353 West 56 Street   Unit 5G

Glamor, Class and History: The Parc Vendome

Welcome to apartment 5G, a sprawling alcove studio in the iconic midtown Parc Vendome complex. Lovingly cared for by the current owner, this is the first time in decades this unit has been available on the open market. Come quick! It's ready for a new personality to make use of and interpret the impressively conceived and very livable space.

353 West 56th is one of the four buildings that make up the Parc Vendome condominium, built between 1929-31 on 56th and 57th Streets straddling Eighth and Ninth Avenues. This building was the work of architects Farrar & Watmough, who coincidentally designed Chelsea's magnificent London Terrace around the same time. The classic architectural lines of the entrances ,the mansard roof, the magnificent iconic central garden with walkways, a fountain and generous plantings, hark to a more glamorous time but provide a perfect modern counterpoint to the often intense Manhattan energy just outside the doors.

The apartment has a generously-sized living space and faces south through three original casement windows. The kitchen has been updated (and is windowed), there is a large closet and dressing space, a sizeable bath, and a huge bedroom alcove that could be reimagined in many ways. Bring your designer (or your inner designer) and go to town. It will take relatively little to turn this space into the home (or home away from home if you live elsewhere) of your dreams.

The Parc Vendome has been host to the famous and celebrated, and still retains an air of grace and gracious living that goes with the F. Scott Fitzgerald era in which it was built. The amazing central garden, with a fountain and ample seating areas among the world class plantings, provides a dose of nature to all residents. There is also a roof deck, a billiard room (yes, a billiard room), a library for owners, a fitness center, a banquet room, a live-in super, and a world-class staff. Short-term rentals permitted, as is pied a terre (it is a condo). Financing can be done up to 80% of the purchase price. Almost more of a club than a condo. Near Billionaire's Row and all kinds of cultural institutions, from MOMA, to Lincoln Center, to Columbus Circle, more restaurants than you can name from street food to the highest of gourmet chefs, and, of course, Central Park. Subway is around the corner. Subletting and pied-a-terre are permitted and pets are welcome.