An Upper East Side rental building reinvented as more refined condos
In another life — back in the aughts and early 2010s — 389 East 89th Street was a rental building. Designed in 2003 by Ismael Leyva Architects, the firm behind luxury developments such as the Park Imperial and the residences at what was then the Time Warner Center, the 31-story building was known as "Post Toscana." In 2014, Magnum Real Estate Group acquired it for a condo conversion, enlisting celebrated Australian-born, New York-based Paris Forino to reimagine the unit interiors and amenity spaces. When sales launched in 2016, the number of units had decreased from 199 to 156, homes featured open plans and more natural light, and the building was reborn as the more modern 389 E. 89th Street. Homes listed for between $880,000 and $3.03 million were marketed as "affordable luxury," and developer Ben Shaoul even made headlines for accepting Bitcoin as payment.
In her selection of materials, Forino took inspiration from the neighborhood and its residents. "We really try to think about the neighborhood it's in because people who are drawn to certain neighborhoods tend to want those details. The Upper East Side is a little more classic, elegant, a bit muted," she told Architectural Digest in 2018. "It's a modern transitional feel," says Compass agent William Vitiello, an agent who has done business in the building. "There is a lot of marble and high-polished stone. A lot of natural wood. It definitely has finer finishes." When asked what aspects of the building buyers find appealing, Vitiello names the natural light many units receive, the proximity to Carl Schurz Park, the amenities — especially the rooftop deck and grills — and the washer and dryer in each home. "That's a big plus," he says.
But the value buyers find here might be the most compelling. "You get more for your money," he says, noting what sold his latest client on the building. "She loved the price."
Open plans and some loft-like homes with natural light and views
Homes here include studio to three-bedroom apartments. Studios measure a maximum of 743 feet and list for about $800,000 to $999,000. One-bedrooms range from 629 square feet to 1,037 square feet and are priced at $900,000 to $1.5 million. Two-bedrooms are 855 square feet to 1,644 square feet and ask around $1.3 million to $2.7 million. Three-bedrooms measuring 1,315 square feet to 1,582 square feet sell for about $1.9 million to $2.8 million.
Thirty-two condominiums on the third through sixth floors comprise the development's Loft Collection. Mostly one-bedroom units measuring at most 1,079 square feet, the apartments feature oversized windows and ceilings just under 11 feet high.
Many residences feature floor-to-ceiling windows in the living space. Floors are made with wide-plank white oak, and ceilings measure 8 feet, 8 inches to 11 feet. Views include cityscapes, the East River and Queens. Kitchens offer white Italian cabinetry with a lacquer finish, Turkish marble countertops and Miele appliances, including a paneled refrigerator/freezer. Residences include the convenience of a vented Whirlpool washer and dryer. Primary bathrooms feature Dolomite marble floors and walls, a soaking tub and Waterworks chrome fixtures.
A popular roof deck, fitness center and children’s playroom
The building has a live-in super, and its lobby, staffed by a 24-hour concierge and door attendant, features limestone floors, brass detailing and a reception desk topped with brown stone. Amenities include a spacious fitness center, resident's lounge, children's playroom and a third-floor landscaped deck with barbecues. A large, landscapedroof deck offers 360-degree views. The building permits pets.
Near Upper East Side conveniences, parks and private schools
Located in the Upper East Side neighborhood of Yorkville, 389 E. 89th Street is close to various shopping and dining options. C-Town occupies the ground floor of the building, a Whole Foods Market is two blocks away, and Fairway Market is on 86th Street. Cafe d'Alsace is an area mainstay for brunch and bistro fare and Lashevet is known for its Middle Eastern cuisine. The almost 15-acre riverside Carl Schurz Park, home to Gracie Mansion (the mayor’s digs), is two blocks to the east. The private Chapin School is nearby on 84th and East End Avenue and The Brearley School, also private, is at 83rd Street and the East River.
Second Avenue Subway at 86th Street, buses and east access to the FDR Drive
The N, Q and R trains stop at 86th Street on Second Avenue, providing local and express travel to uptown and downtown. Additional options include the 4, 5 and 6 at 86th Street and Lexington Avenue and buses along York and First Avenue. For travel by car, the FDR Drive is two blocks to the east, and the Queensboro Bridge, connecting to Roosevelt Island, Queens and Interstate 495 can be accessed at 60th Street and Second Avenue. JFK International Airport can be reached in about 30 minutes.
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Quantarium
Current List Price
Sold Price
Area Factors
Low Crime
Crime Score®
2/ 10
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
82/ 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
Ruppert Park
3 min walk
Picnic Area
Trails
Playground
DeKovats Playground
5 min walk
Picnic Area
Trails
Playground
Stanley Isaacs Playground
7 min walk
Basketball
Bike Trails
Fishing
Stanley Isaacs Playground
7 min walk
Basketball
Playground
Carl Schurz Park
8 min walk
Bike Trails
Dog Park
Fishing
Marx Brothers Playground
8 min walk
Soccer
Playground
Samuel Seabury Playground
12 min walk
Basketball
Playground
Events
East Meadow
13 min walk
Multi-Purpose Field
Park Avenue Malls
2 min drive
Picnic Area
Schools
Source:
GreatSchools:
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Disclaimer: Please note that this building may not be in these schools' attendance zones.
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