Old World charm meets modern elegance in these New York apartments with exposed brick

By CityRealty Staff | From Great Listings Wednesday, August 23, 2023

Loft penthouse features exposed brick walls and state-of-the-art infrastructure alike. (The Randolph, #PHE - Douglas Elliman)

Between the soaring ceilings and open layouts seen in so much new construction, designers all over New York are clearly paying tribute to prewar architecture. But there's one thing that these new buildings have a harder time replicating: the exposed brick found in the industrial conversions and residences of yesteryear.

Like all interior design trends, this one might not necessarily be for everyone. Apartment Therapy notes that some interior brick walls were put up with lower quality bricks than the exterior, which can lead to the shedding of red brick dust without a proper sealant. The same article notes that exposed brick can make some rooms appear darker, but whitewashing can brighten things up. And those eager to show off an art collection can run into difficulties hanging it on these walls.

However, some would say that exposed brick walls are works of art in and of themselves. Whatever other enhancements have been made to an apartment, the walls make a statement that beautifully combine the old and the new. Some people buy brick wallpaper to add a rustic touch to a contemporary home, but these apartments in Manhattan and Brooklyn feature the real deal.

152 East 83rd Street, #5D
$445,000

Carnegie Hill | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

152 East 83rd Street, #5D (EXP Realty NYC)

From the Listing: This inviting one-bedroom, one-bathroom co-op seamlessly blends historic character with modern luxury. The living space boasts the allure of exposed brick walls, seamlessly combining the vintage essence of New York with contemporary design aesthetics. Impressively high ceilings create an open and airy atmosphere. A newly renovated bathroom becomes your personal spa retreat, featuring upscale fixtures, tasteful tiles, and a rejuvenating ambiance. Throughout the co-op, classic hardwood floors provide both visual appeal and a timeless foundation for your personal style. See floor plan and full details here.

453 West 43rd Street, #2C
$599,000

Midtown West | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

453 West 43rd Street, #2C (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: This spacious one-bedroom promises an ambiance replete with exposed brick walls, extra-high ceilings and a magnificent wood-burning fireplace in the living room, evoking the quintessential pre-war New York vibe. As you enter, you're immediately welcomed by abundant natural light that highlights the home's unique features. The expansive living area, showcasing its beautiful brick walls, becomes a cozy sanctuary. Two oversized windows frame lush green treetop views, offering a peaceful retreat from the urban hustle. The modern kitchen awaits the culinary enthusiast with a 4-burner Bertazzoni gas stove, Bosch refrigerator, Frigidaire microwave, and dishwasher. Retreat to the bedroom, spacious enough for king-sized furnishings and bathed in gentle sunlight. An expansive walk-in closet and additional storage ensure everything has its place. The bathroom is a contemporary haven with a deep soaking tub, rainfall showerhead, and chic matte black fixtures throughout. Sponsor sale - no board approval required. See floor plan and full details here.

The Gramercy 24, #3W
$699,000

Gramercy Park | Condominium | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 571 ft²

The Gramercy 24, #3W (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: This exquisite third-floor one-bedroom apartment offers the perfect blend of vintage charm and contemporary elegance. Step inside and be greeted by a sunlit living room facing south, adorned with charming decorative brick fireplace and strip hardwood floors, exuding a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The kitchen has been tastefully updated with modern finishes, featuring stainless steel appliances and sleek granite countertops, creating a delightful space for culinary adventures. As you retreat to the bedroom, you'll find it overlooking a building courtyard and a picturesque carriage house dating back to the 1900s, offering a peaceful refuge from the city's hustle and bustle. See floor plan and full details here.

786 Washington Avenue, #1RR
$799,000

Prospect Heights | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

786 Washington Avenue, #1RR (Compass)

From the Listing: Welcome to a truly exceptional Prospect Heights duplex where the beauty of outdoor living meets the allure of contemporary design. Step into a world of natural light and seamless indoor-outdoor flow, courtesy of floor-to-ceiling custom sliding doors that effortlessly connect your living spaces to the enchanting private garden oasis. Inside, discover an oversized bathroom that exudes luxury and comfort with elegant finishes and premium fixtures. An additional room that awaits your creativity and imagination - use it as a home office, a cozy reading nook, a creative studio, or even a nursery for your growing family. See floor plan and full details here.

