Distinctive NYC apartments with classic fire escape views

By Michelle Mazzarella | From Get To Know Tuesday, July 25, 2023

Over halfway through July 2023, New Yorkers have hot days in the forecast with only the slightest respite at night. These days, residents without central air conditioning can use window units or fans to stay cool, but many of their predecessors slept outside on their fire escapes to get relief on oppressively hot nights.

Fire escapes had their heyday following the Tenement Housing Act of 1867, which required multi-family buildings to have them. As time passed, fire escapes faded in importance as buildings incorporated better fire detection systems, high-quality sprinkler systems, and fireproof interior stairwells. The 1968 Building Code banned the construction of external fire escapes on almost all new buildings, and current building codes allow for the repair of existing fire escapes but not adding new ones. Some developers have even gone before the Landmarks Preservation Commission to seek permission to remove fire escapes from the buildings they hope to convert, though it must be noted that this cannot be considered unless the Department of Buildings has confirmed that the building would have safe forms of egress without them.

Nevertheless, the restrictions and slow erasure have not erased the magic of the fire escape from many New Yorkers' imaginations. Movies like West Side Story and Breakfast at Tiffany’s were made before the 1968 Building Code and incorporated now-iconic scenes on the fire escapes. Decades later, when the Broadway musical Rent was adapted into a movie and West Side Story was remade, fire escapes were prominently featured and lent credence to the notion of the characters living in old buildings. More recently, when New York City theaters and performances venues were closed during lockdown, local musicians used their fire escapes as stages to serenade healthcare workers and pedestrians.

Indeed, many New Yorkers who have fire escapes tend to treat them like unofficial patios. However, it is important to remember that fire escapes were conceived for safety purposes first. When an older building’s staircase burned away, fire escapes were often the only chance for apartment-dwellers living above the ground floor to leave the building safely. Today it is illegal to obstruct the fire escape inside or out, store anything on it (in other words, no grilling out there!), or enclose it as a pet exercise area.

Between fire escape removal in industrial conversions and the demolition of old tenements to make way for new construction, fire escapes are becoming fewer and further between in New York City apartments. But certain neighborhoods still enjoy views of prewar buildings with fire escapes and a look back on Old World New York.

SoHo (CityRealty)

552 Riverside Drive, #6F
$475,000

Morningside Heights | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

552 Riverside Drive, #6F (Bond New York Properties LLC)

From the Listing: This top floor, spacious one-bedroom is full of character and nestled on a tree lined street, in close proximity to Riverside Park. A chic living room greets you with a giant window with brand new wooden casings, book ended with exposed brick walls, 10' ceilings and cascading light. To your right is an eat-in kitchen area that spills into a windowed galley kitchen, with a divine aqua backsplash, farm sink and plenty of cabinet space. The bathroom has a deep soaking tub, pedestal sink and classic subway tiles. The bedroom fits a king-size bed with three spacious closets and another giant window and classic New York fire escape. One flight up is a stunning roof deck with umbrella tables, plant boxes and vegetable garden with a spectacular view of the Hudson River. See floor plan and full details here.

745 East 6th Street, #4B
$575,000

East Village | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath

745 East 6th Street, #4B (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: With its prime location and modern style, this gem offers the perfect opportunity to experience the vibrant lifestyle of New York City. Upon entering apartment 4B, you'll immediately notice the wall of windows and abundance of natural light that fills the apartment. The open concept provides a seamless flow between the living room and the newly renovated kitchen, creating an inviting space for both relaxation and entertainment. The kitchen features new cabinetry and fixtures along with stainless steel appliances effortlessly blending style and functionality. The apartment boasts two well-proportioned bedrooms, both with closets, creating a tranquil atmosphere to unwind and recharge. The apartment also features a beautifully renovated bathroom, complete with modern fixtures, a refreshing shower and a stylish vanity. See floor plan and full details here.

Edgecombe Parc, #1B
$688,000

Washington Heights | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 786 ft²

Edgecombe Parc, #1B (Nest Seekers LLC)

From the Listing: This south-facing condo apartment has a very efficient layout, a large private terrace, beautiful cherry oak hardwood floors throughout, and double-paned windows. The modern chef's kitchen features GE Profile series stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, custom redwood cabinets and white porcelain tile floors and a side-by-side door refrigerator. The primary bedroom in-suite has a walk-in closet and spacious bathroom. See floor plan and full details here.

The Copper, #3C
$725,000

East Village | Condominium | Studio, 1 Bath | 450 ft²

The Copper, #3C (212 Consulting Corp)

From the Listing: Come home to the perfect downtown space that drinks in western light and views through floor-to-ceiling windows with a private Juliet balcony in this modern condo studio! The wide layout offers plenty of room for various configurations and features a walk-in closet. The well-appointed kitchen boasts top-notch stainless steel appliances, attractive cabinetry and granite counter tops. The sleek bathroom is outfitted with modern fixtures, a triple mirrored vanity and fullsize bathtub. A full sized in-unit Bosch Axxis washer/dryer is housed in a laundry closet. A storage unit is also included. See floor plan and full details here.

