Those hoping to cultivate a sense of community while living amidst the best of New York would be well advised to look to the Upper West Side. The area is flanked by two parks and home to city institutions like Lincoln Center, Beacon Theater, the American Museum of Natural History, and the New York Historical Society. It is also home to top schools, popular restaurants, gourmet supermarkets, and a variety of shops.
The Upper West Side comprises four distinct areas - Central Park West, Lincoln Center/Square, Riverside Drive, and Manhattan Valley - with their own history and community. While Morningside Heights is north of Central Park, many nevertheless consider it - and Columbia University - to be part of the Upper West Side.
The Upper West Side comprises four distinct areas - Central Park West, Lincoln Center/Square, Riverside Drive, and Manhattan Valley - with their own history and community. While Morningside Heights is north of Central Park, many nevertheless consider it - and Columbia University - to be part of the Upper West Side.
In this article:
The Upper West Side is substantially protected by historic districts, meaning new development cannot take place without the blessing of the Landmarks Preservation Commission ("Landmarks"), and locals are fiercely protective of the neighborhood as a whole. Witness the ado over the West Park Presbyterian Church at 165 West 86th Street: The church has been in talks with developers since the early 2000s, but its status as a New York City Landmark has delayed the process and scared prospects away. Most recently, the church has entered contract to sell the 132-year-old building to Alchemy Properties for $33 million, but it cannot be torn down until Landmarks removes its status. All the while, locals have lobbied to save the building and to raise the money to repair it.
However, despite the outcry of local preservationists, sometimes the religious organizations themselves are the ones that want the sales and changes the most. When Shaare Zedek sold their neo-Classical synagogue to a development team, the deal included a new sanctuary with a separate entrance at 212 West 93rd Street. Several blocks north, Union Theological Seminary sold approximately 350,000 square feet of development rights to the team behind Claremont Hall and used the proceeds to finance a much-needed renovation to their over 100-year-old buildings.
A Landmarks hearing for the West Park Presbyterian Church is expected to take place after Labor Day. In the meantime, we take a look at the most appealing new buildings on the market and the new construction we’re most excited to see. This new development pays respectful tribute to historic Upper West Side architecture while offering the views, space, finishes, and amenities that the modern buyer has come to expect.
200 Amsterdam Avenue via Binyan Studios
Now Selling
100 Claremont Avenue
Developed by Lend Lease and L+M | Design by Robert A.M. Stern Architects and SLCE
42 stories | 175 units | 14 availabilities from $1.315 million
Claremont Hall (Binyan Studios)
In the heart of the Union Theological Seminary's Morningside Heights campus, the Robert A.M. Stern-designed Claremont Hall has usurped Vandewater (see below) as the tallest building north of Central Park. The architecture was designed to complement that of the Union Theological Seminary, and the seminary's dining hall has been transformed into an indoor saltwater lap pool with original Gothic ceilings and chandeliers. However, all units feature high-end finishes and top-of-the-line appliances, and are situated on top of several floors of academic space so as to make the most of the views. In addition to the pool, amenities include a courtyard, fitness center with separate movement studio, library, children's playroom, and lounge with terrace access.
Developed by JVP Development | Design by Stephen B. Jacobs Group and Thomas Juul-Hansen
20 stories | 131 units | 11 availabilities from $1.395 million
96+Broadway (Compass)
As construction winds down on 96+Broadway, Van Nguyen of JVP Development Group has announced his intention to move into the building upon completion. It is hard to say which aspect was key in drawing him: the interiors by Thomas Juul-Hansen with high-end, organic finishes; an expansive amenity package that includes a basement-level pool, a regulation squash court, a music practice room, and a rooftop terrace; or the prime Upper West Side location near Central Park, Riverside Park, gourmet supermarkets, cultural institutions, and local and express transportation.
150 West 82nd Street
Developed by Slate Property Group and GreenOak Real Estate | Design by BKSK Architects
10 stories | 27 units | 4 availabilities from $1.625 million
All images of The Marlow via Core Group NYC
The Marlow was originally designed by George Pelham in 1926, and converted to a condo in 2021 with unanimous Landmarks approval. The limestone and brick facade was carefully restored, and design power couple Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent styled a model unit after this was complete. All units feature airy Great Rooms, sophisticated kitchens, sizable bedrooms, and luxurious baths. Amenities include a private garden, fitness center, lounge, children's playroom, and roof terrace with grills, dining and lounging areas, and gorgeous city views.