315 East 12th Street, #33
$899,000

East Village | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath

315 East 12th Street, #33 (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Featured in the New York Times, Apartment Therapy, and The Nate Berkus Show, this stunning space is a tribute to Japanese multi-use design and environmentally-conscious living. With custom formaldehyde-free cabinets and a breathtaking plant wall, this home is sure to inspire you to live a more sustainable lifestyle. The hidden closets and multi-use efficiency make the most of every inch of space, while the raised floor dining table in the tea room provides an intimate dining experience. The kitchen features locally sourced bluestone countertops and Summit appliances, including the smallest ENERGY STAR rated fridge with a freezer on the bottom. The Greenwall System and Concept is by Patrick Blanc, with deign consultation by Tina Dituri at Blondie's Treehouse. See floor plan and full details here.

435 13th Street, #1L
$950,000

Park Slope | Condominium | 1 Bedroom, 2 Baths | 1,350 ft²

435 13th Street, #1L (Compass)

From the Listing: Welcome to this charming 1,350-square-foot duplex flooded with natural light, courtesy of its inviting large front windows. With its exposed brick, elegant fireplace mantle, and gleaming wood floors, you'll instantly feel at home. Stay cool and comfortable during the summer months with central air conditioning throughout. The beautifully renovated kitchen boasts solid maple cabinets, hand-painted Italian tiles, and durable granite countertops. It seamlessly connects to the dining area adjacent to the front living room. Towards the rear, you'll find another cozy living area, a renovated bathroom, and a peaceful primary bedroom overlooking the backyard. Descend the spiral stairs to discover an two additional living spaces and a full bathroom. See floor plan and full details here.

673 Vanderbilt Avenue, #AD
$1,095,000

Prospect Heights | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

673 Vanderbilt Avenue, #AD (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: One of a kind opportunity to purchase two neighboring apartments! Live in the historic tower at 673 Vanderbilt. Please reference the alternate floorplan for a proposed combination and layout.3A is a top floor studio with 18.5 foot ceilings that has been lovingly restored and features a lofted bed to make full use of the floor space. See floor plan and full details here.

The Ashfield, #4D
$1,099,000

Midtown West | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath | 1,008 ft²

The Ashfield, #4D (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Step into timeless charm with this exquisite brownstone, where history meets modern living. As you enter this pre-war residence, be captivated by the spacious living areas with 10-foot-high ceilings, exposed brick and hardwood floors throughout. Bask in the warm glow of natural light streaming through three large windows with southern exposures, illuminating every corner of this residence. Picture yourself on chilly evenings, cozied up by the wood-burning fireplace (the last of their kind in NYC), savoring the nostalgic ambiance that only a true brownstone can provide. And for the ultimate escape, ascend to your private roof deck, an exclusive sanctuary with breathtaking views of the iconic Manhattan skyline. See floor plan and full details here.

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427 West 21st Street, #GARDEN
$1,275,000

Chelsea | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

427 West 21st Street, #GARDEN (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Enter this rare find through a beautiful, landscaped garden in the front of the building. The apartment retains many original details including two fireplaces, herringbone floors, large windows with shutters. The layout offers the ability to have one or two bedrooms. Located in the vibrant West Chelsea neighborhood across the street from the General Theological Seminary and Close, close to both fine and casual dining options, Hudson Yards, Chelsea Piers, Chelsea Market and convenient transportation. See floor plan and full details here.

274 Water Street, #1F
$1,295,888

Financial District | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 1,120 ft²

274 Water Street, #1F (Christie's International Real Estate Group LLC)

From the Listing: Soak up the urban life nestled in the historical district, in this timeless loft bursting with natural sunlight, a spacious layout, and authentic design! With over one thousand and eleven hundred square feet of living space the high ceilings, front and private entrance, additional private storage, make this home an exceptional opportunity! The rustic design, wood accent beams, exposed brick walls, high-quality appliances and the potential for an additional bedroom make this property unique. See floor plan and full details here.

333 West 22nd Street, #1B
$1,395,000

Chelsea | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath

333 West 22nd Street, #1B (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: This sunlit home offers the elegance of townhome living, featuring a working wood-burning fireplace, hardwood floors, newly installed recess lighting throughout, and a gorgeous shared garden. This home embodies timeless charm and sophistication, with all the desirable characteristics of a prewar apartment. The kitchen, equipped with brand new white quartz countertops, boasts a breakfast bar, ample cabinet space, new stainless steel appliances, and a garbage disposal. Both bedrooms offer picturesque views of the landscaped garden, feature custom installed black out shades, and newly installed ceiling fans with remote controlled light fixtures. See floor plan and full details here.

