505 E 79th St

East River House

Prolific architect Philip Birnbaum built the 19-story East River House in 1963, but even those with more than a passing knowledge of New York City real estate are likely hard-pressed to name any of his buildings. In a New York Times 1996 obituary for the architect, author David W. Dunlap refers to Birnbaum’s near-anonymous legacy. “Unlike his contemporary, Philip Johnson, Mr. Birnbaum enjoyed no public celebrity and little critical acclaim; ‘banal’ was among the kinder words used to describe his work.” Yet Dunlap went on to praise the architect for his spacious, efficient layouts. “He said he designed for the people who lived in his buildings, not the elite,” Dunlap added. Although some of the buildings Birnbaum contributed to do in fact house the elite, including the Galleria at 119 East 57th Street on Billionaire’s Row, and 1001 Fifth Avenue across from the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The NYT article also credits Birnbaum with advancing rooftop pools. But back to East River House, architecture critic Carter Horsley has described it as a “handsome, red-brick apartment building,” and its numerous balconies and terraces take advantage of East River views. East River House became a co-op in 1971, and its 209 units have been renovated to various extents since the ‘60s. Studios start around 630 square feet, which is often the size of one-bedrooms in many buildings. Smaller apartments tend to lack views, but large windows take advantage of natural light. Efficient layouts are evident with ample closets, space for a small dining area and separate kitchens, also small. Studios can be found for less than $500,000 and reflect the fact that many have not benefited from major renovations. One-bedrooms jump to 750 square feet and start at a little more than $500,000. As in all units, minimal hallways help maximize the sensical footprint. Generous balconies and terraces are more common in the two- and three-bedroom range, which span from 1,000 to 1,700 square feet. For those on higher floors, south-facing views will never be erased thanks to low, landmark buildings on the opposite side of 79th Street. A two-bedroom needing updates at the smaller end recently sold for $620,000. A current three bedroom with 2,500 square feet is on the market for $3.6 million, however, this much square footage is an outlier. All residences are equipped with air conditioning, but washers and dryers are only allowed in certain lines and pending board approval. Renovations in general also require board approval. While this isn’t an amenity-laden building (no rooftop pool here), there is a full-time door staff and live-in super, plus a common laundry room last updated in 2019. The lobby manages to feel inviting with minimalist neutral decor and marble floors, and was last updated in 2021. Other recent updates include the intercom system, mailroom, hallways and elevators. An attached garage includes a full-time attendant. The pet policy allows one dog per unit, giving tenants a good excuse to take advantage of Carl Schurz’s nearby dog parks. There’s a bike room as well for those who wish to bike along the promenade, perhaps with their dogs. Prices are historically lower in buildings near the East River, and East River House is no exception. This is originally due to Yorkville’s lengthy distance from subways, but the long-awaited Second Avenue subway with express Q service has been a neighborhood game changer, attracting more residents and businesses to an area that has always been a draw for its reasonable pricing compared to the prime Upper East Side spots near Central Park. Plus, tourists rarely find themselves this far east. But the co-op’s location, a block from the East River, offers other perks. John Jay Park, while small, includes a public outdoor pool with waterfront views on 78th Street. The entrance to the East River Promenade is on 80th Street, and the popular Carl Schurz Park starts at 84th Street. It’s home to a playground, pickleball courts and the highly popular small and big dog parks, which also make for excellent dog watching. While this section isn’t known for its destination dining, it does offer an uptown location of the 2nd Avenue Deli, an institution for kosher noshes, while the French-owned Moulin Cafe serves up traditional chocolate croissants and cappuccinos that attract a local ex-pat French crowd who live in the area. (The private Lycée Français de New York is near John Jay Park.) Speaking of schools, Chapin and Brearley, both elite private girls’ schools, are mere blocks from East River House. It’s worth mentioning that the Hospital for Special Surgery has acquired land a block away near First, where it plans to add a 400,000-square-foot medical facility. The Second Avenue subway stops at 72nd and 86th streets could be closer, but they’re new, ADA accessible and provide express Q service. As another plus, the local 6 train at 77th Street and Lexington Avenue is just a five-minute walk west, while crosstown buses traverse 79th Street and north-south along the avenues. Those utilizing the garage can hop on FDR Drive at 73rd Street and York Avenue. Dogs under 35 pounds are allowed, pending board approval and limited to one per unit. Pieds-à-terres are not allowed, but rentals are. As with many co-ops, everything from renovations to sublets need approval and tend to be on a case-by-case basis.