210 Thompson Street, #8
$795,000

Greenwich Village | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath

210 Thompson Street, #8 (Level Group Inc)

From the Listing: This charming, very quiet corner unit has wonderful light from the south and southwest exposures. The apartment features a generously sized living area as well as a separate area for dining. Both bedrooms are the same size with ceiling fans, closets, individual a/c units and French doors. The kitchen has stainless steel appliances, granite counters and custom cabinetry. Additional features include recessed lighting, bookshelves and oak hardwood flooring. See floor plan and full details here.

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Hudson View Gardens, #E33
$825,000

Washington Heights | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 1 Bath | 1,200 ft²

Hudson View Gardens, #E33 (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: This 5-room home in historical Hudson View Gardens is currently offered as a 2-bedroom with home office. Facing south and west, allowing sun and light to stream into every room, this home has been recently painted and prepared for sale. The entry foyer flows easily into the living room with its wall of windows, and the windowed dining area and the kitchen with its glass tile backsplash and granite countertops beyond. The home office/den has beautiful mahogany built-ins with two workstations and ample space for a couch or a daybed. The second bedroom is deceptively big and has its own large closet. The bathroom has been updated with bright clean white tiles and new fixtures. The primary bedroom faces south onto the gardens and catches a view of the top of the stunning Magnolia tree and the captivating architectural detail of the other Hudson View Gardens' buildings. A nice bonus from the fire escape is one can see all the way downtown. Maintenance includes gas and electricity. See floor plan and full details here.

88 Bleecker Street, #4L
$825,000

Greenwich Village | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

88 Bleecker Street, #4L (Compass)

From the Listing: Upon entering your new Village home, you immediately notice the open layout with a gorgeous kitchen and custom cabinets, meticulously crafted with a personalized taupe paint color that adds warmth and character to the space. These cabinets are visually appealing and practical, featuring soft-close mechanisms, a pantry with convenient roll-out trays, a hidden microwave, and stainless steel appliances to maintain a clean and seamless aesthetic. Storage is optimized with California Closets fitted for the bedroom and linen closets, ensuring ample space for your belongings. A Lutron Smart system provides convenience by allowing you to control the lighting and shades with voice commands, a mobile app, or a remote. See floor plan and full details here.

302 Broome Street, #5A
$875,000

Lower East Side | Condominium | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 810 ft²

302 Broome Street, #5A (The Agency Brokerage)

From the Listing: Welcome to this oversized 1 bedroom/flexible 2 bedroom condo where location, natural light, and private outdoor space come together in the perfect package! After stepping out of the elevator onto a semi-private landing shared with only one other unit, one is immediately drawn to the abundance of natural light streaming in through large south-facing windows. The eat-in kitchen is complete with a stainless steel gas range with vented hood, black stone countertops, and solid wood cabinetry. Just past the kitchen is the living/dining room, which at over 20' long, has ample space for a multitude of different configurations. This gracious space is capped off perfectly with a large balcony, complete with a view of the Freedom Tower and lush greenery in neighboring Sara D. Roosevelt Park. See floor plan and full details here.

The Boulevard, #932
$975,000

Riverside Dr./West End Ave. | Condop | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

The Boulevard, #932 (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Come see this newly renovated south-facing one-bedroom, one-bathroom home with its own private balcony! Light and bright, spacious, boasting three outfitted closets, beautiful hardwood floors and a custom built-in the bedroom for additional storage. The renovated kitchen has newly installed quartz countertops, stylish gray floors and a pass through into the dining/living space. The bedroom easily holds a king-sized bed with plenty of room for a desk and dressers. See floor plan and full details here.

PS90, #2C
$1,095,000

Harlem | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,521 ft²

PS90, #2C (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Massive 1,500-square-foot loft-like 2-bedroom, 2-bath home with soaring 12-foot ceilings, two exposures and double height windows at the famed PS90 Condominium. This stunning apartment features wide-plank herringbone oak floors, a Bosch washer/dryer, central a/c and endless closet space. The layout is gracious with an expansive entry gallery, dining area and open kitchen featuring Italian Stevali cabinetry, Cesar Stone countertops and stainless steel appliances. The primary bedroom gives way to a four fixture en-suite bath with soaking tub, separate shower stall and Palmira stone tile. See floor plan and full details here.

251 South 3rd Street, #6A
$1,295,000

Williamsburg | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath | 931 ft²

251 South 3rd Street, #6A (Brown Harris Stevens Brooklyn LLC)

From the Listing: A keyed elevator brings you directly into this sunny south-facing penthouse condo. This home has a large gallery-like foyer leading to an open plan living and dining space. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring the outside in with views of the garden and Manhattan beyond. An open plan kitchen includes custom glass cabinetry, quartz counters, steel appliances, a wine fridge and oversized island. The primary bedroom has floor to ceiling windows with access to the terrace and a walk-in-closet. Down the hall there is a second bedroom, coat-closet, washer-dryer and another walk-in pantry/closet. See floor plan and full details here.

