311 W 78th St

In the late 19th century, architect George Pelham designed 311 West 78th Street as part of a row of four houses. Pelham was a well-known Manhattan architect, responsible for some of the city’s most iconic buildings. 311 West 78th is a striking Renaissance Revival townhouse, spanning five stories with a facade primarily made of limestone, accented with terracotta and Roman brick. Situated on an 18’x72’ footprint on a 100’ lot, the home sits on the north side of West 78th Street, between West End Avenue and Riverside Drive. The building is currently divided into five separate units, making it an excellent opportunity for condo conversion, a primary residence, or an investment property for rental income. Floors 1 & 2 (Unit 1): The owner’s duplex includes a private garden, with a one-bedroom, one-bath layout on the first floor, and a skylit eat-in kitchen and dining area below. Just off of the eat-in-kitchen is the homes private garden which measures 31'x19' with ample space for summer time enjoyment. A spiral staircase connects the two floors, leading to a grand second-floor space. This floor features a large primary suite with original plaster ceiling details, a luxurious en-suite bath with a soaking tub, and an expansive sitting room on the opposite end of the floor. Floor 3 (Unit 2): A spacious free-market apartment with a large sitting room, plenty of closet and wall space, and a central kitchen outfitted with custom cabinetry, modern appliances, and in-unit laundry. The oversized bedroom at the rear of the unit, with original molding, custom armoires, and hardwood floors, feels like a Parisian retreat. The en-suite bathroom adds a nice extra touch. Floor 4 (Units 3 and 4): Two studio apartments occupy this floor. One faces south, featuring original hardwood floors, a kitchenette, and a bathroom. The other is a standout unit with exposed brick, wood-beamed ceilings, and a private terrace. Unit 3 is currently rented at market rate, while Unit 4 is unoccupied and used by the owner. Floor 5 (Unit 5): A small rent-stabilized studio at the top of the building, located near the roof access. The owner, who has lived here for over 40 years, has lovingly maintained the property, with recent upgrades including new thermostats, a new boiler, and water heaters. Showings are by appointment only.