The Gatsby Condominium

Generously sized residences with classic layouts and multiple exposures for A-line units

“Each floor has four apartments, except a few where apartments have been combined. Most are classic sixes, with two [units] in the front, and two [units] in the back,” Tavakolian says, noting that there’s an A and B line in the building. She goes on to describe how most residents have upgraded their units in some way throughout the years, but instead of finishes, the uniformity lies in the layouts. Each unit typically has a foyer, as well as walk-in closets and large kitchens. “Some of the older kitchens [had staff rooms] so residents got rid of them and added on to the kitchens to make them larger. Some have turned the [former] staff rooms into offices,” Tavakolian says. Prospective buyers can also expect herringbone floors, double-hung windows and bathrooms clad in Bianco Dolomiti or subway tile. Many units also feature built-in bookcases and shelving, and both bathrooms and kitchens tend to be windowed. In-unit washer/dryers are allowed, but not every residence is outfitted with one.

Overbye points out that some of the sightlines within the apartments are “striking and impressive,” and many contain multiple exposures. “On the two A lines I sold, what’s nice is you get the south and southwest exposure, and it has a western view in the bedrooms and secondary bedrooms,” Overbye says. Although the building does not front Fifth Avenue, Overbye says that “from the kitchen, you can get some standing shots of Central Park. It’s a fun surprise when people come in and see that park view.” Also, even though the condos were converted in the late ’90s, Overbye says that some of the finishes still hold up today, since they were done in a neutral palette: “They pass the test of time and hold up well.”

Spacious two- to four-bedrooms available with prices just over $1 million

Two-bedrooms generally range between $1.2 million to $1.58 million for around 1,300 square feet, however some upper floor units have gone for over $3 million. Three-bedrooms, which make up approximately 60 percent of the condo’s total units, typically range between $2.5 million and $3 million for roughly 1,600 to 1,800 square feet, however the most recent three-bedroom on the market lists for $2.2 million. Four-bedrooms generally fall around $4.3 million for nearly 3,000 square feet. As far as pricing goes, maintenance charges run between $1 to $1.37 per square foot, and the higher the floor, the more the building charges. “Your monthly charges go up as you go up in the floors, but they’re very reasonable because you don’t have a ton of amenities,” Tavakolian says. In recent years, some units have sat on the market for several months or have been delisted, but Overbye suspects that it’s due to them not being competitively priced. While Overbye’s two units went into contract in under a few months, he says other units may sit on the market because their pricing is “too aspirational.” But in general, he says that when it comes to NYC real estate, “if things are lingering beyond 60 days, it’s almost always [due to] the price.”

Basic amenities with a fully attended lobby

In terms of amenities, buyers won’t find newfangled, design-forward spaces. There is a small gym in the building, as well as a bike room, laundry room and storage. “It doesn’t have a gazillion amenities,” Tavakolian admits. The lobby, Tavakolian describes, is very simple: “It’s very low-key — that’s the operative word here. You’re not walking into a jazzy, incredible, brand new thing. It’s a very typical, prewar lobby.” The building also has one passenger elevator and a service elevator. “There’s a 24-hour doorman, which is typical for buildings on the UES, as well as a live-super, which is typical for Carnegie Hill. In Tribeca [for instance] you have a lot of non-doorman buildings,” Tavakolian adds.

Located in a quiet section of Carnegie Hill right near Central Park

Situated on 96th Street between Madison and Park Avenues, the location is pretty stellar for those coveting an UES apartment. In fact, one of the most special aspects of the condo, according to Overbye, is the location. “[In real estate] you look at location, you look at the building, and then the presentation. [The Gatsby] is a block and a half from Central Park, but especially that area of the park, which is a lot quieter than, let's say, Lincoln Center which [can be] overrun with tourists,” he says. “Plus, it has some nice retail and shops on Madison Avenue, but a lot of people like it for the schools, which attract people to the area.” Since it’s on a double-wide street, traffic doesn’t get too chaotic and according to Overbye, the cars “tend to drive slow, so you don’t get distracted by it.” Tavakolian adds that the area has “a little bit more of a neighborhood feel and you’re also very close to transportation.” The 4 and 6 trains are located one and a half avenues away, while several bus lines, including the crosstown M96 bus, can be found on the same block as the building.