Metropolitan Tower

Offices occupy the lower floors, so residences start on the 32nd floor; these are the smallest as they were built as efficiency units without kitchens. However, Hirsch says these units are used for staff, guests or storage. Most are less than 300 square feet; the last one sold for $750,000 in 2022. Though tiny, large windows at least provide natural light. Due to the limited number, these aren’t listed too often. Main apartments start on the 33rd floor. One-bedrooms are still plentiful, ranging between 782 and 1,100 square feet. All have 1.5 bathrooms; a 2024 sale went for just under $1 million and included a bidet, jacuzzi tub and good closet space. Two- and three-bedrooms occupy the higher floors. Two-bedrooms offer 2.5 baths and between 1,400 to 2,200 square feet. A recent sale at the lower end of square footage on a lower floor closed for $2.5 million, while a comparable unit on a higher floor sold around the same time for $3.3 million. Three-bedrooms offer between 1,500 to 3,800 square feet; four- and five-bedrooms reach up to 4,400 square feet. These include penthouses and many are combined units. A four-bedroom penthouse duplex on the 77th and 78th floors recently sold for $8.5 million, with completely unobstructed views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline.

Hotel-worthy amenities include room service and housekeeping

Amenities here rival the likes of the five-star hotels that line 57th Street, from the valet parking to the room service provided by the private restaurant, Club Metropolitan. The amenities include intangibles as well. “It’s considered a discrete building,” says Hirsch. “You can enter from the back of the building; people really like it for the privacy.” Both entrances, on 56th and 57th streets, include door attendants and porters to help with luggage. And that privacy has been appreciated by notable athletes, high-profile government officials and entertainers. “It’s not your typical paparazzi building where people are staking it out,” Hirsch notes. Past residents include model Adriana Lima and actor turned activist Geroge Takei. Inside, the front desk is staffed by a head and secondary concierge, while a full-time maintenance staff, building engineers and an on-site management office are readily accessible. The on-site 24/7 parking garage also offers valet service along with its own chauffeur’s lounge. As for the black-clad lobby, Hirsch shares how it was inspired by the Normandie, a French ocean liner embodying all the superlatives (biggest, fastest) when it debuted in 1935. There’s even the original captain’s hat on display (on loan from a resident). The nautical nods continue with circular mirrors in the elevators, meant to resemble portholes. Most of the amenities are on the 30th floor, anchored by the recently renovated restaurant. Owners pay an annual fee (currently $3,500) that’s redeemed as credits for breakfast, lunch or dinner during the week, plus Sunday brunch and room service. This is one of the few residential buildings with a private restaurant, and social life gravitates around it. “People love it. They have piano players, special events throughout the year and theme nights. It becomes a social environment for people to meet their neighbors,” Hirsch says. It’s also possible to throw parties here, plus there’s an outdoor space. And like a hotel, there’s a 40-foot saltwater pool along with steam, sauna room and massage rooms. The gym is fully equipped but outdated; Hirsch says that updating it is under discussion. Either way, personal trainers can be arranged and it’s open all the time. Hotel-like services continue with on-site dry cleaning and housekeeping, services that are billed through the building.

Bustling corridor dominated by Carnegie Hall, Russian Tea Room and luxury hotels

Hirsch shares how 57th Street continues to evolve as a residential-friendly corridor. “There are more grocery and clothing stores, with retail moving west from Fifth Avenue, including more support businesses that residents want.” This includes a Morton Williams supermarket next door. While Billionaires’ Row is becoming more residential, this is still a congested area that’s dense with office workers and tourists. But it’s also literally next door to Carnegie Hall for concerts and the iconic Russian Tea Room for dining in opulent surroundings. Central Park is two blocks north, and it’s not much further to Lincoln Center and Broadway theaters. There’s Fifth Avenue for luxury shopping, like Bergdorf Goodman and Louis Vuitton. The nearby high-end hotels are popular among residents for their bars, restaurants and more, like Parker’s for live jazz at the Thompson Central Park. Not least, Columbus Circle, a one-stop shop for Whole Foods, shopping and fine dining at Per Se, is a few blocks west. And few locals are aware of the existence of 6 ½ Avenue, a short stretch that cuts through the public lobby of the building between 56th and 57th streets. “If it’s raining, you don’t have to get your hair wet,” Hirsch says.

Central Midtown location for cars and public transportation

Since car access is important here, 56th and 57th streets head in opposite directions, making both entrances convenient for coming and going. Valet service is also available 24/7, and the Midtown location is convenient for hopping on a variety of highways, tunnels and bridges. For public transportation, buses run crosstown along 57th Street, while the N, Q, R, W trains are at 57th Street and 7th Avenue, and the F train is at 57th Street and 6th Avenue. A little further are the A, B, C and D trains at Columbus Circle and the E, B, D at 53rd Street and 7th Avenue.

No pets and restaurant caveat

Pets aren’t allowed here, and weekend showings aren’t allowed either. The private restaurant is only for residents, but investors still have to pay the annual fee even if they won’t use it.