A distinctive, early-20th century Romanesque Revival transformed to luxury condos in NoHo
One of the manifest truths about New York City is that it’s always changing — but through all the flux there are certain constants. Multiple generations of New Yorkers have come to know 21 Astor as either a historical marker, meeting point or, at the very least, a kind of gateway between both the East and Greenwich Villages. For well over a century, since 1892, this iconic Romanesque Revival designed by George E. Harney has seen many lives before it was converted to luxury condominiums in 2003. According to an article by Nadine Brozan in the New York Times, the building was originally home to the Mercantile Library before it moved uptown a few decades later, and later, the Astor Place Opera House, Chinese consulate and several other businesses over the years.
Today, behind the prewar, red brick- and terracotta-clad facade and beautiful arched windows on the top floors, 50 residences (consisting of one- to three-bedrooms, as well as several duplexes) have taken root. The 11-story conversion was the brainchild of Miki Naftali — the former CEO of Elad Properties who also redesigned the Plaza Hotel in 2007— alongside New York-based architects H. Thomas O’Hara and Gal Nauer. Buyers can expect soaring ceiling heights that surpass 13 feet, floor-to-ceiling windows and some units with working gas fireplaces. “It’s a boutique condo in an excellent location with apartments that are not cookie cutter,” says Nanette Shipley, principal broker of Shipley Group LLC. “Some of them have spectacular views. Windows on the eastern side have beautiful half-moon windows, they are all part of the prewar construction.”
One- to three-bedroom residences, some with outdoor space and upgraded interiors
“The apartments, generally speaking, are quite large,” Shipley says. “Even the one-bedrooms are well over 1,000 square feet. I just sold a three-bedroom that was 2,300 square feet, but there are several that are double that.” Buyers can expect wide plank oak floors throughout the living spaces, high-end, stainless steel kitchen appliances, Poggenpohl cabinetry and in-unit washer/dryers. But Shipley notes that many units have been renovated further since the conversion back in the early aughts. Some units also have private outdoor space. Examples of more contemporary upgrades are deep Jacuzzi tubs with separate walk-in showers, double vanity sinks or Brazilian hardwood floors. One-bedrooms typically go for $1.9 million, while two-bedrooms garner anywhere between $3.7 million and $4.6 million. Three-bedrooms, although extremely rare to come to market, start around $5 million. “The other thing about this building is it has very low carrying charges compared to some of the comparable buildings in the neighborhood. It makes for a great value,” Shipley adds. There’s also a full-floor penthouse in the building, and pieds-a-terre are allowed.
Limited amenities cover the essentials
This building doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of many other newer luxury condominiums, but according to Shipley, for a small development, it has all the important amenities. “There’s a full-time super and porter, which for an intimate boutique building, is really nice to have,” Shipley says. “There is a fitness room that’s really well-cared for, too. It has a space for free weights and mats on one side, and then it’s filled with machinery.” There’s also a 24-hour door attendant and a large storage locker that transfers with the sale of the unit: “When the initial offering plan was created, they included an individual deeded space for each apartment.”
In the heart of one of Manhattan’s most culturally vibrant areas
While the building is technically located in NoHo — that is, North of Houston Street — most New Yorkers recognize it as the border between the East Village and Greenwich Villages. 21 Astor is conveniently right next to the new Wegmans (readers may remember the spot as the old Kmart) and several train stations, including the R, W at the 8th Street-NYU Station and the 6 train at Astor Place. Residents can expect many students in the area, as Cooper Union is across the street and several NYU buildings are nearby. For entertainment, a plethora of trendy, globally inspired eateries can be found along Second and First Avenues, as well as plenty of nightlife in both villages. Washington Square Park, known for its large historic arch and artistic crowds, is just four blocks to the west.
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Current List Price
Sold Price
Area Factors
Biker's Paradise
Bike Score®
96/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
100/ 100
Rider's Paradise
Transit Score®
100/ 100
Sources: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Walk Score
Sources: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Walk Score
WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Powered by CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks. Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Environmental risk data is provided by First Street Foundation® and is designed to approximate risk and not intended to include all possible scenarios.
Parks in this Area
Cooper Triangle
2 min walk
Trails
Manuel Plaza
5 min walk
Picnic Area
Trails
Events
Washington Square Park
7 min walk
Dog Park
Picnic Area
Playground
Mercer Playground
8 min walk
Playground
Union Square Park
8 min walk
Dog Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Lower East Side Playground
10 min walk
Basketball
Volleyball
Playground
Elizabeth Street Garden
11 min walk
Botanical Gardens
West 4th Street Courts
11 min walk
Basketball
First Park
12 min walk
Basketball
Picnic Area
Trails
Schools
Source:
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