Location: 219 W. 81st St. (at Broadway)
Size: 111 units, 12 floors – not all are condominium units
Prices: From $.7 million – $3 million
Occupancy: Late 2007
Developer: Group of real estate professionals/institutional investors
Architect: Originally designed by Gaetano Ajello; renovation by Gruzen Samton
Interior Designer: Allen + Killcoyne
Sales & Marketing: The Marketing Directors, Inc.

Overview: Old-World Charm Meets New-World Comfort
With a variety of influences and people, a jumble of parks, theaters, historic buildings, museums and prestigious universities, the Upper West Side boasts its own unique character and charm. Co-ops with high ceilings, crown molding, and hardwood floors make up most of the pre-war inventory here. You say you want a condo apartment in a pre-war building that has new finishes? Wow, is that a rare jewel!

Yes, Avonova is that rare jewel. This pre-war condo conversion combines old-world charm with new-world comfort. A mid-rise with 12 floors and 111 apartments, the building was originally designed in 1911 by the eminent architect Gaetano Ajello, who is responsible for much of the characteristic “look” of the Upper West Side. It has been lovingly restored by Gruzen Samton, an architectural firm specializing in period restorations.

The renovations include a façade restoration with new windows; a roof and parapet wall replacement; new plumbing and electrical highways; and new elevator cabs and mechanical systems.

Some rent-stabilized and rent-controlled tenants remain. Market rate tenants are being offered the option to buy, so as their leases come up, more apartments may become available.

Amenities include doorman; fitness center; residents’ lounge with catering kitchen; children’s playroom; courtyard; roof terrace; owner storage and bike storage.

Raves & Faves
The windows in this building are larger than in many other pre-war buildings.

The layouts and finishes in the kitchens are just great, with plenty of cabinet space, and Viking appliances are included. Kitchen sinks are nice and deep, kitchen cabinets have been double stacked for extra storage room and top cabinets have spot lights under cabinets. This kichen will entice you into cooking at home.

Not So Hot
Unnecessary metal trim on bathroom fixtures and tub

It’s notoriously difficult to park on the street in the Upper West Side, and there isn’t a lot of off-street parking available.

The Avonova is starting out with a low owner occupancy rate, which could present a problem in terms of financing.

Units: Layout, Pricing and Availability
These condo apartments have the usual pre-war details: high ceilings (9 ½ to 10 feet), crown mouldings, hardwood floors. A number of floor plans are available, with sizes ranging from tiny (544 square feet) to enormous (2,117 square feet). The larger apartments have walk-in closets, and some have pantries.

Every unit has a washer/dryer, as well as window air conditioning units.

Pricing:
One-bedroom condo apartments (544 – 849 square feet) – $735,000 to $1,165,000
Two-bedroom condo apartments (1,006 – 1,518 square feet) – $1,465,000 – $2,045,000
Three-bedroom condo apartments (1,763 – 2,117 square feet) – $2,175,000 – $2,995,000

Come See for Yourself
Interested in buying at Avonova? Give us a call at 212-220-4633 or 917-603-6224, or email us. As a buyer broker, our services are free to you, and we represent your interests. We’ll be delighted to show you apartments at Avonova and other comparable properties. Be sure to ask about our rebate program.

Location & Neighborhood
The Upper West Side is one of the most family-oriented residential neighborhoods in New York. The area has long been a welcome haven for young professionals and those with an artistic bent. Apartments in this neighborhood have ample access to plenty of stores and markets (including the renowned Zabar’s on Broadway between 80th and 81st Streets), public transportation, great public and private schools, and two major parks.
There have always been a number of shops and restaurants in this region, and the strong economy in recent years has only contributed to their proliferation. Both Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues are probably the best examples of this trend. Each thoroughfare does brisk business on weekends, especially during the summer months.
The Avonova condominium is within easy walking distance of Lincoln Center, one of the most important cultural centers in Manhattan, housing five major performing groups and the Juillard School; the world-famous Museum of Natural History with the Rose Planetarium; and both Central Park and the slightly less well-known but just as beautiful Riverside Park.

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