A prewar condominium near the Hudson River with reasonable price points
Located across the street from Riverbank State Park in Manhattan’s Hamilton Heights, 668 Riverside Drive is a classic corner building where little has changed since it was completed in 1907, save for its interiors. The six-story midrise features an elegant limestone base (a distinctive characteristic of prewar buildings), solid brick construction and wrought-iron work on select Juliet balconies. Initially built as rental apartments, the units were converted to 64 condos in 2007, and today, prospective buyers can find completely renovated one-bedrooms for under $500,000. The location is one of its biggest appeals, as it overlooks the Hudson River and is just one block from the local 1 train on Broadway and 145th Street.
Although there’s no doorman, residents enter an elegant lobby with soothing, muted tones and updated furnishings: “It has a really beautiful lobby with lots of period details,” says Emma Kerins, an agent with Brown Harris Stevens. “Some of the buildings in that area have average lobbies, but this one is quite original. High-beamed ceilings, intricate details, very ornate. It’s one of the nicer entryways for that area.”
Studio to two-bedroom units available, with varying interior upgrades
Although some studios and two-bedrooms will pop up on the market, most of the building consists of one-bedrooms. According to Kerins there aren’t any combinations or penthouses, but some of the two-bedrooms have direct park views in both the bedrooms and living spaces, qualities that certainly appeal to buyers. Each condo is different in terms of finishes and appliances, but the upgraded sponsor style includes “high-end appliances from Sub-Zero and beautiful renovations,” Kerins says. There are also windowed, full-size kitchens in many units, as well as windowed bathrooms and full-sized washer/dryers. But the real interior standout is the 9.5-foot-high ceilings (another prewar characteristic), which balance nicely with the more modern upgrades. Most apartments also feature hardwood floors.
One-bedrooms starting around a half a million with reasonable monthlies
Studios are rare to market, but one of the most recent listings sold for $315,000. One-bedrooms are much more common to market and range between $433,000 and $650,000. Two-bedrooms, also rare, have ranged anywhere between $695,000 and $810,000 in recent years. The building also allows up to 80% financing, and co-purchasers, guarantors and gift purchases are allowed, as well as parents buying for children. Pied-a-terres are allowed, and there are no set rules against subletting.
A pet-friendly building with limited amenities
There’s no concierge, but there is a live-in super. Separate storage is available (11 units total), but there is currently a waiting list. In-unit washer/dryers are allowed, but owners must get approval before installing. Otherwise, there is a common laundry room in the basement and a trash chute on every floor. But one of the best amenities happens to be right outside the front door: “The thing about this neighborhood is you’re right across the street from Riverbank Park, which has a recreation facility and a pool. It’s a wonderful public amenity,” Kerins adds. Plus, with Riverside Park also down the street, residents can spend their evenings watching the sunset over the water, while walking along the park’s Hudson River Greenway.
Located at 144th Street on Riverside Drive in Hamilton Heights
Situated just above Harlem and below Washington Heights, Hamilton Heights is known for its hilly landscape and diverse population. Named after Alexander Hamilton, who built a country estate there in the early 19th century called The Grange (which was later relocated to St. Nicholas Park), the neighborhood has an impressive Historic District, which includes most of the homes between Amsterdam Avenue and St. Nicholas Avenue and 145th and 140th Street.
As for the building, 668 Riverside is conveniently located near the 1 train at the 145th Street station, as well as many restaurants and bars along Broadway. Residents can grab a country chicken dish at The Inn by Fumo, listen to live jazz over cocktails at Hamilton's Bar & Kitchen or grab a pint of craft beer at the popular Harlem Public. Riverbank State Park, just across the street from the condominium, has several sports amenities, including tennis courts, playgrounds and baseball fields. Although residents should note that the park was built over a waste treatment facility, and sometimes there are odors (although officials have done much to reduce these).
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Quantarium
Current List Price
Sold Price
Area Factors
Moderate Crime
Crime Score®
5/ 10
Bikeable
Bike Score®
63/ 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
Montefiore Square
5 min walk
Events
Johnny Hartman Plaza
5 min walk
Palisades Playground
6 min walk
Playground
Alexander Hamilton Playground
6 min walk
Basketball
Playground
Riverbank State Park
8 min walk
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Football
Jacob Schiff Playground
11 min walk
Basketball
Soccer
Playground
Carmansville Playground
13 min walk
Basketball
Playground
Jackie Robinson Park
13 min walk
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Pool
Annunciation Playground
14 min walk
Basketball
Playground
Multi-Purpose Field
Schools
Source:
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