A prewar co-op directly across from the American Museum of Natural History
Only a handful of New York City residents can claim they’re neighbors with the American Museum of Natural History — and the famous T. rex and blue whale on display inside — and 40 W. 77th St. is among them. “This prewar building has a beautiful lobby and a full staff, but the location is what makes this co-op so desirable,” says Jennifer Roberts, an associate broker at Compass. “You’re right across the street from the museum and a half block from Central Park. It’s a fantastic area.” When residents emerge from the green-canopied doors, they’re faced with the museum’s grand Romanesque Revival-style architecture. Every Sunday, the sidewalk out front is taken over by a weekly farmers market, and once a year, the street fills with larger-than-life balloons and floats, lining up for the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Throughout the year, the co-op’s residents, especially those with north-facing units, interact with a beloved, culturally renowned slice of the city.
Units, mostly one- to three-bedrooms, with old-school features and nice views
“Even though there are about 100 units in the building, there are two separate elevator banks on opposite sides of the lobby, so there aren’t as many apartments on each floor and the building doesn’t feel so big,” Roberts says. “It makes for a more intimate feel.” The eastern wing has only two apartments per floor, while the western side has four per floor. Most of the 100 units are one- to three-bedrooms, with smaller apartments typically facing south. “When you reach a certain height in the building, you clear the brownstones along 76th Street and get open views of the skyline, which is lovely,” Roberts says. Larger, north-facing units get the money-shot view of the museum. Buyers are often attracted to the units’ prewar hallmarks like closed floor plans, high ceilings and separate foyers. “A lot of the apartments have original moldings throughout,” Rogers adds. “And you might find beams on the ceiling and nice hardwood floors.” Those who have renovated often add built-ins, marble-clad bathrooms, high-end appliances, and, with board approval, in-unit washer/dryers — some larger residences have full laundry rooms.
Typically, one-bedroom apartments are priced between $885,000 and $1.2 million, while two-bedrooms range from $1.49 million to $2.4 million. “Because of the great location, I think you pay a premium for this building,” Roberts says. “A one-bedroom here will cost you more than a one-bedroom on some other side street in the Upper West Side.” In fact, the median price for a one-bedroom in the neighborhood is $800,000. Larger residences within the co-op have sold for as much as $5.5 million, excluding the penthouse which sold for nearly $14 million in 2013.
Basement-level amenities and a full-time staff
Like many prewar co-ops, amenities at 40 W. 77th St. are limited. In the basement, residents will find laundry facilities, storage and a bike room. Asked if the building has any shared outdoor space, Roberts quipped, “No. Central Park.” Upstairs, the lobby is manned by a full-time door attendant and retains its prewar character, evidenced by the original fireplace, patterned stone floors and intricate crown moldings. “You walk in and everyone reacts like, ‘Oh, this is so lovely.’ It just gives a nice sense of home. It's very welcoming.” The co-op also employs porters and a live-in super.
Located at the heart of the Upper West Side
The building’s location certainly makes up for the lack of amenities. “It’s one of the absolute best spots on the west side because of its proximity to the park, museum, neighborhood attractions and transportation. And it’s close to great restaurants and shopping,” Roberts says. In addition to the Sunday farmers market, there’s also a weekly, year-round flea market at the corner of 76th and Columbus Avenue. City residents can pay what they wish to enter the natural history museum, including the Gilder Center, which opened in 2023. Across the street, residents can quickly access Central Park attractions, including the Shakespeare Garden, the Lake and the Ramble, which has 38 acres of woodland with winding paths. Columbus and Amsterdam avenues provide plenty of eateries, cafes, stores and businesses. Within a few blocks, residents can get groceries at Pioneer Supermarket, eat sushi at Raku, enjoy upscale Italian plates at Sempre Oggi, sip on craft cocktails at Da Capo or catch live music at the iconic Beacon Theatre.
Access to the B and C trains at the Museum of Natural History station
Residents are less than two blocks from the B and C trains along Central Park West, and the 1, 2 and 3 trains are available a half-mile from the co-op. Several buses operate in the area, including the crosstown M79 bus, which stops along the northern edge of the museum. For drivers, the Henry Hudson Parkway is accessible less than a mile southwest.
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Current List Price
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Area Factors
Low Crime
Crime Score®
3/ 10
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
80/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
95/ 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
Theodore Roosevelt Park
3 min walk
Dog Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Tecumseh Playground
4 min walk
Basketball
Picnic Area
Soccer
Verdi Square
8 min walk
Picnic Area
Trails
Abraham and Joseph Spector Playground
11 min walk
Playground
Riverside Park
11 min walk
W 87th Street Park & Garden
11 min walk
Picnic Area
Playground
Great Lawn
11 min walk
Picnic Area
Trails
Events
Henry Neufeld Playground
12 min walk
Playground
Parking Lot
South Lawn
12 min walk
Schools
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