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Moving to Upper West Side: What’s in Store for You?

Upper West Side real estate has been known to attract the culturally aware of New York’s population, drawing writers, filmmakers, professors, and artists who have given the town its distinct character. This character is most prominently displayed in the neighborhood’s architecture. From glassy towers and art-deco condos to brownstones, the variety is eclectic and dizzying. If you are thinking of moving to this chic neighborhood, here are five architecturally stunning buildings you could call home.

640 West End Avenue

Built in 1912, this condo is the work of genius architect Ralph S. Townsend. It contains 37 apartments and is located on the corner of West End Avenue and 91st Street. The building is very popular with Upper West Side residents and often makes it to Instagram, where its stunning architecture is celebrated. In addition to a breathtaking limestone base, 640 West End features expansive windows, a copper cornice, and an ivy-covered façade for the ages. The homes for sale in Upper West Side in the building range from 1 to 3-bedroom units with some homes combined to form larger units.   

170 Amsterdam Avenue

170 Amsterdam Avenue is a more recent build. Built in 2014, the mega building houses 236 apartments designed by Handel Architects and ranging from studio apartments to two-bedroom units. Residents can rent apartments from between $3,500 (studio) to $7,000 (two-bedroom) a month. The steep prices and largely due to the location but also the world-class amenities available at 170 Amsterdam Avenue. Among other features, the building boasts a yoga room, fitness area, children’s playroom, and roof deck. Its exoskeletal design with giant cross beams and floor-to-ceiling windows is a pure sight. 

RNA House

RNA House has a rich history. Once a part of the West Side Urban Renewal Project of the mid-1900s, the 14-story building was originally constructed for middle-class residents. Its immense size and concrete slab construction make it stand out amidst newer buildings, even as its numerous tiny windows make it resemble a stately honeycomb. Officially a co-op, the building is so large that it takes up most of the block on Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues.

249 West End Avenue

This five-story townhouse features seven grand apartments built in 1892. Located on the west side of West End Avenue, it has a long and interesting history. The building stands where it is today because, when it faced demolitions over the years, its owners refused to let it go. Designed by respected architect Clarence True, 249 West End Avenue was once one of several townhouses on the street and is now a long-standing architectural gem from a time past.

126 West 73rd Street

Designed by architect Henry Struss and built in 1886, 126 West 73rd Street has a striking appearance due to its unique white terra cotta façade. The 13-story building houses 40 units, many of which are studio apartments, and all of which enjoy stunning views of the neighborhood.

Explore More Real Estate with the Davidson Martin Team

Located between Central Park and Riverside, the Upper West Side is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Manhattan. This neighborhood is home to popular attractions like Lincoln Center and the Natural History Museum, alongside many bistros, charming shops, and live bars. If you are considering buying a home in Upper West Side, contact the Davidson Martin Team to explore these properties and other homes on the market.