A renovated 40-story condo tower overlooking the East River
When it was first constructed in 1985, 515 East 72nd Street was a rental building known as River Terrace Apartments, named for its setting almost directly on the East River. Developed by Harry Macklowe, the Lenox Hill tower contained 408 units, with many featuring private balconies overlooking the water. After Macklowe offloaded the 40-story building in the early 2000s, the new owners spearheaded a conversion to condominiums, tapping architecture firm Acheson Doyle Partners (ADP Architects) to build out a lavish amenity package and take the number of units down to 326. Today, the brown-brick building is only known by its street address and features a wealth of uncommon perks such as a private spa, rock-climbing wall and Olympic-size saltwater pool. “People buy here for a number of reasons, but I would say first and foremost are the amenities,” says Compass broker David Margolies, who recently listed a 40th floor unit for $2.65 million. “The floor plans also are quite generous, with large room sizes — and having a garage just below the building is great for those who need parking or may have a second home upstate or on Long Island.”
One to four-bedroom residences starting at $950,000
In 2006, ADP Architects oversaw the conversion of the building and partnered with Bonetti/Kozerski Architecture for the interiors of the residences on the building’s top ten floors. (The full-floor penthouse as well as the remaining homes were handled by ADP.) Among the upgrades, Bonetti/Kozerski swapped dated appliances for modern ones and installed sustainably harvested walnut flooring, custom cabinetry, marble countertops and bathrooms sheathed in sandstone and limestone. Homes range in size from one-bedrooms to four-bedrooms, with a few larger combination units available from time to time. Prices for a 700-square-foot one-bedroom unit start at $950,000 and go all the way up to $3.75 million for a combination four-bedroom home. Monthly common charges for the one-bedroom stand at $1,162, while the four bedroom carries a monthly fee of $4,209. This does not include a monthly assessment of around $1,120, in place until April 2026 due to a recent lobby and hallway renovation by The Switzer Group, as well as Local Law 11 work on the exterior. “In the lobby, they removed a water display that was a bit onerous to walk around, and they added in accents of Onyx color throughout each entry way to the elevator banks and at the reception desk,” explains Margolies.
A lengthy list of amenities including a spa and saltwater pool
Besides the 24-hour concierge, doorman and porter, 515 East 72nd contains a multitude of on-site amenities, not least of which is a half-acre garden with a central lawn that’s billed as the largest private green space in Manhattan. The building’s 2006 update saw the construction of a massive fitness center that includes a rock-climbing wall, workout machines and equipment, an exercise room programmed by trainers, a multi-purpose sports court, a 56-foot-long heated indoor pool and two Jacuzzis. There’s also a residents-only Elements Spa in the building that offers a full range of treatments including massages, facials and manicures. An on-site art studio hosts regular group classes and can also be rented by residents for private events, while cooking and nutrition classes are offered in the kitchen. “The staff is also incredible; they really are like family and go out of their way to treat every resident with the utmost care,” adds Margolies. A parking garage, two children’s playrooms and a 24-hour coffee bar where breakfast is served during the work week round out the amenity package.
Located near Lenox Hill’s medical corridor
Proximity to the East River and major medical hubs such as the Hospital for Special Surgery and Cornell Medical Center are some of Lenox Hill’s defining characteristics. The building is located on a dead-end block of 72nd Street punctuated by a cul-de-sac and plaza that has benches overlooking the river and Roosevelt Island. If residents tire of their private green space located on site, they have easy access to John Jay Park a few blocks away, on 76th Street, which has a pool, playground and basketball courts. The headquarters for Sotheby’s auction house is across the street and often has various gallery displays open to the public. In terms of practical amenities, the nearest grocery store is the Morton Williams on 1st Avenue and 71st Street, two blocks away. Family-run retailer Grace’s Marketplace, located on 2nd Avenue, is a more upscale option that carries gourmet items and prepared foods. York Avenue, the closest major thoroughfare, has a few restaurants serving Japanese and Italian food, as well as some fast-casual spots catering to hospital workers. But better options can be found on 1st and 2nd avenues, such as Mission Ceviche, which was included in the 2024 Michelin Guide.
Access to the Q train is 10 minutes away
The building is less than a 10-minute walk to the 72nd Street subway entrance of the Q train, which takes riders into Midtown Manhattan and all the way to Coney Island in Brooklyn. A few blocks further is the 68th Street station, where the 6 train stop as well. The M31 bus travels up and down nearby York Avenue, stopping at 72nd Street and travelling across the island to Midtown West, while the M72 also stops on York and 72nd before heading across Central Park to the Upper West Side. “Additionally, the building is located on a cul-de-sac, which makes it very quiet with little traffic, and quite easy to grab a taxi or Uber when needed,” says Margolies.
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Quantarium
Current List Price
Sold Price
Area Factors
Low Crime
Crime Score®
2/ 10
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
84/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
97/ 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
St. Catherine's Park
7 min walk
Basketball
Picnic Area
Soccer
John Jay Park
7 min walk
Basketball
Picnic Area
Pool
Andrew Haswell Green Park
10 min walk
Bike Trails
Dog Park
Picnic Area
Rainey Park
8 min drive
Baseball/Softball
Dog Park
Playground
Capobianco Field
11 min drive
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Tennis
Jack McManus Field
11 min drive
Soccer
Trails
Multi-Purpose Field
Manhattan Park
11 min drive
Trails
Blackwell Park
12 min drive
Basketball
Picnic Area
Playground
Pony Field
13 min drive
Baseball/Softball
Schools
Source:
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