470 Columbus Avenue
Developed by Roe Corporation | Design by BKSK Architects
8 stories | 7 units | 4 availabilities from $10.74 million
Rendering via Depict
It took a few Landmarks hearings before it could proceed, but Charlotte of the Upper West Side is the fourth ground-up building to rise in the Central Park West Historic District in the past 30 years. The building pays respectful tribute to the classic architecture around it, and is underpinned by an infrastructure that conforms to Passive House standards. The collection of full-floor four-bedroom units will feature expansive living/dining/kitchen areas, operable and triple-layered floor-to-ceiling windows, high-end non-toxic materials and finishes, bespoke kitchens with energy-efficient appliances, and their own state-of-the-art energy recovery ventilation systems. The amenity spaces include a state-of-the-art fitness center, professional-grade golf and sports simulator, pet spa, and supplemental laundry room; they also have separate, independent ventilation systems.
Developed by Alchemy Properties | Design by Robert A.M. Stern Architects and COOKFOX
18 stories | 58 units | 9 availabilities from $5.975 million
378 West End Avenue via Alchemy Properties
Down the block from the landmarked West End Collegiate Church, a new 18-story tower was combined with a Schwartz & Gross-designed building dating back to 1915 to create a new condominium. The project has the blessing of the Landmarks Preservation Commission, and the context-sensitive design is underscored by advanced air and water filtering systems, copper-handle gym equipment, copper alloy door handles in common areas, and touchless entry to residences. The majority of apartments have direct elevator access, and amenities will include a half basketball court, squash court, 75’ saltwater pool, sports simulator, reading room, music room and recording studio, club room with screening lounge and billiards table, garden terrace, bike room, and private garage with covered drop-off. Closings commenced earlier this summer with many ranking among the top sales of the week and coming in above ask.
251 West 91st Street
Developed by Adam America | Design by ODA Architecture
13 stories | 33 units | 12 availabilities from $2.9 million
ODA Architecture
A few blocks down from 212 West 93rd Street (see below), another ODA-designed condominium has taken the Upper West Side by storm. Some locals have described Era as "a big, ugly cantilever," but the Department of Buildings notes that the project is in compliance with building codes and zoning regulations. There are no more than four units per floor, and all feature high ceilings, oversized windows, kitchens with custom Italian cabinetry and Gaggenau appliances, and sumptuous primary baths. Amenities include a bike room, central laundry room, children’s playroom, teen lounge, pet washing station, music practice room, fitness center with yoga room, lounge, and roof deck with outdoor pool.
Developed by Adam America | Design by ODA Architecture
19 stories | 44 units | 7 availabilities from $1.625 million
Just north of The Westly (see above), Adam America and ODA teamed up on another project. The size of the windows was evident early on, promising abundant natural light, and The Real Deal notes that the hand-laid masonry facade features energy-efficient exterior walls. It is now open for immediate occupancy, and amenities include an indoor basketball/soccer court, a screening room, a roof lounge with an outdoor kitchen, an indoor residential lounge, a fitness center, a children’s playroom, and private storage rooms.
15 West 61st Street
Developed by AvalonBay Communities | Design by Skidmore Owings & Merrill
33 stories | 160 units | 6 availabilities from $2.22 million
All images of The Park Loggia via The Corcoran Group
Down the street from Lincoln Center, the Park Loggia has risen on the former site of the American Bible Society's headquarters. Skidmore Owings & Merrill designed the onetime Brutalist building as well as its luxurious replacement, which was named in honor of the private loggias at the top. Residences feature oversized windows, wide-plank white oak floors, open layouts, chef's kitchens, and marble baths. A small-form Target is in the base of the building, and approximately 20,000 square feet of amenities includes a fitness center with yoga studio, a lounge with fireplace and dining room, a children's playroom, a screening room, a performance space, a music practice room, a landscaped garden, and a lawn with grilling area and pergola.
