The full-service Park Place Tower is sometimes called the American Tract Society Building because it originally housed the evangelical group that published religious work. It was one of many major publishers, including the New York Times, that took up residence in the 19th century on or near Park Row due in part to its proximity to City Hall across the way. The American Tract Society headquarters went up in 1895, a 23-story landmark tower from architect R.H. Robertson. It’s noted for its Romanesque and Renaissance Revival details and the fact that it was one of the city’s first skyscrapers to utilize a steel structure; in fact, it was among the tallest skyscrapers at the time it was built. The Landmarks Preservation Commission also highlights the structure’s gray brick-and-granite facade with terracotta accents and its three-story rooftop arcade festooned with winged caryatids (female statues), supporting each corner. The building housed the society until 1914, when The New York Sun newspaper took over the building for a short period. It eventually received landmark status in 1999 before being converted to condos by Samir Shah in 2002.
Rare pre-war details like arched windows and steel columns
Lovers of pre-war landmarks will find numerous historic elements intact here, particularly in the larger units, from steel columns and gas fireplaces to 11-foot arched windows and ceilings that soar up to 16 feet. Some also have loft-like layouts, terraces and studded beams, and many offer views of City Hall Park and the Brooklyn Bridge. Meanwhile, the conversion and additional renovations throughout the decades have added features like washers and dryers, central air, en suite bathrooms that favor marble, jacuzzi tubs, open kitchens, wine coolers, built-in bookshelves and poured concrete floors. Many of the 125 units are one- and two-bedrooms with a max of four per floor, but there are at least a dozen studios starting at just 311 square feet. While tiny, studios still offer luxe options like Miele dishwashers, Calacatta marble bathrooms, large windows and 10-foot ceilings. The last studio sale in 2022 got $500,000. One-bedrooms more commonly hit the market, averaging around 600 to 700 square feet, but there are some loft-like anomalies with more than 2,000 square feet. One with 683 square feet recently sold for $875,000. Two-bedrooms, spanning 1,000 to 1,700 square feet, contain some of the most impressive architectural details, like enclosed sunrooms, terraces the length of the apartment and enough space to accommodate customizations like oversized carved doors and ceiling-height bookcases with ladders. Recent sales have been priced in the low $2 million range. A smaller number of three- to five-bedrooms offer 1,700 to more than 4,000 square feet and start in the $2 million range. The highest recorded sale in the building went for almost $6 million. But the most noteworthy award goes to the 6,600-square-foot four-story penthouse/funhouse that a couple completely transformed, featuring a 50-foot-high steel beam turned rappel column, a wood swing and, the pièce de résistance, a tubular steel slide that winds down the four floors.
Light-filled gym, landscaped roof deck and on-site parking
Jaw-dropping architectural touches are immediately evident in the lobby, attended by a doorman and concierge. Soaring white arches are finely detailed and illuminated by clusters of globular chandeliers. The other striking lobby feature is a blown-up image of one of the historic winged caryatids behind a living room setup. Unlike some lobbies, this one invites socializing with dedicated seating areas. Beyond, there’s a fitness center with a high ceiling and large windows, a laundry room on each floor and a small but appealing roof deck with lush landscaping, comfy seating and lower Manhattan views. Speaking of views, across from the elevators is a wall-size image of the building from its early years, back when elevator issues plagued the building, sometimes randomly plunging between floors and even to the basement. Rest assured the elevator problems are no more, plus they’ve been upgraded since the conversion. Underneath the building is a parking garage, while Brooklyn Chop House occupies the retail space on the ground floor. It’s part steakhouse, part Chinese food in industrial yet cozy surroundings. Some of the decor pays homage to late rapper Biggie Smalls since he was close friends with the owner. The restaurant replaced Denny’s, a hotly contested choice that spurred the condo board to file a $10 million lawsuit to prevent the chain from moving in, citing concerns that the 24/7 diner-like venue would attract rowdy college students and a criminal element. The board had this to say in court filings: “In stark contrast to the dignity and storied character of this quiet, residential, family-oriented building, Denny’s is a fast food chain synonymous with a late night party atmosphere, as well as drunk, disorderly, violent and criminal conduct.” Denny’s settled the suit and later moved in, but only lasted three years until 2018, despite trying to be a high-end version of itself with a $300 Grand Slam option that included vintage Dom Perignon champagne.
Quiet yet close to fun, necessities and transportation
150 Nassau is on a quiet, one-way road not much bigger than an alley, but within blocks of coffee shops, casual restaurants, convenience stores, government buildings, Pace University and New York-Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital. It’s also part of the Fulton-Nassau Historic District, a small pocket of architectural landmarks, although different maps put the condo in the Financial District, South Street Seaport and the little-known, little-called Civic Center neighborhood. While the exact neighborhood is up for debate, there’s no doubt about its proximity to all three areas, from City Hall Park across the street to the main Seaport area a 10-minute walk toward the waterfront, where the revitalized Tin Building, an upscale food hall from chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, attracts locals and tourists alike. But much of the area now targets locals by offering weekend yoga classes, outdoor movies in the summer and events for kids along its piers. Brookfield Place, next to World Trade Center in the Financial District, is 15 minutes in the opposite direction and a good option for upscale shopping, casual dining at its food hall and seasonal events, from ice skating to live music. For more leisure, the Brooklyn Bridge pedestrian ramp is practically next door for scenic walks, runs or bikes. Beyond fun activities, proximity to offices in the Financial District is a boon for those unable to work remotely.
Close to many subway lines, ferries, bike paths and Brooklyn Bridge
Transportation is never far with about 10 subway lines a 10-minute walk or less from the condo, which is roughly equidistant between the J, Z lines at Chambers and Fulton streets, with the 2, 3 at Fulton Street and Park Place not much further. Also close are the A and C at Chambers, World Trade Center E, R, W at Cortlandt Place and 4, 5, 6 at Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall. Those using the parking garage couldn’t be any closer to the ramps for the Brooklyn Bridge and FDR Drive. The Brooklyn Bridge is also popular for bike commuters, as is the East River Greenway. And while not as many commuters use the ferries, they are a nearby option at Pier 11 with routes to Brooklyn and Midtown, and located next to a popular heliport.
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Quantarium
Current List Price
Sold Price
Area Factors
Low Crime
Crime Score®
4/ 10
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
85/ 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
Drumgoole Plaza
2 min walk
Trails
Parking Lot
City Hall Park
2 min walk
Picnic Area
Trails
Parking Lot
DeLury Square
4 min walk
Trails
African Burial Ground National Monument
6 min walk
Picnic Area
Trails
Multi-Purpose Field
Thomas Paine Park
6 min walk
Trails
Concessions
James Madison Plaza
7 min walk
Picnic Area
Trails
Titanic Memorial Park
7 min walk
Trails
Zuccotti Park
7 min walk
Liberty Park
10 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.
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