188 E 78th St Unit 26AB

The Empire

Though built in 2000, The Empire quietly exudes old New York. The Washington D.C.-based Hartman-Cox Architects, known for their work on historic renovations, is behind the design, which at 31 stories resembles a classical pre-war co-op building, even though it enjoys condo status. “Condos on the Upper East Side are few and far between,” Allison L. Chiaramonte, an agent and co-founder of the Atelier Team at Compass, notes about the building’s appeal. She has sold some units here and adds how it’s a good value compared to newer buildings popping up in the neighborhood. Plus, “It has really nice features that are not obvious from the outside.” The old-world vibe continues inside The Empire’s 72 units, designed by SLCE Architects. Formal foyers, dining rooms large enough for entertaining and nine-foot-high ceilings mimic pre-war layouts. Most units are on the larger side; three- and four-bedroom apartments comprise most of the building's inventory. Prices start around $2 million for 1,200 square feet and can easily reach $6 million for a renovated unit on a high floor with 2,800 square feet. Chiaramonte shares how smaller units on the lower floors tend to feel less glamorous. Floors 18 to 27 maintain extra privacy with only two units on each, while penthouses add fireplaces and small balconies. Some apartments also offer outdoor space in the form of Juliette balconies, and the building’s setback location allows for skyline views from the higher floors. Optimizing those views, apartments feature large casement windows, and some also have bay windows. Original kitchens tend to be closed-off and galley style, but still include quality appliances and ample cabinets. Bathrooms may still contain their original marble, and the larger ones are roomy enough for separate showers and bathtubs. Some units need renovating due to the building’s age, but Chiaramonte observes that The Empire overall is a well-maintained building. The grand, yet understated lobby sets the tone for The Empire: Its marble floors, mahogany-paneled walls and curving, wrought-iron staircase evoke stepping back in time into an Edith Wharton novel. Full-time door staff welcome residents, who pass through hallways that have been revamped to feel more modern. The building’s amenities lack the flash and bragging rights that have become the norm in newer builds, but all have undergone recent renovations. These include the third-floor fitness center, benefitting from floor-to-ceiling windows. The nearby children’s playroom also has windows, a nice departure from the status quo of many buildings from this era where the playrooms are tucked away in basements. A party room opens onto the multi-level terrace, also refreshed, providing a landscaped urban oasis where residents can grill and kick back on comfortable seating flanked by plants, flowering trees and a pergola. For an additional cost, buyers can purchase wine cellar storage or a spot in the on-site parking garage. The Empire holds court in a prime Upper East Side location. Not only is it close to local conveniences and major attractions, but 78th Street is an attractive, tree-lined stretch populated with pre-war buildings leading to Central Park. En route, residents pass local bagel spots and coffee shops on Lexington Avenue, before crossing paths with Madison Avenue and its many high-end boutiques. In the immediate vicinity, residents have the top-ranked Lenox Hill Hospital around the corner, Citeralla, a gourmet supermarket, two blocks south and Sushi Noz, a two-Michelin-starred omakase restaurant, right across the street. A high percentage of elite private schools are also dotted around the Upper East side, in turn attracting many families to the neighborhood. The local 6 train is just around the corner at 77th Street and Lexington Avenue. The newer Q line is a bit further at 72nd Street and Second Avenue, but provides express service downtown. Crosstown buses traverse the 79th Street artery and provide quick access to the Upper West Side at 81st Street. The Empire also offers parking at an extra cost at the on-site garage, home to two Tesla charging stations.