A “classic modern” residence in prestigious microneighborhood Sutton Place
Prolific yet largely unsung 20th-Century architect Philip Birnbaum was a master of spatial distribution. “What made him so popular among developers was the efficiency of his apartment layouts,” according to a 1996 New York Times obit, “There was virtually no wasted floor area in his units, meaning that builders could fit more apartments on a floor. Because he tried to eliminate interior hallways, occupants also got more usable room.” Of the more than 300 apartment buildings Birnbaum designed throughout New York City, this unique approach is perhaps best exemplified in Plaza 400. Constructed in 1968, the 627-unit co-op is situated on the edge of the upmarket Sutton Place pocket of East Midtown Manhattan but is competitively priced. A classic modern aesthetic carries through from its dramatic fountain-lined cobblestone porte-cochere to its grand marble-walled lobby, replete with a Baccarat chandelier-- improvements introduced during a 2017 renovation of its myriad amenity spaces. The 40-story crisscrossed structure allows for recessed bays to filter in ample amounts of natural light and fresh air into its varied offering of oversized studios to sprawling double-exposure four bedrooms. More than half include covered balconies. “One of Plaza 400’s main draws is its massive roof decks that, together, frame 360-degree skyline views — looking out on to both the Empire and Chrysler buildings — as well as featuring a heated pool,” says Jeff Cohen, an agent with NextStopNY Realty and longtime building resident. “It’s one of the best spots in the city to watch July 4th fireworks if they’re taking place on the East River that year.”
Competitively priced residences for the area with solid bones and ample storage
Unlike other co-ops that are administered by a remote company that oversees hundreds of properties, Plaza 400 is self-managed. As Cohen notes, residents don’t have to wait days or even weeks to hear back from management on any number of issues. They can just walk into the lobby-adjacent office and speak to the onsite team. “Prices are slightly discounted here considering area comps, the size of units and number of amenities,” he notes. “This is due, in part, to the fact that Plaza 400 is a 30% down building. Other nearby co-ops are closer to 20%.” While 600 square-foot alcove studios average out at $600,000, 948 square foot one bedroom, one and a half bath residences go for $800,000. “What’s amazing about this building is the size of the units and the amount of integrated storage. There’s plenty of closet space,” Cohen says. “One bedrooms in the neighborhood tend to be smaller, around 500 to 800 square feet. Some of the larger one bedrooms here can actually be divided up into two bedrooms. What’s cool is that they have extra HVAC units that can accommodate this set up.”
Like any older building, the state of renovation and updates varies from unit to unit. Across the building, however, through-plaster walls offer optimal acoustic buffering while sturdy hardwood floors have been in place since the late 1960s. As suggested before, large windows bring in a lot of natural light. Two bedrooms with 1,400 square feet of space fetch $1.5 million. Expansive three to four bedrooms can go north of $3 million. Though a co-op, Plaza 400 residences can be utilized as pieds-a-terre and can be co-purchased. Trusts and guarantors are also welcomed.
Periodically updated common areas at no cost to residents
“During the most recent renovation, they updated the fitness center and added a new yoga/bonus room with a bar for ballet or stretching,” Cohen describes. “There’s also rolling balls and a TRX System. They also re-did all the brickwork facade on the lower levels and introduced a new ecosystem of plants and flowers out front and in back. This year [2024], management is also updating the interior top floor lounge that leads out on to the roof decks, which are also getting a refresh.” There are no resident assessments for any of this.” Much of the cost is covered by the property’s commercial tenants like the adjacent tennis court facility and the onsite drycleaner/laundromat, which offers a drop-off service. “They deliver cleaned and folded laundry to the package room and alert residents by email,” Cohen notes. For those looking to do their own laundry, there’s a well-equipped facility in the basement. There are no in unit washer/dryers. Plaza 400 also contains a bike room, a children’s playroom and the lobby is helmed by 24/7 door attendants and a daytime concierge. The onsite third-party operated garage offers preferential monthly rates for residents and includes several EV charging stations.
Somewhat secluded yet well-connected Sutton Place
While Sutton Place is a little off the beaten track, this particularly quiet microneighborhood is still part of Midtown Manhattan’s dense urban grid. Residents with cars can get out of town quickly via the Queensboro Bridge. There are also ample Subway links including the E and M lines that stop at the Lexington Avenue/53rd Street station a few blocks east. The 59th Street station at Lexington Avenue is served by the 4, 5 and 6 lines. There are Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s and Morton Williams grocery stores close by as well. Just down the street, Sutton Park is a small green space that perches out over the East River and looks onto Roosevelt Island’s particularly monumental Four Freedoms Park. Cyclist paradise East River Esplanade begins two blocks south. “There are great restaurants in the immediate vicinity like Pizza joint Marinara and French mainstay Bistro Vendôme,” Cohen concludes. “The Ideal Cheese shop has every kind of cheese you could imagine.”
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®
3/ 10
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
75/ 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
Sutton Place Park
4 min walk
Trails
Playground
Honey Locust Park
5 min walk
Picnic Area
Trails
Tramway Plaza
6 min walk
Picnic Area
Twenty-Four Sycamores Park
7 min walk
Basketball
Picnic Area
Playground
Peter Detmold Park Dog Run
7 min walk
Peter Detmold Park
8 min walk
Dog Park
Trails
Andrew Haswell Green Park
9 min walk
Bike Trails
Dog Park
Picnic Area
Greenacre Park
9 min walk
Picnic Area
Nature Center
Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza
10 min walk
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.
