East End Avenue: Manhattan’s Best-Kept Secret

By Linette Semino

To some, East End Avenue in Yorkville seems as far away as Montauk, but to its residents it's a haven for serene city living away from the pulsating heart of Manhattan.  This short avenue is perfectly squeezed between York and the Franklin D. Roosevelt Drive and between East 79th and East 92nd streets.  East End Avenue is fully developed with attractive residential buildings of various architectural styles and its lush Carl Schurz Park draws buyers looking to own a home with impressive river and/or park views.

East End Avenue's Carl Schurz Park is a Zen retreat with front-row views of the East River and verdant paths leading to the top deck of the FDR Drive known as The John Finley Walk which runs from East 81st Street to Gracie Mansion.  Residents strolling on The John Finley Walk enjoy panoramic views of the Roosevelt Island Lighthouse, the Tri-Borough Bridge and Randall's and Wards Islands.  The park and promenade attract people of all ages, as these public spaces are kid and pet friendly.  Families looking to raise their children in a quiet community are drawn to the neighborhood's respected all-girls private school Chapin.  It offers grades Kindergarten through 12 and the tuition for 2013/14 is $37,780.  Some of Chapin's notable alumni include Jacqueline Kennedy, Vera Wang, Ivanka Trump, Amanda Hearst, and Franklin D. Roosevelt's daughter Anna Roosevelt Dall.  Public schools nearby include P.S 158 and J.H.S 167 which both schools have very high ratings.

When it comes to real estate properties, the area is known for having grand residences with that "Wow Factor".  Two years ago, I represented a remarkable duplex coop at 10 Gracie Square, located across from the park on East 84th Street.  The residence successfully sold for $5.8 million.  This duplex offers exceptional eye-level views of the river and ultimate privacy.  Although the building's façade is not imposing, this elite coop offers alluring character and unsurpassed views of the East River.  10 Gracie Square is known to be a highly exclusive coop and to own here buyers need real cash, as the building requires 70% down and looks for significant assets.  Former residents of this elegant coop include Gloria Vanderbilt and conductor André Kostelanetz.  Currently on the market, its southern penthouse asks $23 million.  This glorious penthouse features five bedrooms plus a library, a wide wrap-around terrace overlooking the East River, two balconies and four wood-burning fireplaces.  Surprisingly, there are two other residences currently on the market; a renovated four bedroom duplex asks $14,975,000 and a two bedroom simplex requiring upgrades asks $4,250,000.

There are numerous pre-war and post-war coops in various price points on East End Avenue, but homes with views tend to come with higher price tags.  180 EEA offers four bedroom coops for under $3.5 million, while 130 EEA currently has a four bedroom coop asking $7,995,000.  For those looking for condominiums, 170 EEA is a Peter Marino designed luxury building with 90 modern condominiums comprising of one to six bedroom layouts.  The most expensive condo currently on the market at 170 EEA is a 5,156 square foot five bedroom residence asking $9,500,000.  The least expensive condo is a 1,643 square foot two bedroom residence asking $3,495,000.  Another terrific condominium is 90 EEA which has a limestone base and a red-brick exterior to resemble the classy pre-war buildings of the avenue.  It was completed in 2006 and offers 22 condominiums comprising of two to five bedroom layouts.  A 3,000 square foot, three bedroom residence with views of the park currently asks $4,750,000. East End Avenue has a property for every buyer and today, a rare four story townhouse located at 150 EEA is available for sale at $4,795,000.  Imagine owning a unique townhouse with views of the East River and Gracie Mansion?

Today's East End Avenue provides a tranquility that can only be found in this secluded neighborhood.  With sleek new condos nestled among gracious pre-war coops, demand is soaring for this classic slice of Manhattan.  Hurry, the secret is getting out! •