A Step Up: Dramatic staircases in New York City apartments and common residential spaces

By CityRealty Staff | From Great Listings Tuesday, December 27, 2022

Not a suburban house, but a maisonette unit at 18 Gramercy Park South! (Brown Harris Stevens)

In New York City, the vast majority of apartments are single-story homes. However, with a growing number of boutique developments including duplex units (most commonly the maisonette or penthouse, though units in between are not uncommon) and/or townhouse units among the condominiums, duplex apartments are becoming more common and introducing more staircases to the city’s market. Moreover, while it is far more common for buyers to purchase two horizontally adjacent units to combine apartments, vertical combinations are not unheard of, but do require the installation of a staircase.

In any instance, these apartments offer the atmosphere of a single-family home with all the amenities and services of a condominium. In this age of hybrid office environments, this environment can allow for greater separation of work and relaxation if a home office space can be set up on a separate floor from the bedroom. Indeed, one of the most common layouts is to put the main entertaining space on one floor and the bedrooms on another.

While such an arrangement allows for excellent privacy, it might offer a little too much separation for the parents of small children. Additionally, the elderly and people with physical disabilities would be well advised to avoid apartments with staircases. This is especially true of apartments with floating staircases, which have come to be seen as a hallmark of modern interior design, and spiral staircases that rise vertically around a central support rather than eating into precious square footage. Some especially well-heeled buyers, like the ones who purchased a massive combination unit at The Bellemont with a $66.5 million ask, opt to install an elevator in addition to a staircase; but between finances, square footage, and a building's infrastructure, this isn't an option for everyone.

Below, we take a look at apartments with staircases separating both levels. Additionally, a number of recently constructed and newly converted buildings alike have incorporated dramatic staircases into their common areas, meaning residents can’t help but make a dramatic entrance into the amenity space.

108 Leonard Street, Tribeca

13 available units from $1,975,000

108 Leonard Street (Douglas Elliman)

Amidst the conversion of "the Clock Tower Building" from the New York Life Insurance Company headquarters to a star-studded condominium, the exteriors were restored while the interiors were transformed to meet the standards of today’s buyers. They include a dramatic double-height lobby with bifurcated staircases leading to a mezzanine overlooking the entrance.

277 Fifth Avenue, NoMad/Flatiron District

9 available units from $1,825,000

277 Fifth Avenue (Elliman)

277 Fifth Avenue dethroned Trump Tower as the tallest residential building on Fifth Avenue and was an instrumental player in NoMad's residential renaissance. The two floors of wellness and leisure amenities are separated by an eye-catching spiral staircase.

The Pierre, Upper East Side Gold Coast

4 available units from $1,775,000

The Pierre's mansard roof adds a touch of romance to the Upper East Side skyline, and that sense of elegance extends to the interiors. From the painted ceilings to the bifurcated staircase, no detail was overlooked in the entrance lobby that sets the tone for the interiors and amenities.

The Level Club, Upper West Side

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3 available units from $799,000

When the Level Club of the Masonic Order was converted to a residential condominium in the 1980s, one-of-a-kind details from the original lobby were kept intact. These include grand staircases leading to a balcony overlooking the historic space.

20 East End Avenue, Yorkville

2 available units from $10,995,000

The Robert A.M. Stern-designed 20 East End Avenue brings prewar-inspired elegance to a tranquil yet buzzy Upper East Side neighborhood. In the octagonal attended lobby, a grand architectural staircase leads to the building's three-story amenity suite.

521 East 88th Street, #2B
$624,900

Yorkville | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 2 Baths

521 East 88th Street, #2B (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: This architect-owned duplex has been carefully thought out and has numerous design details. Sleek and modern with beautiful bamboo floors, a renovated and open kitchen that would satisfy any chef and two fully renovated bathrooms. Downtown feel in good uptown location with the new Q train at 86 Street just around the corner. There is an incredible amount of light that streams in the south facing windows. Tucked away on a lovely tree lined street with Carl Schurz Park at the end of the block. See full details here.

