12 W 72nd St

The Oliver Cromwell

Early 20th-century architect Emory Roth was particularly prolific in the design of Beaux-Arts style residential towers that went up on the then rapidly developing Upper West Side of Manhattan. Among the iconic buildings he conceived — including the El Dorado and The Beresford — The Oliver Cromwell is one of the best preserved. Rising 31 stories, this 174-unit co-op is adorned in Italian Renaissance style accents and pseudo balconies. Deep setbacks, starting on the 14th floor, double as sweeping terraces that outline the building’s particularly monumental spire. Erected in 1926 as a half hotel, half full-time residence, The Oliver Cromwell was a quintessential roaring twenties address and home to several prominent Wall Street figures, some more notorious than others. Given that the building is almost a century old, conditions vary quite a bit from unit to unit. “Some still feature original hardwood floors, dramatic archways and curved details,” says Jesse Rosenthal, a broker with Douglas Elliman. “The Oliver Cromwell is among a handful of prewar co-ops along or near Central Park West that are in competition with each other when it comes to capturing the attention of buyers seeking out homes with historic character.” “Penthouse A [selling for $6.4 Million in summer 2024] is a beautiful, modern take on the building,” Rosenthal describes. “The architects really embraced curves in the door openings and restored the casement windows.” Seattle interiors firm Mutuus outfitted this triplex with a fresh yet historically sensitive design scheme. In a 2020 Architectural Digest feature article, journalist Lauren Jones notes that principal Kristen Becker made the most of smaller sized rooms with pops of color and meticulously crafted built-in bookshelves. The previously outdated, French-style kitchen went through a complete revamp and now incorporates top-line Subzero, Thermador and Miele appliances. This expansive yet homey top-level residence includes one of the previously mentioned 300 square-foot private roof terraces, which comes with retractable awnings and automated irrigation. “The northern and southern views of the park are stunning.” Another unit, 4H, is a combined two bedroom — on the market in 2024 for $1.2 Million — with a clever layout conducive to contemporary needs and restored parquet flooring. Prices for the building’s offering of studios to four bedrooms reflect size, condition and position. Units on higher floors garner a premium. Particularly compact studios on lower levels have sold for as low as $350,000 while four bedrooms can go for upwards of $4 million. There’s currently an assessment of $961.38 in place for facade improvements that will run through December 2026. Though The Oliver Cromwell is a co-op, units can be used as pied a terres. Though located midblock along prime West 72nd Street, the residence still benefits from commanding Central Park views as well as those of equally ornate prewar Beaux Arts and Art Deco buildings in its vicinity, The Dakota and Majestic Apartments respectively. One of the iconic 843-acre green space’s main entrances is right around the corner. Its picturesque Bethesda Terrace and sprawling Sheep Meadow lawn are just a short stroll away. While owner-operated bistros line adjacent Columbus Avenue, the intersection of Broadway and 72nd Street — just a bit further west — is a commercial hub with numerous brand-name stores and a Trader Joe’s supermarket. This intersection also has a subway stop served by local 1 and express 2 and 3 trains. The local 6 stops right outside The Oliver Cromwell on Central Park West. Another area attraction is Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, incorporating the Metropolitan Opera House and the New York City Ballet, among other cultural venues. Given that the building is a co-op, amenities are limited. There are well-maintained storage units but the waiting list to get one is long. Featuring a small lounge area, the lobby is helmed by 24/7 door attendants and, in classic Uptown Manhattan fashion, white gloved porters. The main draws of this property are its tastefully updated residences but, also those in dire need of renovation which present potential buyers with the chance to make their own mark, create homes based on their own specifications.