Developed and designed by Tamarkin Properties
8 stories | 13 units | 7 availabilities from $8.8 million
All images of 555 West End Avenue via Compass
555 West End Avenue was originally built in 1908 as a private Catholic school; more than 100 years later, its massive proportions, soaring ceilings, and tall windows would prove as ideal for high-end residential living as for an academic environment. The conversion was completed with the blessing of the Landmarks Preservation Commission, and the elaborate facade was beautifully restored as a discreet penthouse was added and minor alterations were made. The school's library and gymnasium are now expansive condominiums with one-of-a-kind kitchens by Christopher Peacock, spa-like baths, and endless storage space. Amenities include an attended lobby with cold storage and stroller valet, state-of-the-art fitness center, and lounge with pool table and wet bar.
225 West 86th Street
Developed by HFZ Capital Group | Design by Robert A.M. Stern Group
14 stories | 215 units | 9 availabilities from $4.15 million
All images of The Belnord via HFZ Capital Group
The Belnord has gained new attention as the setting for hit TV show Only Murders in the Building, but was named a New York City Landmark before the series was ever conceived. Robert A.M. Stern Architects was at the helm of the full-block building's conversion to condos, and its lushly landscaped central courtyard was restored by Edmund Hollander Landscape Architects. Approximately 9,000 square feet of new amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center, double-height sports court, children's playroom, teen room, and club lounge with fireplace and separate dining room. A collection of two- through five-bedroom apartments boasts formal entrance galleries, high ceilings, state-of-the-art eat-in kitchens, and lavish bedroom suites with impressive closet space and luxe baths.
200 Amsterdam Avenue
Developed by SJP Properties and Mitsui Fudosan America | Design by Elkus Manfredi
52 stories | 112 units | 17 availabilities from $3.1 million
All images of 200 Amsterdam Avenue via Binyan Studios
Seemingly from the time 200 Amsterdam was on the drawing board, local preservationists have taken issue with its towering height and 39-sided lot that they described as "gerrymandered." The State Supreme Court ordered the city to revoke the building permit in February 2020, well after construction had topped out, but the Appellate Division unanimously overturned the ruling, allowing the last stages of construction to move forward. All units enjoy incredible light, far-reaching views, open layouts, contemporary kitchens, and marble baths. Residents receive a complimentary one-year membership to the nearby Lincoln Center, and amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center, lap pool and spa area, children's playroom, professional-grade rehearsal room, wood-paneled library, and club room with billiards table.
10 Riverside Boulevard
Developed by GID Development Group | Design by Richard Meier & Partners with Hill West Architects
36 stories | 56 units | 4 availabilities from $4.04 million
All images of One Waterline Square via The Corcoran Group
One Waterline Square is one of three towers comprising the new Waterline Square development where Midtown West becomes the Upper West Side. It is the southernmost tower in the development and well positioned for residents to enjoy jaw-dropping views of the Hudson River and the city skyline through walls of windows. Interiors boast open layouts, custom windowed kitchens with Italian cabinetry and Gaggenau appliances, and bespoke baths. A suite of amenities starts on the 15th floor and includes a private dining room, lounge spaces, and access to an outdoor terrace; additionally, residents have access to the 100,000-square-foot Waterline Club connecting the buildings and containing amenities to cater to seemingly every sport, lifestyle, and interest.
30 Riverside Boulevard
Developed by GID Development Group | Design by Kohn Pedersen Fox with Hill West Architects
38 stories | 160 units | 4 availabilities from $3.87 million
Two Waterline Square (Evan Joseph)
Two Waterline Square is distinguished by its impressive scale and series of ascending setback terraces. The building is home to Cipriani Group's first-ever food hall and luxurious condominiums with interiors by Yabu Pushelberg, floor-to-ceiling windows, custom Italian kitchens, and high-end baths. The building's private amenities, which include a Great Room, lounge, dining room, and sun deck, are situated on the 22nd floor to make the most of light and views. Like One Waterline Square (see above), residents have access to the myriad amenity offerings of the 100,000-square-foot Waterline Club.
