Celebrity-filled landmark building across from Central Park
The landmark El Dorado (also spelled Eldorado) is a celebrity favorite that’s iconic for its identical Art Deco towers, whose 12 stories are positioned on top of a 17-story building. Architect Emery Roth, who designed the equally iconic San Remo and Beresford co-ops, also took part in El Dorado’s design in 1929 along with architectural firm Margon & Holder. It achieved landmark status in the ‘80s, with the Landmarks Preservation Commission noting: “The best known Art Deco features of the Eldorado are the futuristic rocket-like pinnacles which crown each tower. Other notable Art Deco motifs include an angular frieze that runs above the third floor, stylized brick spandrel panels below many of the windows, and angular balconies with zigzag panels.” They concluded, “These architects created one of the finest and most dramatically massed Art Deco style residential buildings in New York City.” It can be said that both its design and location, across from the Central Park Reservoir, are what have attracted celebrities over the decades, from legends Groucho Marx and Marilyn Monroe to actor Bruce Willis and director Ron Howard.
Preserved pre-war elements in spacious layouts
Most of El Dorado’s 204 residences are two or more bedrooms, reflecting their pre-war era when graciously sized apartments were the norm. In fact, the tower units feature only one pad per floor. That said, there are a handful of one-bedrooms starting at 1,100 square feet, and preserved or restored pre-war details can be found in this range as well. For example, herringbone floors, high beamed ceilings, black-framed casement windows and (decorative) fireplaces are common in all sizes. Even formal foyers, en suite bathrooms and wraparound terraces exist in all categories, as do in-unit washers and dryers and air conditioning. A one-bedroom last sold for almost $2.7 million in 2023. Apartments with two or more bedrooms also accommodate formal dining rooms. Units on the 26th floor are prized for their terra cotta balconies, as are any units overlooking the reservoir. A select number even have private elevators and/or duplexes. Doors aren’t typically talking points, but they are here, where the pre-war versions still exhibit their original framing and peephole covers. Arched foyer entrances have also been preserved in many homes. The largest unit combines two apartments and sprawls across 6,300 square feet with six bedrooms and eight bathrooms. It last sold for $15 million in 2023.
Impressive Art Deco lobby and half-court basketball amenity
A long green awning with the building’s name covers the middle of three Art Deco doors, where a uniformed attendant closely monitors everyone’s comings and goings. Full-time staff are equally attentive, from the live-in super to the concierge. The restored Art Deco lobby makes an impression with its marble floors, gold-and-green tones and intriguing mural covering the wall at the far end. Amenities aren’t abundant due to the building’s age; the bi-level basement gym is typical (that is, a generic, fluorescent-lit amenity equipped with the latest essentials but underutilized by residents), yet the half-court basketball space draws more attention. There’s also a perfunctory playroom and an on-site garage with waitlisted parking.
Quiet Central Park location that’s close to many private schools
El Dorado is literally across the street from Central Park, with pedestrian access half a block away at 90th Street, leaving little excuse to take advantage of the walking, running and biking paths. This is a quieter stretch of the Upper West Side, with mostly residential buildings occupying Central Park West. Retail and restaurants are more abundant along the avenues heading west, starting with Columbus, then Amsterdam and Broadway. Of note is Trader Joe’s, just a few blocks away, and Barney Greengrass, one of the few remaining Jewish delis from a century ago that continues to attract a loyal following. This section is also home to numerous private schools and businesses catering to families. Of course, the American Museum of Natural History is one of the biggest family attractions. Besides appealing to all ages, it’s merely a 15-minute walk south along Central Park West. Not least, there are quite a few neighborhood playgrounds: Central Park’s Tar-Coyne Wild West Playground attracts little ones with its sandy ground and wood structures.
Convenient east-side access and on-site garage parking
The nearest subway stop is found at 96th Street and Central Park West for the B and C trains, while the 96th Street station for the 1, 2 and 3 lines is over at Broadway. The on-site parking garage is another option, and El Dorado is close to the Henry Hudson Parkway on the west side. For buses, it’s also close to the 86th and 97th street transverses through Central Park to the east side.
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Quantarium
Current List Price
Sold Price
Area Factors
Low Crime
Crime Score®
3/ 10
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
84/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
77/ 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
Sol Bloom Playground
3 min walk
Basketball
Picnic Area
Playground
Playground Eighty Nine LXXXIX
5 min walk
Playground
St Gregory's Playground
5 min walk
Basketball
Playground
W 87th Street Park & Garden
5 min walk
Picnic Area
Playground
Abraham and Joseph Spector Playground
7 min walk
Playground
Great Lawn
9 min walk
Picnic Area
Trails
Events
Joan of Arc Park
14 min walk
Picnic Area
Trails
Multi-Purpose Field
Ancient Playground
14 min walk
Frederick Douglass Playground
15 min walk
Picnic Area
Playground
Multi-Purpose Field
Schools
Source:
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