220 Central Park South is the Epitome of NYC Luxury

220 Central Park South has long been a favored residence among New York City’s elite. Given its high-status location on the edge of Central Park on a block labeled “Billionaire’s Row”, its stunning architecture, state-of-the-art facilities, and high price tag, this luxury NYC condominium is at the top of most homebuyers’ list of dream homes.

What is 220 Central Park South?

220 Central Park South is a residential skyscraper located in the Midtown neighborhood of Manhattan, facing the south side of Central Park South (or 59th St.) between 7th Avenue and Broadway. It’s steps from the famous Columbus Circle, a number of five-star hotels, and of course, New York’s green jewel, Central Park. If you’d like a tour of the property, get in touch with NewDevRev to arrange it.

The building has a total of 118 apartments, many of which are duplexes. That means there are two separate units owned by the same person, or multiple units combined to create one much larger. Some of the most expensive apartments in New York City are located here, and buying them comes with the discretion of the building’s managing company, which has kept many billionaire and celebrity residents’ identities a secret for years. Two of 220 Central Park South’s units have sold for over $100 million, including the most expensive home ever sold in the United States in 2019 — a $238 million unit bought by finance mogul and billionaire, Kenneth C. Griffin.

Whether it’s through the lens of fascination, aspiration, or both, there is something for everyone to love about this spectacular New York City property.

Who designed it?

220 Central Park South was a joint project shared by Robert A.M. Stern Architects and SLCE Architects. The Robert A.M. Stern team designed the eye-catching exterior of the building, while SLCE Architects has been listed in the building documents as its architect of record. There are two sections to the building’s design, and one is the tallest building in New York City: a skyscraping 70-story tower on 58th Street. There is also an 18-story building located directly on Central Park South, referred to as The Villa.

Robert A.M. Stern Architects have designed many Manhattan skyscrapers, including nearby 15 Central Park West, the Financial District’s 30 Park Place, and 520 Park Avenue to the east of the park.

As for the interiors, they were designed by Thierry Despont — a well-known luxury designer who worked on everything from the Statue of Liberty in the 1980s to Bill Gates’ own home. Despont was recently listed in Architectural Digest’s AD100 2023 Hall of Fame.

What’s the history?

Before this luxury property was built, there was a 20-story apartment building with 125 units in its place. That building was constructed with a concrete frame and a white-brick facade and spread across two towers that were connected by a courtyard garden. In 2005, Vornado Realty Trust bought the building, but it was only demolished between 2012 and 2013 after a years-long delay due to a lawsuit from the existing building’s tenants. The construction work on the grand building we now know as 220 Central Park South began in 2015 and was finished by 2018.

Have questions about the history of luxury condos in NYC? We at NewDevRev can answer them.

What makes it so unique

1. Location

Location is everything in real estate, and 220 Central Park South has one of the finest. On top of being across from one of the world’s best urban parks, on the same block, you’ll find some beautifully impressive neighboring buildings. Next door is the early 20th-century artist building Gainsborough Studios, as well as the orange-bricked Art Deco buildings that comprise 240 Central Park South. Across the street is the French Renaissance building for the American Fine Arts Society as well as the Osborne Apartments, one of the oldest luxury buildings in the city, constructed in 1883.

Picturesque neighbors aside, 220 Central Park South is easily accessible from every far-reaching corner of this bustling city. There are two subway stations located steps away: 57th Street Station, which houses the N, Q, R, and W trains, as well as 59th Street-Columbus Circle Station, home of the 1, A, B, C, and D train lines.

2. Views

Thanks to its perfect location on the south edge of Central Park, residents of 220 Central Park get to enjoy grand, sweeping vistas of the New York City skyline alongside the bursting green landscape of the park, all from the comfort of their own homes. No matter which unit of the building you’re located in, there is an incredible view and attention paid to it in its design. Sneak a peek at those views here.

3. Architecture

220 Central Park South is one of many properties that have created a new breed of skyscraper in New York City dubbed “pencil towers” due to the slenderness of their upper floors. The main structure rises 70 stories from the ground and its upper floors are 18 times taller than their width (creating a slenderness ratio of 18:1).

Along with its soaring height, the building’s limestone facade is nothing but striking. This particular limestone, which the Stern team used in other properties, is called Alabama “Silver Shadow” limestone. It’s known for having a marbled effect that creates a luxurious ambiance even from afar. The facade of 220 Central Park South blends in beautifully with the more traditional facades of neighboring properties and comes with exceptional details in its rooftop crown and windows.

4. Amenities

Luxury condos usually come with high-rate amenities, but 220 Central Park South blows convention out of the water with its vast offering of services, equipment, and features. In fact, this is a property that feels more like a 5-star hotel fit for royalty than a private residence.

Here are the amenities found in 220 Central Park South, which are open to use by all of its residents:

• A double-height lobby
• Gated indoor motor reception with porte-cochère
• Private parking
• A state-of-the-art gym
• A basketball court
• A squash court
• Rock climbing wall
• Indoor pool
• Athletic club
• Spa
• Game room
• Screening room
• A private restaurant and bar
• A private roof garden
• Private storage
• Wine cellar

How to buy a unit

NewDevRev prides itself on being the go-to site for new development real estate in New York City. The real estate experts at NewDevRev are ready to assist any prospective buyers who are looking to tour the units of 220 Central Park South. Go to our website to find out more.