Building: Leighton House at 360 East 88th Street in Yorkville

This 46-story sliver building was designed by James Stewart Polshek & Associates and was a high-rise pioneer on First Avenue. Polshek is one of the world’s greatest architects. He oversaw the restoration of Carnegie Hall, the Standard Highline Hotel, The Clinton Library, the Rose Planetarium at the American History of Natural History.

In his book, “New York 2000, Architecture and Urbanism Between the Bicentennial and the Millennium,” Robert A. M. Stern, the Yale Architecture Dean and himself the architect for some of the city’s most successful condominium buildings called the building a “well-syncopated orchestration of advancing and receding planes, cantilevered elements, reveals, and articulated detailing,” adding that “In architectural deportment it is miles ahead of its clunky neighbors.”

The building, was completed in 1990, has a health club and concierge, a garden , it’s own playground, and its own intranet site, where residents can log on and communicate with each other.

Most of the tower’s 163 condominium apartments, some of which have fireplaces, have very open and impressive views. The 2nd floor has 4 duplexes which offer towering ceiling heights and windows.

The tower’s purple-brown Norman brick masonry façade is extremely attractive, The project, was developed by Philip E. Aarons and Christopher M. Jeffries of the General Atlantic Realty Corporation.

Description provided by Laurence Carty

Architect:

Polshek Partnership Architects

Developer:

General Atlantic Realty Corporation

Building Amenities