639 West 59th Street
Developed by GID Development Group | Design by Rafael Vinoly with Hill West Architects
34 stories | 244 units | 5 availabilities from $9,645/month
Three Waterline Square (Evan Joseph)
Three Waterline Square via Corcoran
In the Waterline Square community, Three Waterline Square stands out with its sloping elevations and angled rooflines. All units feature sophisticated interiors by Groves and Co., floor-to-ceiling windows, gourmet kitchens, and spa-like baths. In addition to private amenities with terraces overlooking spectacular river and skyline views, residents have access to the myriad athletic, artistic, leisure, and social offerings of The Waterline Club. Additionally, the building is home to a new outpost of Empellon Taqueria.
Developed by DNA Development | Design by DXA Architects
7 stories | 38 units | No current availabilities
All images of 350 West 71st Street via Compass
At 350 West 71st Street, two landmarked buildings were combined into one boutique condominium on a peaceful cul-de-sac near Riverside Park. The historic facades were gracefully restored to their former glory, but the interiors reflect the modern buyer's wishes with open layouts, oversized windows, well-appointed kitchens, sumptuous baths, and in-unit washer/dryers. A contemporary amenity suite includes a fitness center, children's playroom, library with built-in window seats, and landscaped roof terrace with entertaining and dining areas.
212 West 95th Street
Developed by United Management and Certes Partners | Design by CetraRuddy Architects
19 stories | 38 units | 2 availabilities from $3.15 million
All images of Dahlia via Reuveni Real Estate
The recently completed Dahlia is getting ready to welcome the first residents to this elegant new construction building. The two- through four-bedroom residences feature high ceilings, well-proportioned living space, chic kitchens, bedrooms with generous closet space, and in-unit washer/dryers. Select units have private terraces, and all residents have access to a 5,100-square-foot outdoor terrace with a lounge area for adults and play area for kids. Indoor amenities include a fitness center, music room, children's playroom, teen lounge, pet spa, storage, and bike room.
269 West 87th Street
Developed by Simon Baron Development | Design by FXCollaborative
18 stories | 39 units | 3 availabilities from $1.595 million
All images of West End and Eighty Seven via Nest Seekers
The Art Deco-inspired facade of West End and Eighty Seven was designed as a tasteful homage to the historic Upper West Side architecture around it. The two- to five-bedroom apartments were designed with growing families in mind, and feature interiors by Alexandra Champalimaud, soaring ceilings, bronze-accented windows, gracious proportions, and custom kitchens. Amenities like a library, children's playroom, fitness center, and multi-purpose sports court with rock climbing wall surround a garden courtyard.
543 West 122nd Street
Developed by Savanna | Design by INC Architecture and Design
32 stories | 178 units | 21 availabilities from $950K
All images of Vandewater via Halstead
Vandewater was named in honor of an early Upper West Side landowner, and its design was inspired by surrounding Gothic architecture. However, its height, interiors, and amenities were designed with the contemporary buyer in mind. Apartments feature oversized windows, white oak flooring, luxurious baths, in-unit washer/dryers, and a choice of finishes in the well-thought kitchens. Amenities span three stories and 24,000 square feet to offer a double-height lobby, state-of-the-art fitness center, 70' lap pool, children's playroom, teen lounge, club/media room, pet spa, practice room, study rooms, and outdoor area with dining and relaxing areas.
Developed by Landsea Homes and Leyton Properties | Design by ODA Architects
14 stories | 20 units | 5 availabilities from $1.295 million
Images via 212 West 93rd Street
212 West 93rd Street has risen on the former site of Congregation Shaare Zadek's synagogue, and the new building will include a new house of worship with a separate entrance inspired by historic architecture. The design by ODA was conceived as a vertical collection of individual homes, all of which feature interiors by GRADE, oak wood-clad floor-to-ceiling windows, open-concept kitchens, and hardwood floors throughout. Several units have private outdoor space, and amenities include a24-hour attended lobby, a landscaped roof deck with a fully-equipped kitchen, a state-of-the-art fitness studio, and a children’s playroom.
214 West 72nd Street
Developed by SK Development | Design by GreenbergFarrow
21 stories | 20 units | 2 availabilities from $2.695 million
Interiors via Corcoran
Just outside the West End-Collegiate Historic District, sales are underway at the slender new condominium on the former site of legendary writer Dorothy Parker's childhood home. Fans of her work lobbied to save the Queen Anne-style townhouse, but it had sustained too much damage from the construction of 212 West 72nd Street (see below). However, the building contains a plaque commemorating its predecessor and a photo of the writer in the lobby. It also contains airy apartments with direct elevator access, oversized insulated windows, premium kitchens, and four-fixture primary baths. Amenities include a gym, bike room, children’s playroom, and landscaped roof terrace with views of the Hudson River.
