120 Riverside Blvd

120 Riverside Boulevard

Today, the first thing a passerby would notice about 120 Riverside Boulevard is that it’s substantially smaller than its towering neighbors, rising only 18 stories tall. Up until recently, however, that observation would have come second, yielding to the name that once hung over the entrance: Trump Place. Now just a faded outline, the name was a nod to the former president’s involvement in the area’s development during the mid-aughts. Before the name’s removal in 2019, 120 Riverside Boulevard was one of the last remaining condos bearing the name in the Upper West Side area. The building was designed by the late architect Costas Kondylis, one of Trump’s go-to real estate partners, in collaboration with PJAR Architects. And though the name that previously hung out front certainly garnered a lot of attention, the design choices both inside and out are decidedly more subdued, as are the amenities. Perhaps more attractive to buyers, is the Hudson River and Riverside Park South directly across the street, the latter of which includes nearly 72 acres of diverse, waterfront space. Built in 2004, the mid-rise building covers roughly half of the block and includes 276 condos total, all studio, one- and two-bedroom units. While the square footage is on par with New York City standards, the 10-foot-high ceilings add a welcome sense of loftiness to the space. Many of the residences have been updated by their owners, but some are being resold with their original features, including pass-through window kitchens with black granite countertops and the orange-hued wood and frosted glass cabinetry that was popular at the time. Bathrooms feature the same dark granite on the vanity, while beige tiles cover the floor and shower walls. Though the finishes are underwhelming compared to newer luxury buildings in the area, residents appreciate that each unit is outfitted with a washer and dryer, as well as spacious closets. Interested buyers can expect to pay a minimum of $675,000 for a studio, whereas one-bedrooms start at $900,000 and two-bedrooms start at $1.4 million. The board allows for investments, pied-à-terres and gifting. Two hotel-like communal spaces flank the building: the neutral, double-height lobby on the ground floor and the monotone gray lounge on the top floor. The lounge, furnished with mod settees and armchairs, leads to a simply furnished outdoor deck. Fortunately, what the spaces lack in design is made up for by the river views, particularly at sunset. The building also offers a 50-foot lap pool, lit by fluorescent lights and flanked by geometric tile that designates zones for old-school chaise lounges. Other fitness amenities include a gym and steam, sauna and massage rooms. Families may also use the tan, carpeted playroom, and a media room with a projector is available to all residents for movie nights. The front yard of 120 Riverside Boulevard, aka Riverside Park South, is arguably the building’s best feature. The park’s upper tier, perched above the Hudson River and overlooking the West Side Highway, has pathways lined with benches and flower beds, as well as a dog run and a train-themed playground. Stairs (and a long ramp) lead down to the waterfront section with beach volleyball courts, a swingset and waterfront trails. Before reaching more recreational fields to the north, residents will find Pier I, a popular destination hosting family-friendly events and serving American fare from its seasonal cafe. Residents are also two blocks from the famed Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and less than 1 mile from the shops and dining at Columbus Circle. The nearest subway station, serviced by the 1 and 2 trains, is roughly a half-mile away, but residents may take a private shuttle from their building to the station. The A, C and B, D lines are available at Columbus Circle, as well. Those with a car may access the West Side Highway from the ramp at West 72nd Street, 0.4 miles north of the building. Residents will also find two Citi Bike docks nearby, and the Empire State Trail, a 750-mile trail running from Manhattan to the Canada–United States border, is accessible from the park.