15 W 81ST Street 2A
$3,495,000
MLS# RLS20125588 · Upper West Side
Listed November 6, 2026 · 1 day on the market
2 Beds 3 Baths
About This Property
This exceptional and rarely available south facing Classic Six residence at the iconic 15 West 81st Street offers a rare combination of grand proportions, beautiful natural light, and views of the Rose Planetarium and the American Museum of Natural History. Designed by renowned architect Emery Roth, this distinguished prewar home blends timeless architectural elegance with the comforts of modern living.A gracious 23-foot entrance gallery introduces the home's impressive scale and classic layout. The expansive 27' x 16' living room is bathed in southern light through three oversized windows, framing picturesque views of the Planetarium. Original quarter-sawn oak floors, a decorative fire place, and elegant moldings preserve the character and craftsmanship of the building's prewar heritage.The generously proportioned primary suite features a spacious dressing room with three large closets and a windowed primary bathroom. The second bedroom, measuring an impressive 18' x 12', features an oversized walk-in closet and access to a large adjacent bathroom, providing the comfort and privacy of a suite.The windowed eat-in kitchen offers abundant cabinetry and access to a generously sized staff room which was originally a full bathroom, currently set up as a half bathroom and washer and dryer.Built in 1930, 15 West 81st Street is one of the Upper West Side's most prestigious white-glove cooperatives, celebrated for its exceptional service, architectural distinction, and prime location directly across from the Museum of Natural History and moments from Central Park. Residents enjoy two doormen, a resident manager, and a dedicated staff of 17, along with a newly renovated fitness center, playroom, and bike storage. There are large storage cages available.With its grand scale, extraordinary southern light, iconic views, and coveted address, this is a rare opportunity to own a truly special home in one of Manhattan's most distinguished prewar buildings.50% financing permitted. 2% flip tax payable by purchaser.Current Capital Assessment of 691.60/mo
Agent's Note
From Curtis Bain. Details about the apartment are drawn from the listing information provided through RLS by Christies International Real Estate New York.
The living room is 27 by 16 feet, and three oversized windows bring in southern light and frame views of the Planetarium. With an open horizon, a south-facing window gets about 8.5 hours of direct sun around the winter solstice and about 10 hours at the equinoxes, though nearby buildings can block some of it.
Emery Roth designed this prewar home, and it keeps its original quarter-sawn oak floors, the decorative fireplace and elegant moldings. A 23-foot entrance gallery sets the scale as you come in. The primary suite has a dressing room with three large closets and a windowed primary bathroom.
I like that the second bedroom is 18 by 12 feet and comes with an oversized walk-in closet and a large adjacent bathroom, so it can work as a guest room or office. The windowed eat-in kitchen has abundant cabinetry and opens to a generously sized staff room that was once a full bathroom. It now holds a half bath and the washer and dryer, so laundry stays inside the apartment.
The building has two doormen, a resident manager and a staff of 17. Residents also have a newly renovated fitness center, a playroom and bike storage, and there are large storage cages available. The building's elevator is listed, and pets aren't a problem, since they're allowed.
Both Theodore Roosevelt Park and Central Park are close by, about one and two minutes away on foot. The 81 St-Museum of Natural History station on the B and C is about three minutes away, and Zingone Brothers is about three minutes for everyday errands.
Quick answers+
Does the apartment have in-unit laundry?
Yes. The washer and dryer are in the unit, in the staff room off the kitchen.
Does the building have a doorman?
Yes. The building has two doormen, a resident manager and a staff of 17.
Are pets allowed?
Yes. Pets are allowed in the building.
Curtis Bain
Brown Harris Stevens
Property Features
Policies
- Pets allowed
Home features
- Washer/dryer in unit
- Decorative fireplace
- Park view
- Dishwasher
- Formal dining room
- High ceilings
- Walk-in closets
Building amenities
Services and facilities
- Bike room
- Elevator
Estimate
Monthly Cost & Closing Costs
The rate is a placeholder, not a quote. Enter the one your lender gives you.
$23,889 / month
- Principal and interest$17,673
- Maintenance$6,216
Due at closing
- Down payment (20%)$699,000
- NYS “mansion tax” (1.5%)$52,425
Co-op share loans aren't subject to mortgage recording tax. Not included: attorney, title insurance, lender and appraisal fees, board application and move-in fees, flip tax and prepaid items. Estimates only, based on the published New York State rates. Your attorney and lender will confirm the real figures.
Location & Nearby
Map
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15 W 81ST Street 2A
Subway
- BC81 St-Museum of Natural HistoryAbout 3 min walk
- BC86 StAbout 7 min walk
- 179 StAbout 10 min walk
- 186 StAbout 12 min walk
Parks
- Theodore Roosevelt ParkAbout 1 min walk
- Central ParkAbout 2 min walk
Public schools · Elementary schools
- P.S. 9 Sarah AndersonAbout 5 min walk
- Success Academy Charter School - Upper West · CharterAbout 6 min walk
- P.S. 87 William ShermanAbout 8 min walk
Middle schools
- M.S. 243 Center SchoolAbout 5 min walk
- M.S. M245 The Computer SchoolAbout 8 min walk
High schools
- The Global Learning CollaborativeAbout 6 min walk
- Innovation Diploma PlusAbout 6 min walk
Colleges & universities
- Bard Graduate CenterAbout 6 min walk
- The Juilliard SchoolAbout 22 min walk
Museums
- American Museum of Natural HistoryAbout 3 min walk
- Children's Museum of ManhattanAbout 9 min walk
- The Metropolitan Museum of ArtAbout 14 min walk
- Solomon R. Guggenheim MuseumAbout 18 min walk
Walking times are estimates. Schools shown are the nearest public and charter schools and are not zone assignments; a nearby school is not necessarily the one an address is zoned for. Confirm zoning with the NYC Department of Education. Sources: MTA, NYC Parks and NYC Department of City Planning open data.
The Neighborhood
About Upper West Side
Grand prewar residences flanked by two iconic parks and world-renowned cultural institutions.
Walkability
9/10
Public transit
9/10
Schools
10/10
Dining
9/10
Groceries & parks
9/10
Schools in Upper West Side
Strong public schools like PS 87 and PS 199, top progressive private schools, and many students who transition into elite NYC high schools.
Private schools in the area include Collegiate School, Trinity School, Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School, The Calhoun School.
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Gallery
Property Photos
Listing Courtesy of Christies International Real Estate New York
This information is not verified for authenticity or accuracy and is not guaranteed and may not reflect all real estate activity in the market. ©2026 The Real Estate Board of New York, Inc., All rights reserved.