Parker West via CityRealty
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Developed by Centurion Property Advisors | Design by Handel Architects
24 stories | 126 units | 16 availabilities from $1.379 million
212 West 72nd Street was originally constructed in 2010 as a luxury rental, but CetraRuddy Architects has converted the interiors and amenities to luxury condo standards. The one- through five-bedroom apartments feature airy atmospheres, rich textures, well-optimized storage space, kitchens with Miele appliances, and luxurious primary baths.
Trader Joe's is just an elevator ride away, and amenities include a fitness center with adjacent outdoor terrace, a lounge, a children's playroom, and a roof terrace with stunning sunset views. Closings have recently commenced.
Rendering of 212 West 72nd Street via Corcoran
250 West 81st Street
Developed by Alchemy Properties | Design by Robert A.M. Stern Architects
18 stories | 28 units | 2 availabilities from $6.95 million
All images of Two Fifty West 81st via Alchemy Properties
Two Fifty West 81st's limestone and pale brick facade is a graceful take on the Upper West Side's prewar architecture, but the interiors have been carefully crafted to meet the needs and wants of the modern family. All two- through five-bedroom homes feature oversized windows, gracious foyers, herringbone wood floors, custom kitchens by Smallbone of Devizes, and palatial primary suites. Select units have private terraces, and all residents have access to an amenity suite that includes an attended lobby, fitness center, sports court, golf simulator, music practice room with recording studio, library lounge with catering pantry, and rooftop terrace with outdoor kitchen.
164 West 74th Street
Developed by Greystone Development | Design by Barry Rice Architects
8 stories | 14 units | No current availabilities
All images of The Marbury via Compass
In the heart of the Central Park West Historic District, The Marbury has gone from a hotel to the former Phoenix House headquarters to, most recently, a boutique condominium. The Beaux-Arts facade was beautifully restored to its original glory, and the apartments inside enjoy a blend of classic and contemporary touches like high ceilings, large windows, functional and beautiful kitchens, generous closet space, and elegant finishes throughout. Amenities include an attended lobby, landscaped courtyard, fitness center, wine storage, lounge, and wood-paneled private dining room that converts to a billiards room.
Developed by Global Holdings Management Group | Design by DXA Studio
6 stories | 1 unit | 1 availability for $1.995 million
110 West 88th Street via DXA Studio for Landmarks Preservation Commission
In February 2021, the Landmarks Preservation Commission approved a new townhouse in the Upper West Side/Central Park West Historic District. The stone building is one of the taller structures on the block, but falls roughly in line with its nearest neighbor. The Department of Buildings also approved an application for a six-story townhouse in 2016, and floor plans call for a cellar-level home gym and wine room, private terrace off the living room, full-floor primary suite, and rooftop terrace.
Developed by DelShah Capital | Design by CetraRuddy
9 stories | 205 units | 4 availabilities from $5,500/month
Across from Morningside Park, the former St. Luke's Hospital building has been transformed into an in-demand Upper West Side rental. The interiors and infrastructure were extensively overhauled, though not at the expense of the Beaux-Arts facade that made it a New York City Landmark. Amenities include 24-hour concierge service, a gym with yoga studio and sauna, a billiards room, a two-story lounge with library and catering kitchen, a children's playroom, a pet spa, a garden, and a roof deck.
Developed by NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development | Design by Dattner Architects
11 stories | 232 units | No current availabilities
145 West 108th Street (Housing Connect)
145 West 108th Street is the first building in a two-phase project from the West Side Federation for Supportive and Senior Housing. An affordable lottery for 79 units took place last spring, and the remainder of the 198 units were reserved for low income, formerly homeless, or special needs households, as referred by city agencies. Residential amenities include bike storage, a children’s playroom, laundry room, media and rec rooms, and outdoor space. Construction on the second phase is expected to commence in 2023, when the least on a city-owned parking lot expires.
