwell, one of America's most acclaimed architects. Upon entering from your private elevator vestibule, the only one in the building, you're greeted by ceiling heights approaching 14 feet, and a postcard view of the city. The twin terraces run the entire length of the apartment, each 100 feet, one facing north, the other south. The grand corner living room has views west and north including a spectacular vista of Central Park, and access to the north terrace. The adjacent bar area is perfectly suited for great entertaining. A wide hallway leads to the equally grand formal dining room with majestic views west and south including the iconic Empire State and the Chrysler Buildings. See floor plan and full details here.

#2. The Towers Of The Waldorf Astoria, 303 Park Avenue

Developed by Dajia Insurance Group | Design by Schutze & Weaver
52 stories | 375 condo units
Completed in 1931, converted in 2019

Average Asking Price/ft²: $4,127
11 studio to four-beds available from $1,895,000

High-class connotations of the Waldorf Astoria name long predate the 1931 completion of the Park Avenue skyscraper, let alone the 2019 conversion of the upper floors into condominiums of the Towers moniker. Though the secret underground train that once connected directly to President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s suite is no longer in service, residents retain access to the legendary building’s landmark interiors and world-renowned services.

The Towers of the Waldorf Astoria, #3309
$5,600,000

Midtown East | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 1,716 ft²

The Towers of the Waldorf Astoria, #3309 (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Own a piece of history at The Towers of the Waldorf Astoria. Residence 3309 is a 1,716-square-foot corner two-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath, high floor home facing north and east. One enters the residence via traditional key or programmable keyless entry system, and features a fully integrated Concierge Closet - a unique and secure portal for the private delivery of packages, dry cleaning, and room service 24-hours a day. The foyer with marble floor and brass inlay dramatically opens into the main living area. A formal powder room features a marble vanity with antique bronze fixtures. The open living, dining and kitchen area perfectly sets the stage for quiet enjoyment or entertaining. The kitchen blends beautifully within these spaces and is defined by a peninsula with a bar-height counter. Bespoke details throughout include cove moldings, solid interior doors, drapery and shade pockets and 4" cerused white-oak herringbone floors. See floor plan and full details here.

#1. 432 Park Avenue

Developed by Macklowe Group | Design by Rafael Vinoly Architects
96 stories | 104 condo units
Completed in 2015

Average Sale Price/ft²: $5,299
16 two- to six-beds available from $5,750,000

432 Park Avenue

When it thrust into the Midtown skyline in 2015, 432 Park Avenue became an undeniable symbol of ultra-luxurious living, to supporters as well as detractors of opulent lifestyles and untold riches. Today, the 1,397-foot tower is no longer the tallest even on the street where it stands, yet the now-globally-famous address still reigns supreme in scale and luxury alike over any contender in Midtown East.

432 Park Avenue, #66A
$25,500,000 (-3.8%)

Midtown East | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 4,019 ft²

432 Park Avenue, #66A (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Located at the acclaimed 432 Park Avenue address designed by internationally renowned Rafael Vinoly Architects, residence 66A is thoughtfully presented for high-end yet comfortable living. Modern and effortlessly luxurious, this sumptuous, half-floor space has interior features and exterior views competing for the buyer's attention. Neutral tones, punctuated by custom woodwork throughout and framing every one of the building's archetypal 10' x 10' windows that frame New York City like fine artwork, all integrate seamlessly throughout the space for a balanced, tranquil effect. This four bedroom, three bath residence, designed by Sissy + Marley and featured in Elle Decor, spans 4,019 square feet and feels even more spacious with its lofty 12'6" ceilings. There is a private elevator landing with Terrazzo flooring and a banquette with storage to place your excess shoes; the adjacent entrance gallery opens to a 30' x 30' living/dining area with sprawling city and East River views. See floor plan and full details here.

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Top 10 Midtown East Condo Buildings

Developed by Donald Trump | Design by Swanke Hayden Connell
58 stories | 238 condo units
Completed in 1983

Average Sale Price/ft²: $1,626
9 one- to three-beds available from $2,000,000

Trump Tower, #35E
$2,950,000

Developed by Macklowe Group | Design by CetraRuddy
35 stories | 67 condo units
Completed in 2018

Average Sale Price/ft²: $2,384
14 one- to three-beds available from $1,775,000

200 East 59th Street, #16A
$3,735,000

Developed by Aristotle Onassis | Design by Skidmore Owings & Merrill
52 stories | 226 condo units
Completed in 1978

