The iconic Central Park West residence has been home to notable figures over time, and a sprawling five-bedroom unit is now up for grabs.
A sprawling 4,400-square-foot home with direct views of Central Park has opened up in the prewar co-op pop culture mavens will recognize from the 1984 film, “Ghostbusters.”
In the film—which stars Bill Murray, Dan Akyroyd, Sigourney Weaver, and Harold Ramis—the 19-floor building is named “Spook Central,” but in real life, it’s known as 55 Central Park West or The Shandor Building.
Although the professional Ghostbusters from the movie determine that the building—which is home to residents possessed by demons—was built by a cult leader, the truth is that the iconic art deco high-rise was constructed in 1929 by renowned architects Schwartz and Gross.
55 Central Park West’s design is considered to be a pivotal build for the art deco movement, and the original interiors of residences inside were also innovative when it opened in 1930.
Originally filled with apartments touting three to nine rooms, the units featured newly developed dropped living rooms that set the homes apart from anything else.
55 Central Park West plays a pivotal role in the 1984 film, "Ghostbusters." (Columbia Pictures/Getty Images)
In the film, the building was erected by a cult leader. In reality, it was built in 1929 by renowned architects Schwartz and Gross. (Brown Harris Stevens)
The location boasts unobstructed views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline. (Brown Harris Stevens)
It's also filled with amenities, such as luxurious community spaces and a fully-staffed team. (Brown Harris Stevens)
The unit available has 60 feet of Central Park frontage. (Brown Harris Stevens) The unit available is an $8.9 million five-bedroom, 5.5-bathroom residence which boasts 60 feet of Central Park frontage and from the inside, its 13 rooms create an atmosphere that feels more like a spacious suburban house than a New York City condominium.
The listing is represented by Lisa K. Lippman of Brown Harris Stevens.
The abode features a park-facing, grand sunken living room with herringbone floors and is flooded with light, thanks to a massive picture window. Coffered ceilings, sleek crown molding, and unique light fixtures add to the home’s grandeur.
The formal dining room strikes the perfect balance between the building’s original prewar character and modern luxury, with the size and layout well suited for entertaining or intimate family gatherings.
Equipped with ample storage space and a wine refrigerator, the newly renovated kitchen is just steps away and offers an additional dining space for more casual dining.
The sprawling 4,400-square-foot home includes 13 rooms which can be utilized in a variety of ways. (Brown Harris Stevens)
A sunken living room is flooded with light thanks to a massive picture window. (Brown Harris Stevens)
A formal dining room connects to the kitchen, offering an ideal space for hosting. (Brown Harris Stevens)
The kitchen includes additional dining space for more casual meals. (Brown Harris Stevens)
In addition to the grand living room, there's a separate sunken den. (Brown Harris Stevens) Bedrooms are arranged in two separate wings for optimal privacy, with the primary suite situated in the south side of the home, facing Central Park.
The primary suite includes lots of closet space and an oversized bathroom with double vanities and more park views. In fact, all of the home’s 5.5 bathrooms have windows.
Depending on how a buyer may choose to utilize the layout, the home’s north side can host three or four additional large bedrooms. There’s also a sizable den, which hosts access to a kitchenette and laundry room.
The remaining rooms in the home can be leveraged to suit just about any lifestyle.
Potential buyers can prioritize a work-life balance with a dedicated library and office, young families can thrive with a playroom, or a fashion-obsessed resident can take advantage of the home’s opportunities to add additional closet and dressing spaces.
The den is connected to a kitchenette, which includes a wine refrigerator and laundry. (Brown Harris Stevens)
The home's updates strike a perfect balance between the building's original Art Deco charm and modern luxury. (Brown Harris Stevens)
Gorgeous hardwood floors run throughout the home. (Brown Harris Stevens)
Charming built-ins are ideal for a playroom, library, or office. (Brown Harris Stevens) In addition to its starring role in a legendary supernatural comedy, The Shandor Building has been called home by a handful of notable individuals.
Designers Calvin Klein and Donna Karan have each lived there, as has film entertainment mogul David Geffen.
Billionaire businessman Marc Lasry and the late “Hello, Dolly!” composer Jerry Herman resided there, as well.
With an impressive offering of amenities, it’s no surprise that 55 Central Park West has drawn the attention of so many distinguished residents.
The 109-unit building promises “white-glove, full-service” and has a full staff, including two full-time doormen and a live-in resident manager.
The primary suite looks out to Central Park and is located in the south wing of the home. (Brown Harris Stevens)
However, all of the residence's bedrooms are quite spacious. (Brown Harris Stevens)
Each of the 5.5 bathrooms are windowed. (Brown Harris Stevens)
The building recently added a state-of-the-art gym. (Brown Harris Stevens) There’s a bicycle room, storage bins, laundry facilities, a dedicated generator, and a newly added community room in the lobby. A new state-of-the-art fitness center has been added, as well.
55 Central Park West permits pied-à-terres and welcomes pets.
The building is conveniently located near the world-famous Lincoln Center, a destination for fans of music, dance, opera, theater, and cinema.
Some of Central Park’s most exciting attractions—such as Tavern on the Green and the Central Park Carousel—are also within close reach.