106 Central Park S

Trump Parc

Trump Parc is a 100-year-old establishment that began as storied hotel and was then purchased to be renovated into a luxury condominium by Donald Trump in 1981. It has an understated elegance that may seem surprising to those familiar with the former president’s famously formidable real estate brand. It is opulent, but not gratuitously so. Upon arrival, the limestone facade is unassuming save for the bronze covered entry complete with the elegantly scripted Trump Parc logo. The lobby is sheathed in creamy white marble as far as the eye can see, a material modern architects often used for its inherent beauty. Not unlike lobbies of nearby midtown high-rises that are a prime example of high modernism — like Mies van der Rohe’s Seagram Building or SOM’s Lever House — a door attendant can be found behind a built-in concierge counter topped with a magnanimous flower arrangement. As The Barbizon-Plaza Hotel, from 1930 to 1933, the building attracted artists with its accommodations, studio spaces, auditoriums and exhibition and performance halls. It was one of the country's first well-appointed residences for arts and music. But this art-deco-style structure had, if fact, several lives: it was built in 1930 by architect Laurence Emmons, foreclosed in 1933, used by Royal Navy officers during World War II, and in its post Brbizon-Plaza days, finally turned into a Penta Hotel chain location in 1973. In 1981, Trump purchased what was left of the hotel and hired architect Frank Williams to renovate it with a contemporary design that elegantly complemented the building's existing Colo architecture. Williams devised a striking rooftop of glass tiles set in concrete — that sparkles on sunny days and illuminates at night — with a crown of gilded gold-leafed spires. Trump Parc has 336 units across 37 floors, and prices vary by size and location. Starting at 375 square feet, a studio with a kitchenette that bears a resemblance to a compact hotel room lists for between $550,00 and $670,000. A one-bedroom with a spacious grand room and long and narrow kitchen could fetch between $1.05 million and $1.6 million, while a spacious three-bedroom with a 175-square-foot terrace directly in front of Central Park starts at $6.25 million. For those interested in a penthouse, a 5,450 square-foot four-bedroom condo with a great room centered around a post-modern hammock hanging from silver chains overlooking the park starts at $24 million. Those considering buying into a Trump condominium have more than likely stayed at one or more of his hotels, and this gold-festooned building shares the sense of forced luxury inherent to the brand — described in company’s promotional materials as “opulence at its absolute finest.” The actual amenities and services are somewhat limited compared to new glass tower high-rises with three-level amenities suites. However, for a top-notch condominium across the street from Central Park, most boxes are checked, including a 24-hour doorman and on-site property management. On the ground level, residents can find a community laundry room with dry cleaning services and a bike storage room. Plus, there’s an on-site parking garage with a deeded parking lot and valet. Buyer beware: management does not allow pets. Central Park South lives up to the image of old-timey New York treasured by tourists and newcomers to the city: gin martinis in Palm Court at The Plaza Hotel, horse-drawn carriage rides along Central Park, shopping at Tiffany & Co. on 5th Avenue and walking beneath the ornate tiled ceiling in the Bethesda Terrace arcade. This neighborhood has some of the city's most prestigious restaurants, including Michelin-starred Jean-Georges overlooking Columbus Circle, Italian seafood spot Marea filled with power crowds, and playful maximalist not-Italian restaurant Bad Roman. For groceries, residents can shop at a Morton Williams two blocks down on 57th or the Whole Foods inside the mall at Columbus Circle. When residents walk out of the lobby and look out to Central Park, they find themselves within three to four blocks of three subway stations. 59 Street-Columbus Circle, located at Columbus Circle, services the A, B, C and D trains. Similarly, near Carnegie Hall, N, Q, R and W trains are available at 57th Street-7th Avenue station. Just a block away on 6th Avenue, 57th Street Station provides access to the F line. Meanwhile, via car, denizens can get to Queensboro Bridge or the FDR in a straight shot down 59th Street.