Coming Soon
Developed by Sackman Enterprises | Design by SLCE Architects
22 stories | 17 units | Completion estimated for 2022
Rendering of 15 West 96th Street via SLCE Architects
The design of this building just outside the Central Park West Historic District has been derided as a "bland box o'condos," but the views of Central Park should more than make up for that. A community facility will occupy the first five floors; from there, each floor will host only one unit apiece, culminating in a top-floor duplex. The building's basement will have a 16-car parking garage. Construction topped out earlier this summer, and a sales launch may be on the horizon.
Developed by Global Holdings Management Group | Design by SLCE Architects
27 stories | 123 units | Completion estimated for late 2023
Construction has topped out on 1841 Broadway, a new 27-story tower with a mix of market-rate and affordable units starting on the third floor. According to permits filed with the city, an impressive amenity package will include a bike room, storage, central laundry room, fitness center with yoga and Pilates rooms, golf simulator, video arcade, study rooms, music room, children's playroom, lounge, package room, stroller room, and outdoor terrace. Details are not yet available about the apartments, but select units will have private balconies.
1841 Broadway via NYC Department of Buildings
Developed by 76 West 105 Holdings LLC | Design by INOA Architecture
6 stories | 2 units | Completion estimated for late 2022
Rendering of 76 West 105th Street (INOA Architecture)
In sharp contrast to the new multi-family towers on the rise throughout the Upper West Side, 76 West 105th Street will only contain two triplex units. The architect of record is INOA Architect, whose founder, Murat Mutlu, has previously worked with Zaha Hadid and Skidmore Owings & Merrill. Amenities will include basement storage space and a roof terrace. Recently revealed renderings depict a building in line with its neighbors' height and a masonry facade, but a decidedly modern take on Upper West Side architecture.
Developed by Hines and Welltower | Design by SLCE Architects
17 stories | 162 units | Completion estimated for 2022
Rendering of 2330 Broadway via ARC Shadow
A state-of-the-art senior living and memory care community is nearing completion on the northeast corner of West 85th Street and Broadway. Welltower and SLCE Architects worked together on Sunrise at East 56th Street, the developer's first senior facility in New York, and have come together again for the second. The project will feature a double-height amenity space on the ground level, and offerings are expected to include a spa, homeopathic care center, rooftop garden, and "bistro" where residents can gather for meals and activities.
The Rockwell
2688 Broadway
Developed by Toll Brothers | Design by Hill West Architects
13 stories | 81 units | Completion estimated for 2024
Site circa September 2021 via CityRealty
The pandemic-induced lockdown led to discussions of turning hotels into residential units, but that is not what has happened with the controversial Marrakech Hotel: Shortly after the city settled with its landlord for illegally running the prewar residential building as a budget hotel, Toll Brothers bought the site for $44 million and proceeded to demolish the building. In spring 2020, the developer filed permits to build a 13-story mixed-use development with 81 condo units and nearly 8,000 square feet of retail space.
361 Central Park West
Developed by Children's Museum of Manhattan | Design by FXCollaborative
Completion estimated for 2023
Rendering via FXCollaborative for Landmarks Preservation Commission
The Upper West Side is an excellent neighborhood for families, but the Children's Museum of Manhattan is such a popular destination for families all over New York that its current address at 212 West 83rd Street is "at capacity." To that end, the museum purchased a Beaux-Arts church for $45 million and has been working to create a state-of-the-art facility in the landmarked structure. The Landmarks Preservation Commission expressed concerns about a rooftop addition and the preservation of original stained glass windows, but unanimously approved the project in June 2020, with Commissioner Adi Shamir-Baron describing it as "an outstanding adaptive reuse project."
200 Central Park West
Developed by American Museum of Natural History | Design by Studio Gang
Completion estimated for 2023
While the Landmarks Preservation Commission unanimously signed off on a planned expansion for the American Museum of Natural History, some local activists were not so enthusiastic and sued to block the project, citing the new building's encroachment on Theodore Roosevelt Park. But a judge ruled in favor of the project, and a groundbreaking ceremony took place in June 2019. Jeanne Gang's design was inspired by geological canyons and glacial forms, and will link 10 museum buildings for better circulation. Upon completion, the new Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation will feature new galleries, state-of-the-art classrooms, a theater, an insectarium, a butterfly vivarium, and a redesigned research library. Construction is estimated to take three years.
