The Upper West Side in Manhattan is a treasure trove of architectural delights, brimming with history, trivia, and hidden gems. Let's embark on an enchanting journey through this iconic neighborhood!
The Dakota
The Dakota (1884) is a legendary building on the Upper West Side, located at 1 West 72nd Street. Designed by architect Henry J. Hardenbergh, it’s famous for its ornate German Renaissance style. This building has been home to many celebrities, including John Lennon and Yoko Ono. A fun fact: the Dakota was one of the first luxury apartment buildings in the city, boasting modern conveniences such as elevators and central heating.
The Apthorp
The Apthorp, built in 1908, is another gem located at 390 West End Avenue. Designed by Clinton & Russell, it features Italian Renaissance Revival style. The building occupies an entire city block and has an extravagant interior courtyard. It’s rumored that actress Nora Ephron adored the building so much that she wrote about it in her book "I Feel Bad About My Neck."
The Ansonia
The Ansonia at 2109 Broadway was completed in 1904 and designed by Paul E. Duboy in the Beaux-Arts style. It was initially a luxury hotel with 1,400 rooms, and it had unique amenities, including a farm on the roof with live chickens and small livestock! The building has seen its share of colorful history, having housed a gay bathhouse and a swingers' club in the 1970s.
The Eldorado
The Eldorado at 300 Central Park West is a striking Art Deco building, designed by Emery Roth and completed in 1931. The twin towers of the Eldorado are an iconic part of Manhattan’s skyline. Trivia alert: Michael J. Fox and Alec Baldwin have both called this place home.
The San Remo
The San Remo at 145 Central Park West is another twin-towered marvel, completed in 1930 and designed by the same architect, Emery Roth. It’s known for its distinctive limestone and terracotta facade. Celebrities like Demi Moore and Dustin Hoffman have lived here. Little-known fact: The San Remo was the first twin-towered building in New York City.
The Langham
The Langham, located at 135 Central Park West, was completed in 1907 and designed by architects Clinton & Russell. Its French Second Empire style is reminiscent of the Parisian aesthetic, making it a standout structure. The building was designated a New York City Landmark in 1990.
The Beresford
The Beresford at 211 Central Park West, another Emery Roth creation, was completed in 1929. This grand building features three towers, each topped with copper lanterns. Fun trivia: Jerry Seinfeld and Glenn Close have owned apartments here.
The Belleclaire
The Belleclaire, located at 2175 Broadway, was designed by Emery Roth and completed in 1903. Known for its Beaux-Arts style, the building was originally a luxury hotel. Mark Twain once stayed here, and it’s said he loved the place for its charm and elegance.
The Upper West Side is a living museum of architectural splendor, each building with its own stories and secrets. Whether you’re an architecture buff or just curious, this neighborhood offers a fascinating glimpse into New York’s rich architectural history.