Listings for homes in Spuyten Duyvil's 15-story River Terrace Apartments often lead with a photo of the Hudson River and the New Jersey Palisades — not the unit for sale. There's a reason for that: the co-op, perched at the southwest edge of the Bronx, offers that undeniably spectacular view from every residence. (This is made possible, in part, by the unusual building design, which includes four sections that "fan out" to create desirable and numerous sightlines.)
"It's considered one of the luxury co-ops in the area," says Douglas Elliman Riverdale broker and community resident Terhi Edwards, who notes that the 180-unit building also commands some of the highest asking prices. "Every apartment has some kind of view of the river."
Designed by prolific New York City architect Philip Birnbaum, who worked on more than 300 buildings in the city, including Trump Tower, the co-op dates to 1962. The design, and the marketing of the building — at the time, a rental property — reflected a mid century aesthetic and a touch of glamor. A brochure for the project promised "a wonderful world of luxury" that included hi-fi music in the "electronic" elevators and lobby, air-conditioning, a master TV antenna system and an ultra-modern swimming pool to take the "simmer out of summer."
The lobby interior by Shaw & Draper provided a "symphony of splendors" with "polished imported marble, gleaming metal and glass." Filled with natural light from the walls of floor-to-ceiling windows, the entryway retains much of the original design and its smart, sleek allure.
While many of the building's "modern" elements are common now, its appeal endures. (Edwards notes that the air conditioning remains an attractive feature.)
"It's got location, views, amenities,” the agent says of the co-op. "People love it."
Smartly designed studios to four-bedrooms, many with terraces
Apartments in the building include studios to four-bedrooms. Studios 550 square feet or more list for $230,000 and higher, and one-bedroom units measuring at least 750 square feet ask $280,000 and up. Two-bedrooms can be as large as 1,300 square feet and sell for $410,000 or more. Three-bedrooms ask $850,000 and up and measure as much as 1,700 square feet, and four-bedrooms, typically combined units, are as large as 2,500 square feet and list for $1.1 million and higher.
As noted in his 1996 obituary in The New York Times, Birnbaum was popular with developers due to the efficiency of his designs, which meant more units on a floor. But the architect also eschewed wasted space, resulting in more square footage for residents. Apartments are generously sized, and many have an entry hallway or foyer. Spacious balconies, some of them enclosed, are a common feature. Most flooring is hardwood, and many homes feature parquet floors.
Seasonal pool, door attendant and indoor and outdoor parking
River Terrace Apartments is staffed by a 24-hour door attendant and a live-in super. One of the building's standout amenities is an in-ground heated pool and barbecue area overlooking treetops and the Hudson River. The fitness center was recently renovated, and there is a bike room and storage space for rent. Indoor and outdoor parking is offered for an additional fee when available. Maintenance includes all utilities, cable and internet. Dogs and cats are permitted.
Spuyten Duyvil near Riverdale shopping and acres of parks
The neighborhood offers residents a small community, park-filled surroundings and easy access to Manhattan via transit or car. There is a small strip mall nearby for basic necessities and services. A Key Food Supermarket, Starbucks, a deli and restaurants can be found on and around 235th Street, which can be reached in about five minutes by car. Additional shopping and dining options are found along and near Johnson Avenue and Riverdale Avenue. The nearly nine-acre Henry Hudson Park across Palisade Avenue contains athletic fields, a playground, walking trails and dog-friendly areas. Seton Park has similar facilities and is a five-minute drive to the north. The massive Van Cortlandt Park, home to horse stables, a golf course and a nature center, can be reached in about 10 minutes by car. The prestigious private schools Horace Mann and Ethical Culture Fieldston School are no more than a 10-minute drive from the co-op.
Close to commuter rail, express buses and major roadways
The Spuyten Duyvil Metro-North Railroad station is about a 10-minute walk or five-minute drive from the building, and travel time to Grand Central Terminal is around 40 minutes. Commuting to Midtown via express bus takes about an hour, and the trip is approximately 30 minutes by car. The building is a few minutes from an entrance to Route 9A/Henry Hudson Parkway for easy access to Manhattan and points north and Route 9 and Interstate 87 are major roadways to the east. LaGuardia Airport can be reached in about 25 minutes by car.
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®
2/ 10
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
29/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
66/ 100
Excellent Transit
Transit Score®
73/ 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
Henry Hudson Park
5 min walk
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Dog Park
Seton Park
10 min walk
Baseball/Softball
Dog Park
Football
Spuyten Duyvil Playground
11 min walk
Trails
Playground
Spuyten Duyvil Playground
11 min walk
Basketball
Playground
Riverdale Park
3 min drive
Bike Trails
Picnic Area
Trails
Marble Hill Playground
3 min drive
Basketball
Playground
Marble Hill Playgound
3 min drive
Basketball
Playground
Ewen Park
4 min drive
Basketball
Dog Park
Trails
Inwood Hill Park
6 min drive
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Bike Trails
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.