Average Sale Price/ft²: $1,717
13 one- to five-beds available from $2,400,000

Olympic Tower, #34B
$3,250,000

Developed by RFR Holding | Design by Kohn Pedersen Fox
45 stories | 76 condo units
Completed in 2005

Average Sale Price/ft²: $1,480
6 one- to three-beds available from $1,450,000

Park Avenue Place, #PH3
$6,500,000 (-6.5%)

Developed by Ceruzzi Properties | Design by Pelli Clarke Pelli
64 stories | 124 condo units
Completed in 2020

Select which properties are of interest to you:

Average Sale Price/ft²: $2,084
10 one- to five-beds available from $2,475,000

The Centrale, #38B
$3,525,000

Developed by World Wide Group and Rose Associates | Design by Skidmore Owings & Merrill
65 stories | 95 condo units
Completed in 2017

Average Sale Price/ft²: $3,348
3 two- to three-beds available from $3,995,000

252 East 57th Street, #37B
$4,850,000 (-2.9%)

Sponsor: Vanke US | Design by Foster + Partners
63 stories | 93 condo units
Completed in 2017

Average Sale Price/ft²: $2,007
Studio to 3-beds available from $1,825,000

Selene, #51A
$9,150,000

Developed by Vornado Realty Trust | Design by Cesar Pelli & Associates
55 stories | 105 condo units
Completed in 2003

Average Sale Price/ft²: $4,334
4 two- to five-beds available from $6,500,000

One Beacon Court, #PH50
$58,500,000

Developed by Dajia Insurance Group | Design by Schutze & Weaver
52 stories | 375 condo units
Completed in 1931, converted in 2019

Average Asking Price/ft²: $4,127
11 studio to four-beds available from $1,895,000

The Towers of the Waldorf Astoria, #3309
$5,600,000

Developed by Macklowe Group | Design by Rafael Vinoly Architects
96 stories | 104 condo units
Completed in 2015

Average Sale Price/ft²: $5,299
16 two- to six-beds available from $5,750,000

432 Park Avenue, #66A
$25,500,000 (-3.8%)

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In this article:

Developed by Donald Trump | Design by Swanke Hayden Connell 58 stories | 238 condo units Completed in 1983

Developed by Macklowe Group | Design by CetraRuddy 35 stories | 67 condo units Completed in 2018

Developed by Aristotle Onassis | Design by Skidmore Owings & Merrill 52 stories | 226 condo units Completed in 1978

Developed by RFR Holding | Design by Kohn Pedersen Fox 45 stories | 76 condo units Completed in 2005

Developed by Ceruzzi Properties | Design by Pelli Clarke Pelli 64 stories | 124 condo units Completed in 2020

Select which properties are of interest to you:

Developed by World Wide Group and Rose Associates | Design by Skidmore Owings & Merrill 65 stories | 95 condo units Completed in 2017

Sponsor: Vanke US | Design by Foster + Partners 63 stories | 93 condo units Completed in 2017

Developed by Vornado Realty Trust | Design by Cesar Pelli & Associates 55 stories | 105 condo units Completed in 2003

Developed by Dajia Insurance Group | Design by Schutze & Weaver 52 stories | 375 condo units Completed in 1931, converted in 2019

Developed by Macklowe Group | Design by Rafael Vinoly Architects 96 stories | 104 condo units Completed in 2015

Select which properties are of interest to you:

Listings in this article

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Developed by Donald Trump | Design by Swanke Hayden Connell
58 stories | 238 condo units
Completed in 1983

Developed by Macklowe Group | Design by CetraRuddy
35 stories | 67 condo units
Completed in 2018

Developed by Aristotle Onassis | Design by Skidmore Owings & Merrill
52 stories | 226 condo units
Completed in 1978

Developed by RFR Holding | Design by Kohn Pedersen Fox
45 stories | 76 condo units
Completed in 2005

Developed by Ceruzzi Properties | Design by Pelli Clarke Pelli
64 stories | 124 condo units
Completed in 2020

Developed by World Wide Group and Rose Associates | Design by Skidmore Owings & Merrill
65 stories | 95 condo units
Completed in 2017

Sponsor: Vanke US | Design by Foster + Partners
63 stories | 93 condo units
Completed in 2017

Developed by Vornado Realty Trust | Design by Cesar Pelli & Associates
55 stories | 105 condo units
Completed in 2003

Developed by Dajia Insurance Group | Design by Schutze & Weaver
52 stories | 375 condo units
Completed in 1931, converted in 2019

Developed by Macklowe Group | Design by Rafael Vinoly Architects
96 stories | 104 condo units
Completed in 2015