Preservationists want West End Avenue to be designated historic district

Construction at 535 West End Avenue at 86th Street

Preservation group Landmark West is calling on the Landmarks Preservation Commission to designate a new historic district on the Upper West Side, including all of West End Avenue between 70th and 107th streets, the New York Times reported.

Landmark West said developers have been seizing individual row houses along the avenue, demolishing them and replacing them with glass apartment buildings. The Upper West Side is already home to seven historic districts.

The photo above was taken from my 9th floor apartment which is located diagonally across the street from the new 21 story luxury condo under construction.

While I support Landmark West, and I personally preferred my former view of townhouse rooftops, having lived in the neighborhood for more than 25 years, other than 200 West End Avenue at 70th Street and 535 West End Avenue I don't believe there has been any other new construction on West End Avenue in decades.

The majority of buildings along West End Avenue are pre-war coops. The new buildings are condos. While 200 West End Avenue is a glass building technically it is located in Lincoln Square since it is below 72nd Street.

535 West End Avenue is primarily a brick building being marketed as 21st century pre-war. The architecture compliments the neighborhood. The grand size apartments are either half or full floors. Prices range from $8.5 million to $25 million.

Residents have moved into 200 West End Avenue. There are still apartments available for immediate occupancy while 535 West End Avenue anticipates occupancy in the fall of 2009.

Contact me to schedule appointments or to have listings emailed from these new buildings on West End Avenue or any other Manhattan new development.