301 East 52nd Street, #4B
$1,495,000

Midtown East | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,590 ft²

301 East 52nd Street, #4B (The Agency Brokerage)

From the Listing: Gathered around the fire or feeling the cool refreshing breeze of central air conditioning, this immaculate and impressive home is a great space to relax after a long day of work or venturing around the city. Immediately greeted by 10-foot ceilings and corner living room windows overlooking historic trees and townhouse gardens, this flexible floor plan allows you to lay the space out the way you have always wanted. A windowed kitchen features a Wolf stove and grill, Miele dishwasher, and Sub-Zero refrigerator, which is finished with granite counters and plenty of cabinet space. Down the bedroom corridor, you find the primary bedroom made for royalty with an abundance of closet space and a modern bath and glass shower. See floor plan and full details here.

38 Nine, #PHE
$2,495,000

Midtown West | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 1,321 ft²

38 Nine, #PHE (CORE Group Marketing LLC)

From the Listing: Located in Hudson Yard's 38Nine, Penthouse E is a sun-drenched duplex, south-east facing, well-appointed, three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom apartment with a home office. A gracious 900-square-foot, fully planted terrace wraps around the living space providing an oasis for gardening and entertaining. Soaring 10-foot ceilings and oversized double-pane windows allow for plenty of sunlight but provide peace and quiet with spectacular views of downtown and Hudson Yards. Sturdy hardwood floors, a home automation system, and plenty of storage are found throughout this unique home. The open chef's kitchen, ideally located next to the dining area, features granite countertops, custom cabinetry, and stainless steel appliances. The top floor has three full bedrooms and two full bathrooms. See floor plan and full details here.

426 West Broadway, #4F
$2,650,000

SoHo | Condominium | 1 Bedroom, 1.5 Baths | 1,350 ft²

426 West Broadway, #4F (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Located on arguably the best street of Soho on West Broadway, this loft has been renovated for modern comfort, keeping all the charm and character of this prewar building. Enter through a nice foyer and corridor, passing through the renovated guest bathroom. An entire wall of closets leads a massive open living room with exposed original brick wall, 11' high ceiling, track lighting and exposed sprinkler, overlooking West Broadway. The renovated kitchen has been tucked away in an alcove and boasts high-end European appliances and efficient storage throughout. Right across is a glass-enclosed home office. On the other side of the apartment is the large main bedroom, quietly west facing and conveniently located across from the renovated main bathroom, which has a walk-in shower and double vanity sinks. See floor plan and full details here.

716 Broadway, #3FL
$2,995,000

NoHo | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 2,350 ft²

716 Broadway, #3FL (Compass)

From the Listing: Through the keyed elevator entrance to this full-floor loft, you walk into the bright, warm 1,000-square-foot grand room with four full-height windows and are immediately struck by the view of Washington Place and Washington Square Park just two blocks West. Hardwood floors, exposed brick walls, an open kitchen and huge living room area all combine to the experience of loft living. The kitchen features a butcher block counter and five burner gas range. There is a nearly 300-square-foot storage room assigned to this loft in the building's sub-basement. See floor plan and full details here.

The Randolph, #PHE
$3,495,000

Flatiron/Union Square | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,800 ft²

The Randolph, #PHE (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Comprised of approximately 1,800 square feet of interior living space, with a private outdoor oasis directly accessible from within the apartment, this exclusive 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom penthouse is a rare gem in every sense. Upon arriving to the top floor the custom-designed elevator landing sets the tone and a grand sound-studio front door warmly welcomes you. To your left, you'll find a graciously proportioned living and dining room, overlooking the picturesque and architecturally significant 18th Street. Thoughtfully designed to blend aesthetics, convenience, and functionality, the custom wood cabinetry of the windowed open kitchen is a testament to exquisite craftsmanship. Traverse the expansive hallway, adorned with a striking reclaimed wood feature wall, and ascend the oak and iron forged staircase, leading to a private glass vestibule that unveils the crowning glory of this penthouse-a roof deck spanning approximately 650 square feet. See floor plan and full details here.

