While it has been a quiet time for co-ops as of late, autumn 2023 has been a busy time at The Eldorado on Central Park West. Earlier this fall, Mike D. of the Beastie Boys (ne Michael Diamond) sold the massive combination apartment belonging to his art collector parents, Hester and Harold Diamond, for $13,500,000. A few weeks later, finance executive Richard Bayles sold his apartment to Emmy-nominated actor Alfred Molina for $5,995,000 in a transaction just shy of the past week's top five sales. The day after this sale was recorded, so too was another in the building — acclaimed trial lawyer and Selendy Gay Elsberg founding partner David Elsberg and his wife, fellow lawyer Natalie Holme Elsberg, sold their apartment for $4,250,000. This article takes a look at the history of the building, residential life in the present day, and the small handful of current availabilities.
In this article:
History
The Eldorado dates back to 1931, when it took shape at 300 Central Park West and took its name from the eight-story structure it replaced. The high-rise, full-block building was designed by Margon & Holder with Emery Roth as a consultant. The Eldorado is the northernmost of Roth’s multi-towered residences on Central Park West (the others being The San Remo and The Beresford) and stands out for its Art Deco design. The spires at the top of the towers have been described as “Flash Gordon finials” by the AIA Guide to New York City and noted for their similarity to the pinnacle of the Empire State Building.The towers of The Eldorado set it apart in the Central Park skyline and are every bit as impressive inside as out: Full-floor apartments in the towers boast high ceilings and fireplaces. Additionally, select units in the building have private terraces overlooking Central Park.
The Eldorado got its start as a rental house, but went co-op in the early 1980s with many residents, Mr. and Mrs. Diamond among them, opting to buy their units in the building. Shortly after that, it was declared a New York City Landmark in 1985. It is also a contributing property to the Central Park West Historic District.
“The Eldorado is a fine essay in Art Deco design as expressed in the brickwork, ornament, entrance, balconies, and windows…The towers with their futuristic crowning pinnacles are one of New York City’s major architectural adornments” – Landmarks designation report
Like many of the apartment buildings lining Central Park West, The Eldorado was popular among affluent Jewish New Yorkers in its early days, with Barneys New York founder Barney Pressman and rabbi/activist Stephen S. Wise among them. Nobel Prize-winning author Sinclair Lewis was also among the early residents. Later, when the building went co-op, the board accepted the likes of Michael J. Fox, Alec Baldwin, Bruce Willis, Faye Dunaway, and Moby.
Residential entrance with original details (Brown Harris Stevens)
Life at The Eldorado
Today, The Eldorado has a full staff of doormen, concierge, porters and handymen, and on-site management and superintendent to cater to residents’ needs. The building’s gym was recently renovated, and additional amenities include a mini basketball court, lounge, and children’s playroom. Mail and packages are delivered to residents’ doors, and other conveniences include a bike room and parking garage.Another perk of life at The Eldorado is its Upper West Side address. It is directly across from Central Park with easy access to the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, Central Park Tennis Center, and 86th Street Transverse. Beyond Central Park, the building is a short distance from Columbus Avenue dining, prominent Upper West Side schools, and the 86th Street B/C trains.
The attended lobby sets the tone for elegance (Brown Harris Stevens)
The Eldorado, #7L (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)
The Eldorado, #10J (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)
The Eldorado, #16B (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)
The Eldorado, #22D (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)
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