While overall mid-century design for condominiums may seem rather ho-hum by today’s standards, there are some notable exceptions, even to detractors. Case in point: the 31-story Georgetown Plaza condop, which was among the tallest residential buildings in Greenwich Village upon its completion in 1967. Attention to detail is very much in evidence inside and out; architects Leo Stillman and John Pruyn, for example, were forward-thinking enough to include an outdoor pool and fitness center on the top floor, amenities that are too often relegated to basements. Most units along the east and west sides also include balconies, and additional outdoor space is found on the furnished, landscaped roof deck and among the elevated manicured plaza, complete with a fountain. To contrast the admittedly unmemorable tower, the dramatic lobby is notable for its oversized arched windows that provide panoramic plaza vistas, while the entrance and exterior are surrounded by imposing white columns. But most buyers are more interested in the central location than the design features, considering that Georgetown Plaza is a convenient option for students (and parents with the means) who attend nearby New York University or Cooper Union schools.
The tower’s 389 roomy residences feel decidedly modern for its age as most owners have completely overhauled their apartments, although parquet floors are a common holdover. Some of the modern features entail central air, fully equipped (though galley-style) kitchens and spa-like bathrooms. Other nice features at this building’s price point include sizeable balconies in all units, nine-foot ceilings and larger-than-average windows encouraging natural light; the higher floors take in Hudson Yards, the Hudson River and of course, the Manhattan skyline. Noise is a factor since Georgetown Plaza is located at a busy Village intersection. One-bedroom layouts starting at 828 square feet dominate here, while a smaller number of studios start around 550 square feet. A select number of three bedrooms can reach 1,300 square feet. Prices reflect Georgetown Plaza’s co-op status: recent sales ranged from $900,000 for a studio to $2.4 million for a two-bedroom, two-bath residence; three-bedroom spaces infrequently hit the market.
This full-service building offers generous amenities factoring in that many residents probably don’t log many hours at home. But those who seek more than a place to sleep will appreciate the outdoor pool in scorching summer, especially since so few older residential buildings provide pools. The rooftop is another welcome escape and features 360-degree views of everything from the Hudson River to Washington Square Park. When it comes to laundry, even though residences don’t include washers and dryers, each floor is equipped with a laundry room for added convenience. Other conveniences encompass a bike room, waitlisted storage, on-site garage with building access and a pet-friendly policy. Though it may go unnoticed by new buyers, elevators were recently replaced — an important feature accounting for the number of floors and units.
There’s no denying that Georgetown Plaza’s main appeal is its location at the busy intersection of retail-and-dining heavy Eighth and Mercer streets in Greenwich Village, a longtime magnet for college students and creatives, although most real estate in the neighborhood these days comes at an eye-watering price. The blocks surrounding the condop cater to younger crowds with the likes of bagel, coffee and tea shops, boutique gyms, Drybar hair salon for blowouts, Amsterdam Billiards Club, part pool hall, part beer games, Ippudo NY for elevated ramen and the legendary McSorley’s Old Ale House, a time capsule of a pub dating back to 1854 with sawdust on the floor and a perpetual cash-only policy. But all ages will find nearby points of interest, including The Public Theater, a non-profit theatrical institution (where the musical Hamilton first premiered); famous Washington Square Park, ideal for sitting around its fountain while watching street fashion and street performers; and the first Manhattan Wegmans, a popular grocery chain without nearly enough locations. Not least, the independent Strand Book Store, the undisputed heavyweight of bookshops, and Union Square, another epicenter park for people watching, protests and gatherings, are a short walk north.
The R, W at 8th Street-NYU is across the street and the Astor Place 6 train is a block away. For more options, a 10-minute walk brings residents to either the West 4th-Washington Square stop for the A, C, E and B, D, F, M lines or 14th Street-Union Square for the L, N, R, Q and 4, 5, 6 lines. Five bus lines also stop right in front of Georgetown Plaza.
While Georgetown Plaza is technically a co-op, a liberal policy allows parents to buy for children, plus rentals are not only allowed but represent a good percentage of the building’s stock. Sublets, pied-à-terres and guarantors are also allowed.
Georgetown Plaza is a condominium located in Manhattan and the
10003 ZIP Code. This area is served by the
Manhattan County attendance zone.