1615 Bergen Street, #1
$780,000

Crown Heights | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 2,106 ft²

1615 Bergen Street, #1 (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Welcome home to a massive three-bedroom, two-bathroom duplex in the heart of Crown Heights. At 2,106 square feet, with a private backyard, the home features the space of a townhouse at a cost of less than a similar rental on the market. The oversized northern exposure living/dining area is spacious and lends flexibility to your furniture layout, and leads into an open kitchen that features quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances that are energy star-rated, a 5-burner gas range, stainless refrigerator, and European-style wood cabinets and under-cabinet lighting. Two bedrooms are located on the upper level and the primary bedroom, ensuite bath, and lounge area/media room is on the lower level. The private backyard oasis faces south - get ready for barbeque season! See full details here.

The Lido Hall Condominium, #1C
$799,000

Harlem | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,520 ft²

The Lido Hall Condominium, #1C (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: This spacious two bedroom/convertible three bedroom duplex awaits! Closets galore. The building has a laundry, intercom and a CE certified elevator/hydraulic lift in the lobby that makes the building wheelchair accessible. Dogs are welcome. Located near transportation, parking garages, parks, shopping, and subway! See full details here.

Boerum Court, #PHC
$839,000

Boerum Hill | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1.5 Baths

Boerum Court, #PHC (Coldwell Banker Warburg)

From the Listing: Perched high in the sky, at the cross-section of Downtown Brooklyn and Brooklyn Heights, is this well-proportioned one-bedroom one and one-half bathroom duplex in a premiere white-glove pre-war co-op in one of the most sought-after neighborhoods Brooklyn has to offer. Soaring 10' and 12' ceiling heights, sweeping south-facing views, hardwood floors, and outfitted closets run throughout. The main level features 10' ceilings, an expansive living room and dining area, a half bathroom situated off the entryway, pantry and coat closets, and a recently updated semi-open full-service kitchen. The upper level functions as a full-floor primary suite, replete with 12' ceilings and ample space for a home office nook in various locations. See full details here.

539 Hart Street, #PH
$1,175,000 (-2.5%)

Bushwick | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 1.5 Baths | 967 ft²

539 Hart Street, #PH (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: This Penthouse is a specially crafted three-bedroom duplex, 1.5 bathroom with an amazing roof terrace adjoined to the third bedroom. Two bedrooms, along with the living and dining area comprise the first floor of this apartment, while the versatile third bedroom is perched above. Stepping into the residence via Italian Garofolio Avio doors you will notice the high ceilings and the amount of light pouring in from the casement windows. Recessed LED lights provide clean lines and uninterrupted heights. The living room faces northwest for a serene afternoon light, and bedrooms face southeast for an amazing vibrant morning light. See full details here.

444 East 52nd Street, #1A/2A
$1,975,000

Beekman/Sutton Place | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 2,300 ft²

444 East 52nd Street, #1A/2A (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: 1A/2A at 444 East 52nd Street is the ideal private residence duplex maisonette tucked away on the riverfront cul-de-sac in the Sutton/Beekman area. The gracious entry gallery leads to the dining room/library/den, a welcoming place for gathering, relaxing and entertaining. A pantry leads to a spacious windowed kitchen with double ovens, plenty of storage, and a washer/dryer. There's a bedroom/office with ensuite full bathroom on this floor and a windowed half bath off the gallery. From the gallery, a sweeping, curved, staircase leads to the upper level's grand scaled living room with decorative fireplace, beautiful casement windows and partial views to the East River. This gracious home has its own private first floor entrance directly from 52nd Street OR entry from the main building's entrance by elevator to the second floor. See full details here.