Rendering via Neoscape and Studio Gang
Construction progress circa February 2021 via CityRealty
10 Lincoln Center Plaza
Developed by Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts | Design by Diamond Schmitt Architects and Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects
Completion estimated for October 2022
Rendering via Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts
New York Philharmonic's concert hall has been scorned as "an insult to music" almost from the day it opened, but a $550 million renovation planned to change that with resurfaced walls and reconfigured interiors, with construction expected to take place around the Philharmonic's season so as to avoid disruption. However, when the Philharmonic was unable to play due to the pandemic, construction proceeded so quickly that the renovations are set to be completed two years ahead of schedule. They are also set to include upgraded HVAC and air filtration systems in response to health and safety concerns. Etienne Charles' San Juan Hill will be the first event to take place, and the New York Philharmonic's homecoming concert will take place on October 12, 2022
New York Historical Society expansion
170 Central Park West
Developed by New York Historical Society | Design by Robert A.M. Stern Architects
Completion estimated for 2024
All renderings via Robert A.M. Stern Architects
The New York Historical Society has sought to expand since 1983, but its status as a "triple landmark" (an individual landmark located in both the Central Park West-76th Street Historic District and the Upper West Side/Central Park West Historic District) means this cannot take place without Landmarks approval. Earlier this summer, the historical society got exactly that when its plans received unanimous approval for what one commissioner called "a textbook proposal."
The historical society purchased a parcel of land in the 1930s for the express purpose of building an annex, and the quarry that provided stone for the original design is still open and able to provide materials for the expansion. Upon completion, the expansion will feature new gallery and classroom space, greater on-site conservation space, new office space, an outdoor sculpture garden, and a top-floor gallery that will host the LGBTQ+ Museum, the first of its kind in the United States.
The historical society purchased a parcel of land in the 1930s for the express purpose of building an annex, and the quarry that provided stone for the original design is still open and able to provide materials for the expansion. Upon completion, the expansion will feature new gallery and classroom space, greater on-site conservation space, new office space, an outdoor sculpture garden, and a top-floor gallery that will host the LGBTQ+ Museum, the first of its kind in the United States.
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17 West 60th Street
Developed by The Shefa School | Design by Yu & Associates
Completion estimated for 2024
Rendering of expanded building (Shefa School)
After Extell signed a contract to buy 1855 Broadway from New York Institute of Technology (NYIT), 17 West 60th Street was set to be razed to make way for a new project. But after NYIT changed its mind, Extell sold the ground lease on 17 West 60th Street to The Shefa School, which caters to Jewish children with language-based learning disabilities. Their student population has grown nearly tenfold in the past eight years, and work is underway on expanding the building and renovating its interiors. Upon completion, features will include new classrooms, a spacious lobby, a large gym, a second-story atrium, a cafeteria, a beit midrash for study and prayer, gathering spaces for programming and celebrations, and an outdoor play roof. Interior work is expected to begin this fall.
Developed by Emmut Properties | Design by Matt Markowitz
Completion TBA
45 West 81st Street (Emmut Properties)
In late December 2021, developer Emmut Properties purchased the landmarked Excelsior Hotel, which never reopened its doors after being shuttered during the pandemic, for nearly $80 million. The developer specializes in converting existing buildings to luxury residential units; sure enough, permits for an interior renovation that would result in 143 residential units were filed earlier this spring.
Developed by Naftali Group | Design by Hill West Architects
Completion TBA
Google Streetview of 211 West 81st Street
Following its recent successes on the Upper East Side with The Benson and The Bellemont, Naftali Group looked to the west side and bought a parcel of buildings from 207-221 West 84th Street for $71 million. They plan to build an 18-story luxury condominium with 45 units and 17 parking spots. However, it remains to be seen how long this will take - one tenant is refusing to leave an existing building, and a judge recently ruled that under the rules of the state's emergency rental assistance program, he may not be evicted from the building until a decision is made on his application.
