The Empire Condominium at 188 East 78th St. 30B

Perched high on the 30th floor of The Empire Condominium, Residence 30B is an elusive “home in the sky,” offering an exceptional sense of volume, light, and privacy-distinguishing it as the most compelling residences within the building. Spanning approximately 2,600 square feet, this three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath home occupies the only floor with soaring ceilings at 10’3" and true private balconies, a combination that is both unique and irreplaceable.

Wrapped in three exposures, the residence is filled with natural light throughout the day, with open Central Park views, sweeping skyline vistas, and East River water views from its elevated vantage point. A gracious gallery entry leads to a dramatic corner great room and formal dining room, anchored by a gas-insert fireplace, and seamlessly connected to a private balcony-offering a refined balance of comfort and scale for both everyday living and entertaining.

The layout is expansive and highly adaptable, with the ability to create a fourth bedroom or home office without compromising flow. The primary bedroom suite is a true retreat, featuring multiple exposures, a private balcony, and exceptional storage, including a windowed walk-in closet, and Central Park views throughout. There is an additional auxiliary walk-in closet, and en-suite five fixture bathroom. Each additional bedroom benefits from en-suite privacy, thoughtfully built out closets, and impeccable views.

The home is equally well suited for both intimate living and larger-scale entertaining, with a true 10-person dining area seamlessly positioned off the main living space. The windowed eat-in kitchen features a breakfast nook with open views, complemented by a Sub-Zero refrigerator, wine cooler, and ample storage. Additional highlights include central HVAC, herringbone hardwood floors, in-unit W/D, and a level of finish and infrastructure that provides both comfort and functionality throughout.

In a market where prime Upper East Side condominium inventory remains notably limited-particularly for homes offering this level of ceiling height, volume, and outdoor space-30B stands apart. Residences with comparable scale and openness are increasingly found only in newer developments, making offerings such as this within an established, full-service condominium all the more rare. The Empire provides a full complement of white-glove services, including a full-time doorman and concierge, fitness center, landscaped garden, and on-site parking-just moments from Central Park and the best of Lenox Hill. Quietly set apart by its proportions and perspective, 30B offers a rare opportunity to shape a residence of lasting quality-where volume, light, and outlook define the experience as much as the address itself.