210 Central Park S

210 Central Park S

Before there was Billionaires’ Row soaring high to seize ultra-desirable Central Park views, there was Central Park South, the street that actually lines the expansive green space. The prestigious but far more understated stretch of deluxe residences and classy hotels was built up in the early to mid-20th century with moderately tall structures, some adorned in elaborate architectural detail and others in a more pared back yet equally luxurious midcentury modernist style. Case in point: the 210 Central Park South co-op. Designed by prolific architect Micheal Schimenti in 1966 for developer Bernard Spitzer, the 23-story structure is distinguished by its high fenestration-ratio and angled glass balconies, wrapping the entirety of its north and Central Park-facing facade. This distinct feature imbues the otherwise monolithic structure with a uniquely geometric profile. And many units take prime advantage of those killer vistas. “The combined 23CD unit I’m representing has an impressive 50-foot balcony looking out onto the park,” says Peter McLean, an agent with Corcoran. “The top-floor residence is a combined two bedroom and studio gut renovated by a Broadway producer in the early 1990s with an emphasis on entertaining,” McLean adds. “It’s sprawling great room used to house his piano and features a floating wet bar.” Owing to the rather slender massing of 210 Central Park, the bespoke unit has both north and south exposures. Given the age of the building, few residences have the same layout or level of finish; most reflect alterations made by previous owners but with the overarching ambition of making the most of the views. For example: Another through residences with two exposures, unit 7D, squeezes both an especially long living room and narrow yet sizable en suite primary bedroom towards the park while relegating the kitchen and second bedroom to the rear. Because of the extent of intervention across the co-op’s offering, prices more closely reflect size, condition and position. In summer 2024, a 4th floor one bedroom with 1,182 square feet of space was on the market for $2.3 million, while 7D — incorporating significantly more space and brand-new appliances — was selling for $4.8 million. Though the building is a co-op, its 88 residences can be utilized as pied-a-terres. According to McLean, many of the common areas, like the lobby and hallways, were updated in early 2024. The latter is helmed by 24/7 white glove door attendants and concierges. There’s also a laundry room, well-sized storage units, a bike room and live-in super. A unique feature for Midtown Manhattan: the in-building parking garage. Though managed by a third party, the facility provides residents with discounted monthly rates. They can return from weekends in the countryside, pull up straight to the entrance of the garage, remove their bags, hand over their keys and directly enter the building. If the plethora of private balconies wasn’t enough, 210 Central Park South is also topped by a massive roof deck. What 210 Central Park lacks in “bells and whistle” amenity spaces — ones that often under-utilized in other marquee buildings — it makes up for in location. Columbus Circle and its premium mall — replete with prestigious restaurants, 40 luxury boutiques and a large Whole Foods grocery store — is a half block away. In terms of transportation, this urban locus point is served by the A, C, B and D subway lines; the N, Q, R and W subway lines stop at a station three blocks south on 57th Street. Midtown is awash in top-ranked restaurants, legendary cultural venues like the Museum of Modern Art and Carnegie Hall, and a slew of name-brand stores. Other than the owner-operated bistros that dot Columbus and Amsterdam avenues, The Upper West Side’s main attraction is Lincoln Center which houses the Metropolitan Opera and New York City Ballet. The Upper East Side features a raft of major art institutions lining a stretch of 5th Avenue colloquially dubbed Museum Mile. Of course, 210 Central Park South’s primary draw is the 843 acres park itself. This massive, activity-rich green space is defined by its hilly 6.1-mile loop road, fabulous for both runners and cyclists looking for a great work out with a view. Various monuments give way to winding walking paths, secluded woodlands, grand reservoirs, sweeping picnic lawns; an ice-skating rink and even a decent zoo.