1 East End Avenue, #MAISONETTE
$2,250,000

Yorkville | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths

1 East End Avenue, #MAISONETTE (Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New York Properties)

From the Listing: This grand 1929 pre-war coop offers 3,200 square feet of illuminated opulence, with light pouring in to reveal river views in every room. This is a transformative space that will appeal to classical tastes as well as modern families. A gorgeous gallery sets the stage with two circular staircases and two separate entrances neatly dividing your private and public space, as well as a powder room. One staircase leads to the living space on the second floor, while the other staircase leads to your very own private entrance, with a walking path along the river. The whole apartment has fantastic lighting, as there is a window with a water view in every room, and picture windows in the main rooms. On the second floor, the circular staircase leads to an elegant primary bedroom, a Jack and Jill bath, and two additional spacious bedrooms, all complete with beautiful East River views. See full details here.

45 Garnet Street, #3A
$2,750,000

Carroll Gardens | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths | 2,038 ft²

45 Garnet Street, #3A (Daniel Gale Sotheby's International Realty)

From the Listing: Enter your magnificent home directly from the keyed private elevator, you'll arrive at a larger-than-life living space which features an open floor plan kitchen, dining room and an impressive 15-foot-high living room that boasts a desirable width of 27 feet—larger than most townhouses. The gourmet kitchen features a smartly designed center island and professional-grade appliances. As you make your way up the grand lighted stairs, you'll find the primary bed and a white marble wet bath. The spacious terrace is the perfect spot for entertaining guests at a summer cookout or watching the sunset. See full details here.

Bloom on Forty Fifth, #310
$2,995,000

Midtown West | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 1,982 ft²

Bloom on Forty Fifth, #310 (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Welcome to Residence 310, a three-bedroom and three and half-bathroom home with eastern and western exposures at Bloom on Forty Fifth. Enjoy this spacious 1,982-square-foot residence where light is the most abundant, and views of the Manhattan skyline and lush courtyard are at their most spectacular. With an exquisite array of outdoor spaces, Bloom on Forty Fifth provides unparalleled access to sunlight, quietude and fresh air-with culture and commerce right at your fingertips. For purchasers who fully execute a binding contract prior to 2/28/23 at midnight, sponsor will pay 12 months of estimated common charges and real estate taxes. See full details here.

Windsor Tower, #PH4
$3,200,000

Turtle Bay/United Nations | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 2,600 ft²

Windsor Tower, #PH4 (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Perched at the top of Tudor City's most distinguished prewar cooperative, this exquisite penthouse is an architectural masterpiece replete with nearly 18-foot beamed ceilings, spectacular casement windows, wood burning fireplace, central A/C, washer/dryer, 2,600 interior square feet, and 700 square feet of jaw-dropping private outdoor space with magnificent spires, gargoyles, and iconic city views! All utilities, including electricity, are included in the maintenance! See full details here.

Ruggles House, #8R9R
$6,990,000

Gramercy Park | Cooperative | 4 Bedrooms, 3 Baths | 3,900 ft²

Ruggles House, #8R9R (Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New York Properties)

From the Listing: This spectacular one-of-a-kind duplex residence was transformed through renovation into a thoroughly contemporary dwelling. Originally configured with four bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms, it is currently a one-bedroom with two full bathrooms and one powder room. The beauty of this residence is created by the subtle use of sophisticated surfaces, materials and finishes repeated throughout the loft. Noteworthy improvements include a stunning, 47' living/dining room with sweeping city views, a sumptuous library/study filled with impeccable custom cabinetry, a spacious bedroom suite with a dressing area, custom built-ins and a marble bath with a double vanity and a handsomely outfitted chef's kitchen which is perfect for entertaining. See floor plan and full details here.

18 Gramercy Park South, #MAISONETTE
$8,200,000

Gramercy Park | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths

18 Gramercy Park South, #MAISONETTE (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: This 3,746-square-foot, two-bedroom, three full bathrooms and one half bathroom residence is laid out on three levels and totally reimagined into the most unique living space. The 20' high ceiling in the living room is highlighted by three impressive Murano glass chandeliers by Donghia, a custom Italian Marble gas fireplace and 10 foot high double beveled mirror and custom cabinetry on one end of the room while the other end of the grand salon, has a wall adorned with a custom bas relief commissioned especially for the room. A custom designed magnificent Art Deco Polished Nickel banister adorns all three levels. Residents also receive the privileges of a coveted key to historic Gramercy Park, the only private, keyed park in Manhattan. See full details here.

