Built in 1981 and designed by architectural firm Rothzeid, Kaiserman & Thompson (now known as RKTB Architects), The Wakefield is a 13-story condo. Located on tree-lined East 80th Street in Yorkville, the red-brick condo has a striated facade, with thin lines of lighter brick and concrete running the length of the building. The zig-zagging lines of concrete are the edges of floors inside, according to a 1981 article in The New York Times. Inside, the architects alternated layouts and created sunken living rooms, allowing each unit to have three ceiling heights. “A 9-foot height in the entry, corridors and kitchen becomes a 10-foot height in a sunken living room, which creates an eight-foot height in the bedrooms, which are half the size of the living rooms,” according to the Times. That created more dramatic living areas and “cozy” bedrooms. About a block from the East River, the building is a bit removed from subways. But the neighborhood has a lot to offer, including high-end private schools and an array of restaurants.
Sunken living rooms with parquet floors
The Wakefield has 68 units, almost all of which have at least two bedrooms. The apartments are spacious, featuring open floor plans with wide windows. Built-in shelving is common. Many residences also offer large outdoor space; some even have two terraces. Given the age of the building, finishes vary from unit to unit, but stainless-steel appliances and hardwood parquet floors are common. In early 2025, three units were on the market: a 1,440-square-foot two-bedroom for just under $2 million; a 2,200-square-foot three-bedroom listed for nearly $2.6 million; and a more than 3,000-square-foot five-bedroom for $5 million. Only a few one-bedrooms can be found at The Wakefield; the last one sold in 2017 for $1.35 million.
A full-service building with a parking garage
The building has a full-time doorman, as well as a live-in super. The hallways and elevators have been recently restored. There’s also an on-site parking garage run by Manhattan Parking Group. Pets are permitted, but smoking is not allowed in the building. Storage units are available for rent, and there’s also a bike room and a laundry room. Many units now have washers and dryers, but that was not the case when the building was new. “Let them go to the basement,” a representative for the developer told the Times.
Between John Jay and Carl Schurz parks
Shops and restaurants can be found along First and York avenues, including Super Taste for noodles and dumplings, Greek food at Yefsi Estiatorio and Gracie Mews Diner. John Jay Park is two blocks away, offering East River views, a playground and a pool in the summer. Carl Schurz Park — home of Gracie Mansion, the official residence of the New York City mayor, as well as a dog run, walking paths and Catbird Playground — is eight blocks north, and the prestigious girls’ private schools, Brearly and Chapin, are also nearby. The health food store Matter of Health is located on the corner of East 77th Street and York Avenue, and there’s a Morton Williams Supermarket on East 81st Street and First Avenue.
Close to a ferry, but somewhat removed from subways
The condo is at least a 10-minute walk from the subway. Residents can catch the Q train at 72nd or 86th streets on Second Avenue. The 6 train stops along Lexington Avenue at 77th Street, about a 15-minute walk. The M79 bus offers crosstown service, while the M31 stops along York Avenue. Carl Schurz Park has a ferry terminal for service to Queens and other boroughs (also about a 10-minute walk). For drivers, Franklin D. Roosevelt East River Drive is just a few blocks away, and there’s a parking garage next door to the building.
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Quantarium
Current List Price
Sold Price
Area Factors
Low Crime
Crime Score®
2/ 10
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
82/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
97/ 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
John Jay Park
5 min walk
Basketball
Picnic Area
Pool
Carl Schurz Park
8 min walk
Bike Trails
Dog Park
Fishing
Rainey Park
10 min drive
Baseball/Softball
Dog Park
Playground
Capobianco Field
12 min drive
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Tennis
Hallett's Cove Playground
12 min drive
Basketball
Playground
Hallett's Point Playground
12 min drive
Jack McManus Field
13 min drive
Soccer
Trails
Multi-Purpose Field
Manhattan Park
13 min drive
Trails
Pony Field
14 min drive
Baseball/Softball
Schools
Source:
GreatSchools:
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