230 E 15th St

The Rutherford

“The Rutherford is literally at the foot of Stuyvesant Square Park,” explains Lance Gillette, licensed real estate broker at SERHANT. “From their window, residents can see the centuries-old churches and schools that surround the park.” That includes two architecturally stunning secular buildings dating back to the 1780s — St. George Episcopal Church and Religious Society of Friends — as well as Friends Seminary, a pre-K through grade 12 school inside three 1852 townhouses. Living in this historic district is an outright luxury that extends beyond charm. Unlike Gramercy Park, this intimate little enclave surrounded by landmarked row houses requires no key for entry. Every resident living in one of the building’s 175 units across 14 stories can walk through the Federal-style iron fence and perch on one of the elegantly appointed benches facing the fountain ensconced in lush greenery. Because the cooperative was built back in 1961, no two units are the same. Some are closer to the original design while others have been gutted and renovated. Some units have been combined and reimagined as totally new spaces with the latest appliances and extra storage space. Regardless of the size, each residence features a covered balcony, most overlooking Stuyvesant Park. An alcove studio with a separate kitchen and wall-to-wall windows could list for between $490,000 and $550,000. Similarly, a penthouse 1-bedroom with a renovated kitchen and custom closets would likely list for between $920,000 and $1.2 million. Likewise, an oversized 2-bedroom thoughtfully redesigned from a combined studio and 1-bedroom, featuring an eat-in kitchen and walk-in pantry starts at $1.6 million. “The Rutherford is a great prewar building that has been impeccably maintained,” says Gilette. With views facing Stuyvesant Park, it is a standard full-service co-op with a live-in super and a 24-hour door attendant. Residents have access to a newly updated laundry room and tenant storage space for an additional charge. Common areas include a renovated lobby and a landscaped rooftop with lounge chairs and dining tables featuring views of the Empire State Building along New York’s skyline. There is a bike room and parking on site, both of which are waitlisted and surcharged. When one thinks about Gramercy, it’s easy to conjure images of grand brownstones and New York aristocracy like that depicted in Edith Warton’s Age of Innocence. In fact, this was the original intent when Gramercy Park was first developed by Samuel B. Ruggles in the 1830s as a gated, private 2-acre greenspace for New York’s elite — which today, is one of only two private parks in the entire state. While there are more “affordable” properties closer to Peter Cooper Village, the neighborhood named after the park remains a coveted place for those seeking luxury, privacy and prestige. Along with the charming 19th-century architecture, there are some great neighborhood legends, including farm-to-table brunch at Friend of Farmer, affogato at gelateria Caffè Panna and gin martinis at Martiny’s cocktail bar. Notable cultural institutions include the National Arts Club, Theodore Roosevelt’s birthplace and the James Turrell Skyspace at Friends Seminary Day School. The Rutherford is just a ¼ of a mile from Union Square, a major transportation hub for the 4, 5, 6, L, N, R, Q and W trains. Being just one block from 14th Street, residents can either walk or take the L train along the major thoroughfare to also access the F and M trains at 6th Avenue, the 1, 2 and 3 trains at 7th Avenue, the A, C and E trains at 8th Avenue and the PATH train. Via private car or ride-share services, the 23rd Street exit on the FDR is just under a mile from the building’s parking garage. The Ruthford requires a minimum down payment of 25% and up to 50% of the total cost is tax deductible. The cooperative allows guarantors, parental purchasing and co-purchasing. Monthly maintenance fees start at $1,300 for a studio. The board does allow sublets after two years of residency, and pied-a-terre residents are welcome.