200 E 27th St

Victoria House

Turnover rates can be quite high in New York City, so it’s especially telling when residents are keen to stay in a particular building long-term. Benjamin Dixon, an associate real estate broker with Douglas Elliman, saw this sort of dedication first-hand while hosting an open house at Victoria House: Over half of the attendees already owned units in the building. Completed in 1965, this red brick co-op isn’t fancy, but residents appreciate the practical amenities and down-to-earth community. “Usually, neighbors come by out of that ‘lookie-loo’ curiosity, but in this case, they were interested in graduating from a one-bedroom to a two-bedroom,” Dixon recounts. “It’s always a good sign when people want to stay. You get really good value in this building, plus people like the location and the staff is nice. It’s just a good vibe.” Part of the value-add is the co-op’s full suite of amenities. Whereas New Yorkers and tourists might flock to the nearest rooftop bar just before sun-down, Victoria House residents and their guests can enjoy spectacular sunsets from the building’s private roof. “The rooftop deck is really beautiful and has incredible, panoramic views of the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building and Freedom Tower, plus the space is furnished with teak sets,” Dixon says. Downstairs, residents can exercise at the 24-hour fitness center or access the attached parking garage, which offers preferred rates to owners. While a simple laundry room is available downstairs, many residents have elected to add a washer and dryer to their unit. “This is a pretty big building, at 280 units, but it actually feels more like a boutique building, which a lot of people want,” Dixon says. “That’s what makes it special: It carries the lower monthly charges of a big building but has the feeling of a smaller one.” That’s due, in part, to the layout of each floor, where elevator hallways are short, and the extension hallways are longer, as opposed to one, never-ending corridor. The lobby is quaint yet well-designed and mindful of its history. “It was redone in the last five years, but it still has a cool, 1960s look to it with nice lighting, warm walnut wood and brass tones,” Dixon adds. “It’s not one of those older buildings that’s trying to be something else, something more modern or grand.” From the lobby, three elevators whisk residents to their homes, an assortment of studio, one- and two-bedroom units across 18 floors. “Like most postwar buildings, the assortment of floorplans means there’s a diverse group of people living here,” Dixon says. The co-op's flexible ownership policy, which allows for co-purchasing, gifting, guarantors, pied-à-terres, and, in some instances, subletting, only enhances this diversity. Studios begin as low as $485,000, whereas a two-bedroom may command over $1.4 million. Prices vary greatly according to condition, as some units have been renovated or updated. Victoria House is a corner building, with an entrance along 27th Street and a surplus of businesses and global restaurants right around the corner on Third Avenue. Trader Joe’s is four blocks north, as is the AMC Kips Bay theater. Three hospitals, including NYU Langone Health, are stationed along FDR Drive two blocks east of the co-op. As such, many healthcare professionals live in the area, including at Victoria House. “It’s also close to NoMad, which has a bunch of great restaurants and bars. The nightlife there has really improved over the years,” Dixon says. John Doe pub hosts a bottomless brunch every weekend that’s become popular with in-the-know locals, and The Tusk Bar is a swankier spot known for its freshly shucked oysters and craft cocktails. Both Madison Square Park and Gramercy Park are within walking distance. Residents can catch local or express trains along the 4 and 6 lines at the 28th Street station along Park Avenue, just three blocks away. The transportation hub at Herald Square, just under one mile away, has nine other subway trains and the PATH train to New Jersey. There are also seven bus lines available within two blocks, plus a Citi Bike station at the corner of 26th Street and Third Avenue.