Prewar co-op with notable architecture near Williamsbridge Oval
The Lenru, also called the Lenru Apartments, is said to be named after owner Lenny Kandell and his sister Ruth, but much is lost to history. The architecturally notable building dates back to 1928 and is believed to be the work of architect Charles Kreymborg, who was active in the Bronx at the time, although proof no longer exists. The Moshulu Preservation Corporation restored the six-story, red-brick co-op in the 1980s, preserving its Jacobethan Revival style that contains Tudor Revival half-timber touches and 38 stone gargoyles. From a distance, the twin buildings loom like a castle entrance, with a gap revealing the courtyard beyond.
Today the Lenru is among the small percentage of co-ops in rental-dominated Norwood. It’s also notable for its location across from the historic Williamsbridge Oval and next to the Moses campus of the nationally ranked Montefiore Einstein Hospital.
Historic prewar elements and park views
The Lenru is typical of prewar builds, where foyers, windowed galley kitchens with doors, parquet floors with inlay borders, decorative wall moldings and high ceilings proliferate. Also common are rooms large enough to accommodate separate dining areas and numerous closets. As a courtyard complex, many apartments were designed to allow courtyard views from bedrooms and Williamsbridge Oval views from living rooms. Some units are in better shape than others; quite a number haven’t been updated in many years. In others, gutted kitchens come with stainless-steel appliances, granite counters, dishwashers and new cabinets, while redone bathrooms feature new tiles and vanities. Otherwise, homes lack a washer/dryer and air conditioning is limited to window units.
Most of the 104 residences are owner-occupied. One-bedrooms are often big enough to fit a king-sized bed, with apartments ranging from 675 to 950 square feet. This layout is most common, with a 2024 unit listing for $150,000. Two-bedrooms are the next common, offering between 995 and 1,300 square feet, with a 2023 apartment selling for $235,000. There are a small number of three-bedrooms averaging about 1,500 square feet. While one did sell in 2024 for $275,000, that was the first time a three-bedroom listed since 2018. Besides space, the two- and three-bedroom units are also desirable since there are just two to three per floor in some cases.
Central courtyard is filled with plants and flowers
The gated central courtyard is the main building feature, which comes alive in the warm weather with flowering plants and provides a calming atmosphere in contrast with the sirens heading to the hospital. Cobblestone pathways are also lined with trees and flowers, lending a European village vibe to the co-op. Beyond, a common laundry room is spacious and clean with new machines, and part of ongoing work that has already updated the roof, elevators and facade. A live-in super maintains the building, plus there are storage units and a bike room, which comes in handy considering the neighborhood’s bike lanes and parks.
Small, residential section anchored by Montefiore and surrounded by greenery
Part of the Montefiore campus is across the street, so this pocket is surrounded by medical facilities and businesses catering to hospital workers and patients. Many are clustered along East Gun Hill Road, a block away from the co-op. This includes a large number of daycares, fast food spots and pharmacies. Fine Fare Supermarkets is along this stretch and offers a reliable selection of fresh produce. Otherwise, shopping and dining options are limited in tiny Norwood, with locals often heading north across city lines to Yonkers for more choices.
But there is a lot of greenery here, starting with Williamsbridge Oval, a community gathering spot with a dog run, skate park, playgrounds, pickleball and more. Van Cortlandt Park is less than a half mile away to the northwest, and large enough that it’s home to two golf courses. The 3-mile-long, tree-lined Moshulu Parkway connects Van Cortlandt with the New York Botanical Garden, a destination for many who live beyond the immediate area. While the parkway is a busy artery, it does include a bike lane.
Transit includes subway and Metro-North stations
Norwood is the first and last stop on the D and 4 lines, taking about an hour to reach Midtown. On the other hand, it’s easy to get a seat for the long commute. The closest options are the 4 train at Moshulu Parkway and the D at 205 Street-Norwood. Another commuter option is the Williams Bridge stop on Metro-North’s Harlem line, which reaches Grand Central in 30 minutes. Buses run along Bainbridge Avenue and East Gun Hill Road, including express Midtown buses. Having a car is convenient since the area is spread out, and the nearby Bronx River Parkway cuts through the middle of the Bronx and up into the Westchester suburbs.
High common charges are a consideration
Common charges are high considering amenities are few and the location is far flung. For example, a one-bedroom apartment listed for $150,000 has about $1,000 in monthly costs. Sublets are pending board approval and limited to one-year leases, with the possibility to extend. Dogs aren’t allowed here.
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®
4/ 10
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
72/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
94/ 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
Williamsbridge Oval Park
2 min walk
Williamsbridge Reservoir Oval
2 min walk
Reservoir Oval Park
3 min walk
Mosholu Park
6 min walk
Israel Ostroff Plaza Chochoo Train Park
10 min walk
Playground
Harris Park
3 min drive
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Soccer
Fort Independence Park
3 min drive
Magenta Playground
4 min drive
Basketball
Playground
Zimmerman Playground
5 min drive
Basketball
Picnic Area
Pickleball
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.
