Pre-war Treasures: 21 classic listings that speak to NYC's rich history of style and craftsmanship

While New York's constantly evolving skyline and towering new buildings have attracted considerable attention, the city's prewar architecture is not to be overlooked. Local activists have been instrumental in establishing the Landmarks Preservation Commission, protecting prewar buildings, and keeping the city's architectural history alive.

Preservationists are not the only ones who appreciate New York's prewar architecture. A certain class of buyer has always appreciated these buildings' rich history and superior craftsmanship, and months of lockdown have yielded a new appreciation for the expansive proportions and classic floor plans of yesteryear. The top sale of the past week was an expansive co-op at the venerated 740 Park Avenue, and the best-selling condos have included buildings and apartments with more traditional architecture and layouts. Below, we look at the most beautiful prewar listings on the market.

All images of 10 East 76th Street via Corcoran 10-East-76th-Street-02

From the Listing: Working from home? Extremely rare opportunity to live/work in a grand limestone mansion with an elevator off Central Park located in prime Upper East Side. Charming and elegant one bedroom, one bath features a living room with fireplace, juliet balcony, separate kitchen, and ample room for living and workspace plus plenty of closets. Other amenities include high ceilings and hardwood floors. The building has a distinctive lobby. Housekeeping included. Wi-fi available. Offered furnished. Could be short-term but must be a minimum of 30 days. Utilities included. See floor plan and full details here. 205-West-57th-Street-01

All images of The Osborne via Sotheby's International Realty 205-West-57th-Street-02

From the Listing: Once you step into the dazzling byzantine lobby, adorned with painted frescoes and gilded tiling, you know you are in a special place. The finishes are as rich as the history of The Osborne, known for one-of-a-kind spaces and past shareholder luminaries.

Apt 4AA is one of the most unique floorplans with double exposure corner 8'+/- windows open and sunny with views of Carnegie Hall and 7th Ave, well located within Billionaires Row. The wow factor is apparent as soon as you walk into the foyer with a carved and hand-painted ceiling design that holds a crystal chandelier. The ceilings are 12'+/- and adorned with the original Tiffany glass transoms from 1885 lining both sides of the apt. The decorative accouterments include fully paneled walls and coffered ceilings in mahogany, an electric Murphy bed encased in mahogany, Puccio onyx jade soaking tub, WC, and shower room. The kitchen/home office has all new appliances, a built-in mahogany workspace and an onyx jade fireplace that peeks into the bathroom and is suited for a king or queen. See floor plan and full details here.

All images of The Verona via Sotheby's International Realty 32-East-64th-Street-02

From the Listing: Parisian Residence. Upon entering into the lobby with a grand double staircase you have arrived at The Verona located at 32 East 64th Street. This pristine two-bedroom jewel is located steps from Central Park and chic Madison Avenue. Enter a semi-private landing and arrive at Apartment 7NE, which has soaring 10-foot ceilings and a large window with stunning open views over landmarked buildings. See full details here. 32-East-64th-Street-04

All images of Eagle Warehouse & Storage Company via Corcoran 28-Old-Fulton-Street-03

From the Listing: Quintessential Brooklyn Loft in the Landmarked Eagle Warehouse, at 28 Old Fulton Street, near Pier 1 of Brooklyn Bridge Park in the Fulton Ferry Historic District! This gorgeous renovation features 12' ceilings, beamed ceilings, original columns. An expansive open-plan layout king-sized bedroom has an adjoining walk-in closet. Large skylight with retractable shade. See floor plan and full details here. 220-West-93rd-Street-01

All images of 220 West 93rd Street via Brown Harris Stevens 220-West-93rd-Street-02

From the Listing: Welcome to this classic, pre-war aesthetics abound and magnificent home with 1,728 square feet of elegant living space featuring a 10'4 x 8'8 entry foyer, two oversized bedrooms with full windowed en suite bathrooms, an enormous living/dining room, gas fireplace plus a 7'8 x 13'4 home office behind lovely French doors. This graciously appointed home offers fantastic light throughout with south, west and east exposures. Enjoy bright city views west from your 26' living/dining room over Broadway. Unwind in the sumptuous 19 x 11'6" primary bedroom which faces south. The second bedroom at 17'8 x 13.8 is equally large and deluxe. The beautiful windowed kitchen features cherry wood cabinets, stunning polished granite countertops, and stainless steel GE appliances. Amazing custom-fitted closets, red-oak floors and washer/dryer in unit. See full details here. 50-East-72nd-Street-01

All images of 50 East 72nd Street via Brown Harris Stevens 50-East-72nd-Street-02

From the Listing: This fantastic and sophisticated 2 bedroom 2.5 bath home has been COMPLETELY RENOVATED with marble backsplash, high end 48" chef range and luxurious waterworks fixtures. The skim coated walls, crisp crown molding and wood-burning fireplace surrounded by an antique stone mantle blend seamlessly with the open kitchen, custom shutters and original oak herringbone floor. Each bedroom has a bright exposure and a private bath ensuite. The home also comes with the convenience of a perfectly situated powder room and private laundry in the apartment. See floor plan and full details here. 144-West-120th-Street-01