235 East 2nd Street, #4FL
$1,500,000

East Village | Condominium | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 880 ft²

235 East 2nd Street, #4FL (Compass)

From the Listing: Loft-like floor-through has a keyed elevator that opens right into your apartment. The living room has high ceilings, a wall of built-in shelves, and opens up to your private south-facing balcony. There is a newly renovated, gourmet kitchen with tons of space and all new stainless appliances. The quiet primary bedroom has a wall of custom closets and is adjacent to your newly renovated, windowed bathroom. See floor plan and full details here.

Citizen, #3A
$2,100,000

Chelsea | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,304 ft²

Citizen, #3A (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Contemporary condo's expansive living room is flooded with light from the unique wall of floor-to-ceiling windows and balcony doors that extend the length of the room. There is a dedicated seating area perfect for relaxing and entertaining with a separate large dining area than can accommodate a dinner party or home office adjacent to the sophisticated open kitchen. The primary bedroom boasts a large walk-in closet and en suite bathroom with Sinuous Calacutta wall mosaic tile and Apollinara Crystalina marble radiant heated floors. Private storage locker included. See floor plan and full details here.

75 Grand Street, #3E
$3,500,000

SoHo | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

75 Grand Street, #3E (Compass)

From the Listing: In this beautiful pre-war two-bedroom, two-bathroom SoHo showplace, chic contemporary renovations meld with coveted historic architectural details to create an inviting loft residence that is warm, welcoming and effortlessly stylish. Inside the expansive floor-through home, original tin ceilings soar 11 feet high over wide-plank hardwood floors, bold columns and painted brick walls. The nearly 19-foot-wide footprint creates a wonderful great room layout perfect for relaxing and entertaining under a modern ceiling fan and gorgeous designer lighting. Chefs will love the large open kitchen where sleek white cabinetry surrounds a fleet of upscale appliances. Along the loft's northern exposure, the ingenious addition of retractable steel-and-glass doors adds an ideal division of space while letting sunlight flow unimpeded throughout. See floor plan and full details here.

The North Moore, #2A
$3,600,000

Tribeca | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,750 ft²

The North Moore, #2A (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: This beautifully renovated two-bedroom, two-bathroom residence offers 13-foot ceilings and direct southern exposure onto the cobblestones of historic North Moore Street. The property is perfectly proportioned and features oversized windows, hardwood floors and custom cabinetry throughout, in-wall sound system, 3-zoned central air, a gorgeous new kitchen with top of the line appliances, washer/dryer, custom shades, and ample storage. See floor plan and full details here.

The Bayard, #2A
$4,750,000

SoHo | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 2,678 ft²

The Bayard, #2A (Compass)

From the Listing: Introducing Apt. 2A at The Bayard a stunning, spacious loft that is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. As soon as you step off the elevator, prepare to be awed by the soaring 13-foot ceilings and expansive windows, which bathe the entire space in glorious natural light. The Poggenpohl kitchen has all of your culinary needs for entertaining guests or enjoying a cozy night in with your family. Relax in the enormous primary suite with its huge walk-in closet and en suite Waterworks bath complete with deep soaking tub and large steam shower truly an oasis! A second bedroom and full size laundry room offer additional convenience, while a huge storage room rounds out this picture perfect space all in mint condition! See floor plan and full details here.

10 Sullivan Street, #2B
$5,800,000

SoHo | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 2,195 ft²

10 Sullivan Street, #2B (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: As you enter Residence #2B, you will find a large entry foyer that opens into the formal gallery that leads to the large kitchen, dining, and living area. The high ceilings and hardwood floors emphasize the spacious layout of this 3-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom home complete with luxurious finishes and oversized windows that display beautiful neighborhood views and bring in amazing natural light into the home. The open Poliform kitchen features abundant storage, walnut cabinetry, Lagano marble countertops, high-end appliances, and a large center island with seating for four. The large primary suite has more than enough room for a king-sized bed, large industrial-style windows, and two large walk-in closets. The home features modern amenities such as a Savant home automation system, motorized window shades, and radiant heat flooring throughout for the ultimate convenience and comfort of its residents. See floor plan and full details here.

Would you like to tour any of these properties?

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In this article:

552 Riverside Drive, #6F
$475,000

745 East 6th Street, #4B
$575,000

Edgecombe Parc, #1B
$688,000

The Copper, #3C
$725,000

210 Thompson Street, #8
$795,000

Select which properties are of interest to you:

Hudson View Gardens, #E33
$825,000

88 Bleecker Street, #4L
$825,000

302 Broome Street, #5A
$875,000

The Boulevard, #932
$975,000

PS90, #2C
$1,095,000

251 South 3rd Street, #6A
$1,295,000

235 East 2nd Street, #4FL
$1,500,000

Citizen, #3A
$2,100,000

75 Grand Street, #3E
$3,500,000

The North Moore, #2A
$3,600,000

The Bayard, #2A
$4,750,000

10 Sullivan Street, #2B
$5,800,000

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