Limestone tower nods to Upper East Side architecture with contemporary flair
The classic architecture of Beckford Tower belies its age, which is just five years old. The 31-story building, clad in Brynne Brownstone and Indiana Limestone, takes design cues from the 100-year-old structures that abound on the Upper East Side. Its corner building on East 80th Street and Second Avenue allows for several exposures and streaming sunlight, as well as views of the surrounding skyline and East River. The tower was designed by William Sofield of Studio Sofield, known for his residential towers and for working with high-fashion brands like Gucci, Tom Ford, and Ralph Lauren. Sofield was particularly concerned with fitting the buildings into the specific context of the neighborhood. “There’s a certain color sensibility when we brought the brownstone and the limestone and the hand-crafted custom brick that tonally tied into the adjacent buildings,” he says. “I really was trying to incorporate what I felt were the more charming details of the neighborhood.” Beckford Tower, and its cousin Beckford House on East 81st Street, also offer wrought-iron detailing and stone accents. That old-school elegance extends to the interiors, which include a collection of reception areas and residences with a prewar feel but decidedly contemporary appliances and technology throughout. There’s also a full suite of amenities where residents can kick back with a classic cocktail or while away a few hours playing video games.
Beckford Tower’s 75 residences also offer classic interiors, with ceilings ranging from 9 feet to over 13 feet, herringbone-patterned oak floors and cornices. Bathrooms are clad in marble, with custom fittings, while kitchens feature cabinetry by designer Christopher Peacock with Statuary marble countertops and appliances from Miele, Sub-Zero and Wolf. Closings began in 2019, and the building sold out in early 2023 when a four-bedroom penthouse sold for $15.4 million, according to Barbara Russo, director of sales from Douglas Elliman Development Marketing. Residences come complete with individually zoned HVAC systems, electronic window treatments and washers and dryers. As of the third quarter of 2024, there were no available listings in the building. A two-bedroom unit sold in summer 2023 for $2.75 million, while a three-bedroom closed in April 2024 for $4.86 million. A four-bedroom residence found a buyer a month later for $6.7 million. The priciest penthouse in the building, with six bedrooms, sold for $25. 2 million in July 2022.
A piano bar and a wellnes center, plus foosball
Whether it’s shooting hoops on the half-size basketball court or tickling the ivories in the piano bar and lounge, Beckford Tower provides a suite of amenities to match the moods and interests of all residents. It starts with the vaulted Art Deco-inspired lobby centered by a vintage chandelier. It leads to a classic reception room and library lounge where residents can meet guests. The piano bar and lounge have a club feel for evening drinks, and there’s also a party room with a catering kitchen. Game lovers have numerous options: ping pong, billiards, foosball and the basketball shooting game pop-a-shot, plus a television and video game console. For young residents, there’s a playroom with treehouses connected by a rope bridge. Fitness buffs have plenty of options as well. In addition to the basketball court, there’s a 3,000-square-foot fitness center with yoga and training studios and a full gym designed in a warm, soothing color palette. The piece de resistance is a 65-foot pool surrounded by metal detailing and a mosaic mural depicting a stylized swimmer. The building is fully staffed, with a 24-hour door attendant and concierge.
Surrounded by international eateries
Restaurants line Second Avenue near the Beckford Tower, including an outpost of the revered H&H Bagels, Italian eatery La Pecora Bianca UES and Omakase Shihou for Japanese food. Luke’s Lobster is around the corner on East 81st Street. Comic Strip Live, a comedy club, is also on Second Avenue. Residents will need to walk a few blocks to find greenspace but are about equidistant from the riverfront Carl Schurz Park to the east and Central Park to the west.
Walkable to the Second Avenue Subway
The Q train runs along Second Avenue, with the closest station at East 86th Street. Residents can also walk to Lexington Avenue and East 77th Street to catch the 4 or 6 trains. The M15 bus runs up and down Second Avenue, while the M86 offers crosstown service. Franklin D. Roosevelt East River Drive is less than a mile away.
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Quantarium
Current List Price
Sold Price
Area Factors
Low Crime
Crime Score®
2/ 10
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
85/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
99/ 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
John Jay Park
9 min walk
Basketball
Picnic Area
Pool
Ruppert Park
10 min walk
Picnic Area
Trails
Playground
Central Park
11 min walk
St. Catherine's Park
14 min walk
Basketball
Picnic Area
Soccer
Ancient Playground
14 min walk
Carl Schurz Park
15 min walk
Bike Trails
Dog Park
Fishing
DeKovats Playground
15 min walk
Picnic Area
Trails
Playground
Jack McManus Field
13 min drive
Soccer
Trails
Multi-Purpose Field
Pony Field
15 min drive
Baseball/Softball
Schools
Source:
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