$1400 per sq ft for condo needing gut reno

It is $1500!!

I think that the pricing is so high because the size is so massive -- push past 3-BRs and the assumption is that you're in a different category.

Bit of an odd configuration with massive Hall and "Family Room" plus additional unit added on. But could be an amazing apt. with the right renovation. $1,500 psf "as is" is not that crazy but I agree not the best area. My fiend lived in the building around 25 years ago when 86th Street was a real barrier and both Amsterdam and Columbus Avenues were quite dodgy. But seriously, who needs a 5 bedroom, 5 1/2 bathroom home in Manhattan? Someone will probably buy it simply for prestige or to park some overseas money.

There was a time 79th Street was the barrier on the UWS.

I don't think I would want to walk down these side streets even now at night.

Ali, With the new supply of large condos, my observation is that the size premium is no longer there. However, I did look at other sales in the building. The price does not seem to be far off relative to that. Guessing they will be more than happy to take 10-15% less.

It would be nice to see photos of the actual space, regardless of condition. I find it frustrating when selling agents with estate-condition listings feel it's not necessary to provide interior photos.

True, Squid especially in this new era of virtual staging.

Not wild about the shown floorplan, which is a minimally invasive combo of E & F, and looks like a warren of ordinary rooms. I'd rather have fewer bedrooms, and better light penetration into the center of the unit. Looks like the architect settled on the typical nominal room width of around 12' for the perimeter rooms, and then couldn't figure out the center foyer/hallway area, or didn't want to create something more gracious (or maybe what's behind the walls is just too complicated to reconfigure). But, if you've got a large family, it may be just the thing. (e.g., the absurdly large laundry room (the former E kitchen).

Talk about an all-foyer mansion! ChasingWamus, a stoner would love this apt. You could get seriously lost in this space. If they have an open house, they should give out beepers.

One problem with combining apartments is that part of the value in larger apartments is the scale of the rooms, not just that there are more of them.

And ceiling height. 8 foot ceilings do not work with larger rooms and apartments. This one is a prewar. So guessing you get 9 foot ceiling which should allow for larger rooms.

30yrs, if I could triple-like your comment I would. StreetSmart, you might not want to walk down the side streets at night but I bet lots of Trader Joe's customers -- there's a new one opening on Columbus and 92nd later this spring -- will.