Metropolitan Tower, #PH77/78
$8,950,000

Midtown West | Condominium | 4 Bedrooms, 4.5 Baths | 3,815 ft²

Metropolitan Tower, #PH77/78 (Compass)

From the Listing: This stunning 3,815-square-foot, four-bedroom penthouse on the 77th and 78th floors of Metropolitan Tower offers sweeping views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline. Masterfully renovated and designed by Gordon Kahn Associates, this penthouse has an unrivaled entertaining space, with a living room and dining area that stretches 50 feet with floor-to-ceiling windows revealing park views, river views and eastern light. The open-concept kitchen is outfitted with custom Gaggeneau and Miele appliances and Calacatta gold countertops. The upper level is equally as expansive, with 12-foot ceilings, a full laundry room, as well as three gracious bedrooms and three full bathrooms. See full details here.

22 Bond, #PH1
$14,000,000

NoHo | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 3,744 ft²

22 Bond, #PH1 (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: An exemplary duplex that showcases an immaculate attention to detail and the refined fit and finishes of 22 Bond Street. With direct elevator access, the foyer opens to the expansive and truly grand living & entertaining space. Meticulously-crafted interiors feature soaring ceilings as well as generous wall space for displaying your prized works of art. This magnificent home is bathed in light from floor-to-ceiling walls of glass with north and south-facing city views. Off the living space is a large private terrace perfect for dining al fresco, entertaining and enjoying both sunrise and sunset. The 3-Form Chroma-White Out suspended staircase is a show-stopping statement and provides access to both floors of the home. For ease of accessibility, both levels of Penthouse One have direct elevator access. See full details here.

180 East 88th Street, #PH
$33,000,000

Carnegie Hill | Condominium | 5 Bedrooms, 4.5 Baths | 5,508 ft²

180 East 88th Street, #PH (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: At the highest elevation north of 72nd Street on the Upper East Side, the newly released penthouse at 180 East 88th Street offers one of the most unique opportunities in the history of New York City. From rooms with extraordinarily high ceilings, the home embraces thrilling panoramic views in all directions. This volumetrically impressive triplex residence houses two living room spaces (one with gas fireplace and wet-bar), a large dining area, eat-in kitchen, five bedrooms, plus den, four full and two half baths in 5,508 interior square foot, and includes a stair to a third level roof landing. A sculptural spiral staircase extends upwards towards the privacy of the upper floor bedrooms while overlooking southern views of the city and entertainment areas below. Conveniently, a private elevator also navigates the three floors. See floor plan and full details here.

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In this article:

13 available units from $1,975,000

9 available units from $1,825,000

4 available units from $1,775,000

Select which properties are of interest to you:

3 available units from $799,000

2 available units from $10,995,000

521 East 88th Street, #2B
$624,900

1615 Bergen Street, #1
$780,000

The Lido Hall Condominium, #1C
$799,000

Boerum Court, #PHC
$839,000

539 Hart Street, #PH
$1,175,000 (-2.5%)

444 East 52nd Street, #1A/2A
$1,975,000

1 East End Avenue, #MAISONETTE
$2,250,000

45 Garnet Street, #3A
$2,750,000

Bloom on Forty Fifth, #310
$2,995,000

Windsor Tower, #PH4
$3,200,000

Ruggles House, #8R9R
$6,990,000

18 Gramercy Park South, #MAISONETTE
$8,200,000

Metropolitan Tower, #PH77/78
$8,950,000

22 Bond, #PH1
$14,000,000

180 East 88th Street, #PH
$33,000,000

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