530 Park Ave

530 Park

In many rental-to-condo conversions, the push toward modernity is stark, as evidenced by super sleek units and niche (sometimes too niche) amenities. But that’s not the Upper East Side way, where tradition prevails, and trends are quick to die. 530 Park Avenue hearkens to the elegant heritage that the neighborhood and prestigious boulevard are known for — largely thanks to Georgis & Mirgorodsky, the award-winning firm behind the condominium’s 2012 redesign. “They did a great job reconciling the building’s prewar time period with the modern day,” says Gilad Azaria, associate broker at Douglas Elliman. “They kept the finishes very traditional. I think that’s why it’s aged so well with the times. When people see the building, they always think that it was just renovated — definitely not as long ago as 2012. I get the same reaction every time I bring someone here: They feel comfortable, relaxed and they just love it.” Lobbies across New York City tend to fall into two buckets: utilitarian afterthoughts or over-the-top spaces with feature walls, experimental reception desks and impractical furniture. Again, 530 Park Avenue offers a happy medium. Residents enter a double-height rotunda clad in limestone. A candelabra-style lantern hangs from the domed plaster ceiling, and black and white granite covers the floor in a geometric, sun-dial-like pattern. To the side, a concierge attends the reception desk at all hours. Even the areas in between the lobby and 105 units are classy. Off the rotunda, the elevator bank features picture frame molding and a handsome entry console topped with oversized table lamps and artwork. On residential floors, the hallways are lined with custom wool carpets and feature coffered ceilings, pendant lights and furnished elevator landings. The difference between 530 Park Avenue and a brand-new condominium is apparent from the moment the door opens. In line with the building’s prewar history, each residence has a foyer laid with oak, herringbone floors, which continue into the living and dining rooms. Even with the foyer and separate dining room (rarities in the New York City market), the condos are generously sized. “I love the layouts in these units, especially the bedrooms which have a lot of space,” Azaria says. “So many new buildings have such small rooms. Here, everything feels so spacious. Even the doorways are really big.” All units have custom closets, hand-finished cove crown moldings and new casement windows, which completely block the street noise from Park Avenue, according to Azaria. It’s hard to believe that the kitchens were redone over a decade ago. The white, inset cabinetry (custom-designed by English-based Smallbone) and blue-gray, Pietra Cardosa Italian granite countertops look just as contemporary today as the day they were installed. “They did everything right with these kitchens, from the pantry and wine cooler to the garbage disposal and appliances. The same goes for the bathrooms” Azaria says. Primary bathrooms are outfitted with marble walls and floors, radiant heating and linen closets, while secondary bathrooms are tiled with a stunning marble basket weave. As a thoughtful touch, both have interior-mounted, full-length door mirrors. Units range from studios to four-bedrooms; half of the building is composed of one- and two-bedroom residences. Studios hover around 650 to 700 square feet and have sold for as high as $1.3 million, while one-bedrooms range from 860 to 1,160 square feet and typically sell between $1.6 million to $1.9 million. The largest two-bedroom stretches to 2,400 square feet and recent ones have listed between $2.8 million and $5.6 million. Three- and four-bedroom condos range from 2,200 to 3,400 square feet, with prices reaching $10.5 million. The outdoor space at 530 Park Avenue, designed by Town & Gardens, Ltd, is more refined than those typical of the city. In place of the skyline views, thin landscaping and concrete-laden rooftops that scream “New York City,” the ground-level courtyard offers a serene, European-like atmosphere. An antique water fountain sets a tranquil tone, and around the corner, a black tile reflecting pool runs through the center of the graveled garden, flanked by wrought iron park benches. The privacy wall is covered in English Ivy, and red maple trees, evergreen shrubs, hydrangeas and flowering perennials dot the area. “This is the perfect private garden to have in the city,” Azaria says. “Right outside there’s the traffic along Park Avenue, but when you walk over here, you can actually pause and think and read.” Two indoor spaces overlook the garden: the fitness center and sitting room, whose coffered ceiling, picture frame molding and herringbone floors capture the building’s prewar heritage. A dark-paneled billiard room, children’s center and catering kitchen are present, as well. The condominium’s location at the corner of Park Avenue and East 61st Street is what Azaria calls “unbeatable.” One block east on Madison Avenue, there’s storefront after storefront from high-end designers like Valentino and Baccarat. Another block over, the entrance at Central Park leads visitors to the park’s namesake zoo, Wollman Rink and paths toward The Mall or Sheep Meadow. Several Michelin-star restaurants are within walking distance, including JoJo by by French chef Jean-Georges and Chola for Indian dishes, but there are also casual mainstays like Lilli and Loo for Asian fare or Piccola Cucina for Italian cuisine. As for transportation, stations for the N, R, Q, W and 4, 5, 6 trains are nearby, and several buses operate along Madison Avenue. The area’s convenience attracts a broad group. “This area is very family-friendly,” Azaria says. “I also get a lot of Midtown workers who want to live in this area, plus people who grew up nearby and are ready to move back.”