The Beresford

Enormous floor plans and a wood-burning fireplace in each unit

Despite residences' varied states between being completely gut renovated and well-preserved with prewar detailing, Heinlein says the common tie between all the units is their colossal windows and soaring ceilings. “But the best feature of all would have to be the wood-burning fireplaces,” says Heinlein. “Each unit has a unique mantel, most of which are fully functional. For example, the one in 3BD is made of carved marble with a 1920s-style scalloped pattern that culminates into pedestals on each side.” The layouts are massive, with elegant floor plans. “3BD is almost 2700 square feet, which is enormous for a two-bedroom. A standard two-bedroom in New York is 1,200 to 1,600 square feet.”

The Beresford comprises 201 units spread across 22 stories (about nine per floor). A one-bedroom on the fourth floor with a massive living room at the corner of the building sold for $3.1 million in July 2013. A two-bedroom on the 18th floor with an oval-like foyer sold for $4.7 million in January 2024. Similarly, a three-bedroom on the eighth floor with a 27-foot-long entry gallery and a grand living room facing Central Park sold for $5.5 million in July 2024. The grandest of listings, a 10-bedroom duplex on the 14th and 15th floors with a 100-foot terrace directly in front of Central Park, sold for $62 million in February 2015.

Tastefully minimal amenities, including a fitness center and rentable storage space

The Beresford is a full-service, luxury co-op with a 24-hour door attendant and live-in resident manager. As with all prewar buildings, the original design predates grandiose amenities suites. Instead of value engineering floorplans to maximize square footage, architects maximized the living spaces in private residences. There was, therefore, no need to create massive common spaces (to seek relief from one's 400-square-foot alcove studio or get away from one’s massive family squeezed into a 1,200-square-foot two-bedroom). That being said, the building does offer a tastefully minimal suite of amenities, including a bike room and rentable personal storage. According to Heinlein, the gym was added recently and features up-to-date cardio machines, weight training equipment and a movement studio. Additionally, there is a community laundry room in the basement, which also offers outsourced dry-cleaning services. But perhaps the most significant amenity of all isn’t actually in the building but just across the street. Because of its proximity, Central Park might as well be the residents’ unofficial backyard.

Artsy cultural institutions and fine dining on the Upper West Side, including Lincoln Center

Central Park is just across the street, and the prolific greenspace on the west side has notable landmarks like the Central Park Carousel, Sheep Meadow, playgrounds, and Wollman Rink —just a short stroll away. Living near Lincoln Center has its obvious advantages: special events and seasonal programming, including Midsummer Night Swing and Summer in the City. The Shops at Columbus Circle are known for their high-end shops and fine dining, and the Michelin-starred Jean-Georges is in the nearby Trump International Hotel & Tower. Meanwhile, the Upper West is known to have some of Manhattan’s artsiest schools, including Lycée Français de New York, Special Music School and LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts. For groceries, residents can shop at nearby markets, including Whole Foods, Fairway and Trader Joe’s.

Across the street from 81st Street-Museum of Natural History Museum station

Residents can cross the street to access the 81st Street-Museum of Natural History Museum station, which services the C and B trains. Meanwhile, there is a Citi Bike docking station at 82nd Street and Central Park West for local trips.