A 1980s, full-service condominium designed by Skidmore, Owings and Merrill
When it comes to new developments, one thing buyers may not be sure of is the quality of its construction. That’s one reason why some may be attracted to older buildings since they’ve already proved to stand the test of time, especially when they’re clad in traditional brick. Astor Place may not be the shiniest or trendiest tower in Manhattan, but since it was built by the prominent architectural firm Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill in the mid-1980s, it has become an enduring presence in the Upper East Side community. Broker Jennifer Roberts with Engel and Voelkers says the building was very successful when it was initially built, and nearly 40 years later, it’s still popular and keeping up with the times. “It’s a well-constructed building and they offer a lot of amenities for the owners,” Roberts says. “And they’ve been increasing the amenities over the years. For instance, they just put in a lounge for the owners, and a package room because in the ’80s they didn’t have Amazon and people weren’t getting nearly as many packages.” In addition to the balconies that stretch across 32 stories, owners in the 290 residences have access to a private, keyed garden, a large driveway space for comings and goings, and several other perks. And with one-bedroom offerings at under $1 million, it’s a hard price to beat in the neighborhood.
Spacious units with powder rooms, entry foyers and large dining areas
Although the building stretches from East 93rd to 94th Street, the lobby is not very big. Residents can either walk through the side entrance or the revolving door, where the doorperson can assist with bags or luggage; there’s also a concierge desk who can assist with packages. It’s a nice detail. Just beyond that, residents can access their units from one of the three passenger elevators towards the left (there is one freight elevator, too). As Roberts points out, the condos, like the building itself, are all well-constructed: “They’re sizable apartments and, for the most part, they have excess closet space.” Prospective buyers can expect hardwood floors in most units — since many owners have renovated since the ’80s — as well as passthrough kitchens with granite countertops, custom cabinetry, high-end appliances such as Miele, Bosch and Sub-Zero, and spacious dining areas. “The dining areas are pretty big. They’re around 10 feet x 11 feet,” Roberts says. “And some of the corner units have floor-to-ceiling windows, but it depends if you have a balcony or not.” Since the residents are fairly large (two-bedrooms run just over 1,200 square feet), Roberts notes that there have been several conversions within the building: “If someone does want to [convert a two-bedroom] to a three-bedroom it’s very easy because there’s a separate air conditioner and heating unit in the rooms.” Bathrooms are not particularly standout or noteworthy, many outfitted with standard white subway tiles, but the good thing is that many units, especially the two-bedrooms, come with two and a half baths. Some units — but not all — also have balconies, large enough to fit a breakfast table and chairs.
In terms of the common spaces like the hallways, as of summer 2024, the building is preparing to upgrade them. “They’re redoing the hallways in the building in 2025. Right now they’re in the throes of speaking to different designers and figuring out what they want to do,” Roberts adds. One-bedrooms generally range between $772,000 to $1.1 million, while two-bedrooms garner between $1.795 to $1.9 million. Three-bedrooms start at $1.95 million and four-bedrooms, although rare to market, have previously listed for around $3.8 million in the last decade. Finally, within the complex, there are also a few townhouses, but they are also rare to market.
Limited amenities with renovations coming soon
Many residences have in-unit washer/dryers, but not all. Instead, owners can access the common laundry room for the building. There’s no roof deck, but Roberts points out that many residents love the private, keyed (ground floor) garden that’s connected to the property. “It’s also pet-friendly and not all buildings [in the area] are pet friendly,” she says. The truth is that the building is not a newfangled luxury build, but the bones are still solid. “It’s 40 years old so there's work to be done, but the building is being kept up. And they’re redoing common spaces to keep up with the times.”
The driveway, for instance, is a big perk since it actually runs between buildings from 93rd to 94th Street. “There’s a drive through where you can unload your packages or luggage and you don’t have to worry about being on the street. And there’s a garage there, too, just a few yards from the entrance to the building.” The garage is not deeded, but residents can choose either monthly or daily parking. Residents can also access a gym and a small children’s playroom, and a separate storage case comes with each unit. “It’s built into the cost [of the condo], so it’s not extra.”
Upper East Side’s Yorkville neighborhood
Back in the 1980s, or even less than a decade ago for that matter, living on Second Avenue had its challenges since the closest subway stop was several avenues away. All that changed with the new (and remarkably long in the works) Q train extension along Second Avenue that opened in 2017 and now services the more eastern portion of the UES. The best part: there’s an entrance to the last stop (for now) 96th station just a block away. It makes the commute to midtown and other neighborhoods much simpler and faster. The East River is also just one block away and the footbridge that stretches across the East River to Randall’s Island — where New Yorkers can access several recreational fields and a small urban farm — is six blocks away. Most dining can be found along Second Avenue and Westside Market NYC is two avenues west. Also, west along Fifth Avenue, residents can visit the Guggenheim Museum and of course, Central Park, both of which are within walking distance and accessible via the M96 bus.
Collateral AnalyticsCollateral Analytics
Collateral Analytics AVMs (Automated Valuation Model) employ a number of statistical approaches combined with neighborhood-specific comparable selection guarantees the most up-to-date and precise valuations.
Black Knight®Black Knight
Black Knight’s AVM (Automated Valuation Model) is a state-of-the-art online residential property valuation tool that provides a quick and accurate estimate of the value of almost any home in the U.S.
First AmericanFirst American
First American Data & Analytics’ next-generation AVM combines unrivaled data assets with a blended ensemble of valuation models to produce highly accurate, reliable valuations you can trust.
Quantarium
Current List Price
Sold Price
Area Factors
Low Crime
Crime Score®
2/ 10
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
76/ 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
Marx Brothers Playground
4 min walk
Soccer
Playground
Samuel Seabury Playground
5 min walk
Basketball
Playground
Events
East Meadow
6 min walk
Multi-Purpose Field
Stanley Isaacs Playground
6 min walk
Basketball
Bike Trails
Fishing
DeKovats Playground
7 min walk
Picnic Area
Trails
Playground
Stanley Isaacs Playground
7 min walk
Basketball
Playground
Cherry Tree Playground
8 min walk
Basketball
Trails
Playground
Park Avenue Malls
9 min walk
Picnic Area
Schools
Source:
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Disclaimer: Please note that this building may not be in these schools' attendance zones.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified.
