The History of the Apthorp, One of NYC's Finest Examples of Renaissance-Revival Architecture

By Anna Kahn, Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker

Jim.henderson, CC BY-SA 4.0

With its enormous iron gates, decadent interior designs, and historic Italian Renaissance Revival Style architecture, The Apthorp building epitomizes the glamor of New York City's yesteryear.

This glorious residence was envisioned by renowned architects Charles Clinton and William Russel, known as Clinton & Russel. The two designed some of NYC's grandest and most innovative buildings, including the American International Building—which still stands today—and the Hotel Astor, which many credit with being the anchor for the development of Times Square.

The two were tapped by William Waldorf Astor to design the Apthorp which, upon completion in 1907, was the largest apartment building in New York City.

The building inherited its name from Charles Ward Apthorp, the then-owner of a well-known 300-acre farm on the Upper West Side. Its construction coincided with a boom in new apartment developments in the city.

Developers at the time were seeking to offer wealthy New Yorkers an alternative to the grand mansions and brownstones of the Gilded Age.

Spanning an entire city block, the building features an expansive interior courtyard that is impeccably maintained to this day.

Inside, each apartment features its own unique design. All have been regularly updated and maintained throughout the years.

Aside from being a historic landmark, many famous individuals, including Al Pacino, Conan O’Brien, Robert DiNiro, Cyndi Lauper, and Nora Ephron, have called the Apthorp their home.

Looking to learn more about the Apthorp and experience it for yourself? Click here to view an example of an apartment currently available in the building.

Anna Kahn is a Licensed Real Estate Broker with Brown Harris Stevens who recently represented a sale in the Apthorp. To connect with Anna and see her listings, click here.