645 WEA #1D 1.550M http://www.streeteasy.com/nyc/sale/385075-coop-645-west-end-avenue-upper-west-side-new-york I'm not in the market at this price point but I was compelled to go look at this open house because I love the grandness of the building with its imposing entry and gigantic iron lights at the entrance. This first floor classic 6 is tucked in the south side of the building with views of... [more]
645 WEA #1D 1.550M
http://www.streeteasy.com/nyc/sale/385075-coop-645-west-end-avenue-upper-west-side-new-york
I'm not in the market at this price point but I was compelled to go look at this open house because I love the grandness of the building with its imposing entry and gigantic iron lights at the entrance. This first floor classic 6 is tucked in the south side of the building with views of the brick wall of the building 10 feet to the south. The two bedrooms face WEA and have decent light. You expect the entry to this apartment to be much more grand than it is. There is no real foyer, just a long hallway from which you access the kitchen, dining room, living room and bedrooms; in that order. The first thing you notice is the ceiling height, which is 12 1/2 feet. It feels like a church. The kitchen is tight but workable. Lots of built-in storage everywhere (all quarter sawn oak) The kitchen floors unfortunately are a bit of a travesty if you value period detail. They are pre-finished bamboo, which goes with the oak about as well as asphalt. At least they didn't get suckered into joining the Brazilian cherry fad. Aside from tearing down walls, the single worst thing you can possibly do to these prewar apartments is install pre-finished flooring IMO. Get a new condo if that's what you want. Maids room has a washer and dryer and toilet in the bathroom. The sink has been moved outside the bathroom... a little odd. The center of the apartment is the grand dining room with original wainscoting and coffered ceiling. The adjoining Living room seems tight -its taller than it is wide. Master has a little en-suite with shower and miniature sink. Kids bedroom has a sleeping loft with two single beds which reserves the entire square footage of the bedroom for kids stuff and play area. Smart. Overall level of finish and condition is good. The appealing thing to me about this apartment is being on a very high first floor. If you have kids and dogs, you would appreciate this. It really feels like a house but it is difficult getting beyond the lack of view. Also, kids and dogs need a big foyer and closet from which to stage daily expeditions.
I also saw the classic 5 at 215 W 92nd but I'll get to that one later.
[less]
