August 14, 2025

Editors Note:

We're taking a break next week, but we'll be back with a fresh survey of real-estate listings August 28.

575 Park Avenue, #1408. Photo-Illustration: Curbed; Photos: Compass

In honor of Tales From the Co-op week at Curbed, here are some co-op fun facts: There’s a lot of debate about what was the first co-op in New York City, but one of the buildings that makes that claim is 44 Gramercy Park North, a building that currently has one available-ish (it’s in contract) unit. The co-op as we know it is commonly thought of as a product of the NYC housing market, but the cooperative-housing movement actually began in the U.K. in the late 1800s. And even though owning an apartment in a co-op means you technically don’t own it but rather equity in the building, co-ops in New York have a distinctly sexy staying power and cachet. There’s something appealing about a board with the power to deny you, but maybe that’s just me? Some of my favorite, most discerning buildings in New York are co-ops — the Dakota and 1 Fifth Ave — so scroll to the bottom to see what’s available.

In keeping with the theme, I explored the East Side of Manhattan this week, touring condos and co-ops alike. I also have two friends who are looking for an apartment on the Upper East Side, and so I was forced to wander around Lenox Hill against my will. I will issue a trigger warning here — the price point is high this week, but that’s Manhattan for you! Next week, I promise to return to the outer boroughs and resist looking another co-op in the eyes for a while.

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575 Park Avenue, #1408. Photo: Compass

$14,950, 2-bedroom:  This is the Google definition of New York City co-op — completely obnoxious, over-the-top, and fabulous. The yellow ceiling tile in the kitchen is ingenious, and I’m screaming all the way down that lacquer pink hallway.

$15,000, 3-bedroom: This brownstone duplex is just for fun and should appeal to the colorful-forward and friendly among you. It appears to be under contract, but these things can fall apart at any time!

$12,000, 3-bedroom:  Okay, we’re continuing at this price point, sorry to say. Another probably unrealistic but undeniably fab townhouse with stained-glass windows, chandeliers, and gilded mirrors throughout.

$10,750, 2-bedroom: Unable to explain this inflated price point, just as I’m unable to explain my fondness for the baby pink faux-Carrara in the bathroom. This is the kind of drab condo that gives the co-op its classy name.
    
$9,500, 2-bedroom: Slowly but surely making our way down to a more reasonable price range. But at least this still-expensive prewar is in great shape.

$8,995, 2-bedroom: Feels fancy, half a block from the park, and I like the under-renovated kitchen.

238 East 74th Street, #5 Photo: Corcoran

$6,400, 2-bedroom: I continue to be intrigued by this place, which is stylistically confusing, but structurally interesting. The roof deck and the wall of windows are the main draw here for me.

$6,000, 2-bedroom: Another day, another condo. This one has an enclosed pool on the roof!

$3,800, studio: Drool worthy.

$4,000, 1-bedroom: Less drool-worthy, more space. A Faustian bargain of sorts.

176 Sullivan Street, upper duplex. Photo: Engel & Völkers New York City

$15,000, 4-bedroom: It’s not my fault that this upper-duplex brownstone apartment is fabulous! High-ceilings, hardwood floors, pretty decorative fireplaces. I’m only seeing one bedroom pictured (four are advertised), which gives me pause.

159 West 13th Street, #2A. Photo: Douglas Elliman

$12,495, 2-bedroom: Pretty lifeless, but pretty nonetheless.

$7,500, 1-bedroom:  Cozy ground-floor apartment with great outdoor space. Is it 7,500 dollars’ worth of cozy? Not so sure.

$5,500, 1-bedroom: I love Milligan Place, a mews of row houses originally built to house waiters working at the nearby (and now shuttered) Brevoort House hotel. My, how times have changed …

$4,600, studio: A lot of windows, nice parquet, and central AC that’s free? Biggest perk for me is that you’re across the street from the Knickerbocker. Don’t sleep on their chicken paillard.

$9,000, studio: Very spare with very nice sanded floors. I like that all of the walls have partial height — great for the eyes, terrible for privacy. Plus it’s in a co-op building!

718 Broadway, #2B. Photo: Elegran