2651-2657 Broadway
Developed by Klosed Properties | Designer TBA
Completion TBA
Google Earth streetview of 2651-2657 Broadway
In December 2021, developer Klosed Properties bought the seven-story building on the corner of Broadway and West 101st Street from hotelier Hank Freid for $15.5 million. The building currently contains three retail spaces and 125 residential units; at the time of the sale, there were only five SRO tenants. Klosed Properties principal Steven Kachanian is well aware of the building's conversion potential to Class A apartments and plans to act quickly.
Fordham University Master Plan
West 62nd Street
Developed by Fordham University
Completion estimated for 2032
Fordham University's Lincoln Center campus was designed to accommodate 3,500 students, but would come to serve more than twice that between commuter students and on-campus residents. In 2009, the City Planning Commission approved an expansion as well as a plan to pay for it by selling private developers the rights to build residential towers on the property. Since then, recent rentals The Encore and Hawthorn Park have opened along the east side of Amsterdam Avenue, a new Fordham Law School building opened in 2014, and the old law school building has been transformed into a state-of-the-art facility with a three-story library, a student lounge, event centers, spacious lecture halls, and student services.
Site plan via NYC Department of Buildings
125 West End Avenue
Developed by Taconic Investment Partners and Nuveen Real Estate | Design by Perkins + Will
Completion estimated for 2023
Rendering via Taconic Partners
Completion of Disney's new Hudson Square headquarters remains some years in the future, but ideas are already underway for the Upper West Side buildings the media conglomerate will be vacating. Silverstein Properties bought the Columbus Avenue campus for $1.2 billion, and Taconic Investment Partners and Nuveen Real Estate bought the "West End Campus" for $220 million in August 2019. More recently, details have been revealed for 125 West End Avenue, an eight-story building the developers plan to redevelop into a life sciences and research laboratory. Renderings show open floor plans, high ceilings, and massive windows. The redevelopment plans call for a new high-performance facade, robust mechanical infrastructure, purpose-built lab infrastructure, a conference center, and a roof terrace.
320 West 66th Street
Developed by Taconic Investment Partners and Nuveen Real Estate | Designer TBA
Completion TBA
Directly behind the one-time Disney building set to become a life sciences laboratory (see above), plans are less clear for a studio building at 360 West 66th Street and a property known as "Lot 61." A rendering published by ArsLonga depicts a pair of tall, glassy towers rising on the site that could rival the area's tallest buildings. This is unlikely to be the final design, not least because of preservationists' worries.
Frederick Douglass Houses Infill Development
825 Columbus Avenue
Developed by NYC Housing Authority
In March 2013, the New York City Housing Authority released details of a plan to lease three parcels of land in the Frederick Douglass housing project to private developers in a move that would add mixed-income housing units (20 percent of which would be affordable) and generate revenue for fixing up the existing buildings. The buildings would go on top of a resident garden and two current parking lots, much to the chagrin of some residents.
Developed by Fetner Properties | Designer TBD
23 stories | 171 units | Completion TBA
Rendering of 266 West 96th Street via Fetner Properties
In November 2019, Fetner Properties revealed its plans for a 23-story residential building to replace a former MTA electric substation that is part of the city's brownfield cleanup program. The project received unanimous approval from Community Board 7's land use committee, and renderings show a masonry-inspired facade with a setback after the 15th story, and the apartments will be a combination of 80 microunits and 91 regular-sized units. The smaller apartments would be marketed to seniors, and 68 units would be permanently affordable to households earning 50, 70, and 130 percent of the area median income. The project will also feature approximately 8,000 square feet of community space. Demolition preparations are now underway.
Developed by Extell Development | Design by Snohetta
69 stories | 127 units | Completion TBA
Rendering of 50 West 66th Street via Snohetta
Steps from Central Park and Lincoln Center, the former home of the Jewish Guild for the Blind's headquarters was set to become the tallest building on the Upper West Side. Grand plans called for a new tower housing a new synagogue, 127 condos with oversized windows and spectacular views, and a luxurious amenity suite. But in September 2020, State Supreme Court Judge Arthur Engoron ruled that the building violated the zoning laws by proposing “gargantuan mechanical spaces" and killed the permits. The proposed mechanical floors would have measured nearly 200 feet high, a move that Judge Engoron compared to "having a frankfurter in the middle of your hamburger." Extell has vowed to appeal the decision, but the crane has come down in the meantime.
A tower crane once on the site was taken down (September 2021)
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