The Police Building, #6N
$3,700,000

NoLiTa/Little Italy | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 1,770 ft²

The Police Building, #6N (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: With soaring ceilings and skylights, as well as exposures offering quintessential downtown views to the east, west, and north, Apartment 6N is both quiet and bathed in light. Meticulous renovations accentuate the exposed brick, terra cotta and iron structural elements, which are themselves ingeniously accented by sleek walls and finishes. Custom cabinets line the windowed kitchen and living room, and there is a sophisticated sound system, projector, and drop-down viewing screen. The bath features a long-trough, Vola double faucet sink with cabinetry below and above, Nuheat radiant-heat flooring, a large, deep soaking tub, separate shower with an oversized rainforest head, and a Toto toilet. The domed bedroom awes and is bathed in light from both circular and fanning skylights, through which beautiful and detailed exterior architectural elements of this historic, Belle-Epoque building can be seen. A large basement storage cage transfers with the apartment. See floor plan and full details here.

Hudson Mews, #6A
$3,795,000

West Village | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

Hudson Mews, #6A (Compass)

From the Listing: First time publicly listed in 20+ years! Penthouse A is a two-bed, two-bath apartment with large east and south-facing dramatic windows. The living room offers a wall of east-facing windows with 12-foot ceilings, spanning up to 18' skylights and a wood-burning fireplace. There are two east-facing bedrooms with tons of light, two full baths, and a spiral staircase with direct access to the private roof deck above. Bring your architect and your vision - this won't disappoint. See floor plan and full details here.

141 West 26th Street, #2FL
$4,750,000

Chelsea | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths | 3,500 ft²

141 West 26th Street, #2FL (Compass)

From the Listing: This 1902 former Artist in Residence loft space was magnificently gut renovated with all new plumbing and wiring throughout, maintaining the artistic industrial feel while establishing a dream space for entertaining and cozy living. Throughout, the apartment has indestructible and maintenance-free porcelain floor tiles. The open kitchen is masterfully laid out with an expansive island, walk-in pantry, Caesarstone countertops, stainless steel Thermador appliances including a wine fridge, and convection microwave. The main bedroom opens out to the private terrace, has a spacious walk-in closet, and the enormous ensuite bathroom includes a vanity made with a volcanic ash/resin compound, an over-sized shower, a separate tub and heated towel racks. The apartment includes a large private storage room with built-in shelving. See floor plan and full details here.

132 Duane Street, #PH
$6,995,000

Tribeca | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths | 3,375 ft²

132 Duane Street, #PH (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: At over 3,300 interior square feet, this dramatic duplex penthouse features 3 bedrooms plus a 4th interior sleep area with a skylight, and 3 full baths. Direct elevator access brings you into an expansive living space with soaring 14' original wood beamed ceilings, exposed brick, beautiful solid hardwood floors and a wood-burning fireplace. The three oversized north-facing windows illuminate the space with a beautiful ambience. The kitchen boasts custom Leicht white gloss cabinetry, a center island and top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances. The magnificent primary suite is on the upper level and is complete with a gas fireplace, huge walk-in closet, and a recently renovated spa bath featuring an oversized stall shower, double vanity and a free standing deep soaking tub. Completing this one-of-a-kind home is a lovely glass atrium situated on the upper landing separating the primary suite from the 820-square-foot private terrace, perfect for entertaining or creating a peaceful oasis. See floor plan and full details here.

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In this article:

152 East 83rd Street, #5D
$445,000

453 West 43rd Street, #2C
$599,000

The Gramercy 24, #3W
$699,000

786 Washington Avenue, #1RR
$799,000

315 East 12th Street, #33
$899,000

435 13th Street, #1L
$950,000

673 Vanderbilt Avenue, #AD
$1,095,000

The Ashfield, #4D
$1,099,000

Select which properties are of interest to you:

427 West 21st Street, #GARDEN
$1,275,000

274 Water Street, #1F
$1,295,888

333 West 22nd Street, #1B
$1,395,000

301 East 52nd Street, #4B
$1,495,000

38 Nine, #PHE
$2,495,000

426 West Broadway, #4F
$2,650,000

716 Broadway, #3FL
$2,995,000

The Randolph, #PHE
$3,495,000

The Police Building, #6N
$3,700,000

Hudson Mews, #6A
$3,795,000

141 West 26th Street, #2FL
$4,750,000

132 Duane Street, #PH
$6,995,000

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