All images of 144 West 120th Street via Corcoran 144-West-120th-Street-02

From the Listing: Welcome home to a historic Harlem brownstone located on one of the most desired blocks in the Mount Morris Park Historic District. This brownstone beauty from the late 1800s combines Victorian-era charm with modern comfort. Elegant handcrafted details abound beginning with an intricately carved mahogany staircase that greets you on entry, to oak wainscoting that courses through the parlor hallway and up the stairs. Other authentic architectural details include carefully preserved fireplace mantels, inlaid oak parquet floors, oversize pocket doors, a 12-foot high tin ceiling, and delicately decorated original plasterwork. Contemporary improvements are also present, like the conversion of yesterday's dining room into the kitchen of today. The ample patio and garden is ideal for entertaining given the city's greatest luxury, space! In addition it is adjacent to a ground floor kitchen and bath and has ready access to a remarkably complete temperature-controlled wine cellar. See full details here. 144-West-120th-Street-04

All images of 23 Park Avenue via Compass 23-Park-Avenue-02

From the Listing: Breathtaking, unique and rare Stanford White designed townhouse duplex. The double-height great room has 15-foot ceilings, the original paneling, a deeply coffered ceiling, and a monumental fireplace. This 'Grand Salon' is punctuated with beams of soft light filtering through towering leaded and stained-glass windows and is complemented by the mezzanine level library perched high above.

Continuing upstairs is the second-floor bedrooms, each with their own spacious bathrooms and 12-foot ceilings. Both rooms enjoy natural southern light and have an abundance of closets, including a dressing closet. Down a few steps from the main living area, beyond the entry foyer and past an artfully hidden guest powder room, is the formal dining room/family room and the newly renovated modern kitchen with top appliances including a Viking range and full height wine refrigerator.

This meticulously restored and renovated gilded age apartment has the feel of a private townhouse but is an intimate part of a well-maintained landmarked mansion disguised as a cooperative apartment building. Every inch of this beautifully laid-out apartment is thoughtfully designed and fitted out with top-quality finishes to compliment the irreplaceable original Gilded Age Stanford White details. See floor plan and full details here.

All images of 524 3rd Street via Leslie J. Garfield 524-3rd-Street-02

From the Listing: 524 3rd Street is a Neo-Italian Renaissance townhouse designed by famed Brooklyn architect Axel Hedman in 1909. Located on one of the most desirable, tree-lined streets in Park Slope, this spectacular home sits at the gateway to Prospect Park.

Spanning over 4,000 square feet, this gorgeous 18.25'-wide home is four stories tall and currently configured as an upper triplex with a professional office space on the garden level. Behind the gracious and private forecourt is a grand stoop entry that leads to the expansive triple parlor floor of the owner's unit. With period details throughout, grand ceiling heights, and a stunning fireplace, this floor is a perfect entertainment space. A living room, dining room, and large chef's kitchen create a livable and gracious layout. A rear terrace that abuts the kitchen is perfect for coffee, drinks, and al fresco dining. The Upper triplex includes 4 sizable bedrooms with two renovated bathrooms, centrally located on each floor. The top floor also features a small office. See full details here.

All images of 11 West 121st Street via Sotheby's International Realty 11-West-121st-Street-02

From the Listing: Step inside this distinguished Harlem home located on a peaceful, quiet, tree-lined block in the Mount Morris Park Historic District and feel enveloped by its warmth and charm. A landmarked townhouse, this property is an elegant five-floor one-family Neo-Grecian/Renaissance Revival built by Cleverdon and Putzel in 1897 and fully renovated by two of Harlem's most celebrated artists. Light pours in from high windows in this 6,600-square-foot 7-bedroom and 5.5-bathroom home, illuminating the craftsmanship of its nuanced living spaces. Delight in the excellent condition and outstanding quality of the period details including original woodwork, mirrors, and ornate stained glass. The Parlor floor features 12-foot ceilings and high windows giving it a sense of light and space to enjoy tranquil moments or formal get-togethers. Original fireplaces practically beg for armchair stories by the fire, and the mahogany and oak wainscoting and pocket doors provoke a sense of dignified, old-world comfort. See floor plan and full details here. 11-West-121st-Street-04

All images of 173 Riverside Drive via Douglas Elliman 173-Riverside-Drive-02

From the Listing: Rare opportunity to own the highly coveted D-line apartment at 173 Riverside Drive. 75 feet of western exposure provide incredible views of the Hudson River, Riverside Park, George Washington Bridge and the Soldiers and Sailors Monument. This spectacular bright and sunny 3,000-square-foot 9-room home offers a gracious layout and beautiful prewar details including a decorative fireplace, original hardwood floors and 9'1" ceilings. The large 25' central entrance gallery leads to the expansive 27' x 16' living room and formal dining room, ideally laid out for enjoyable living and gracious entertaining. See full details here. 173-Riverside-Drive-04

All images of The Pierre via Corcoran 795-Fifth-Avenue-02

From the Listing: Over 50' of Direct Central Park Frontage. Perched 36 stories above Fifth Avenue, this tower residence at The Pierre Hotel features iconic unobstructed panoramic views of Central Park, Manhattan skyline, and Upper East Side, providing beautiful natural light throughout the day. Located on the 36th floor, this residence features 104" ceilings throughout with over 50 of direct Central Park frontage consisting of the entirety of the front facade of the tower at The Pierre with additional north-facing park views

Designed by renowned Palm Beach-based interior designer William R. Eubanks, this beautiful residence has elegantly designed interiors with beautiful custom finishes.The current layout features an elegant and gracious Chinoiserie and antique mirror paneled entry gallery with handsome Georgian patterned marble floors, and an exquisite gold leaf coved ceiling with custom recessed lighting. This entry gallery leads to a generously proportioned corner grand room encompassing the entire northeastern corner of the tower at The Pierre. See floor plan and full details here.

All images of The Plaza via Brown Harris Stevens 1-Central-Park-South-02

From the Listing: This is a stunning trophy property and an incredible opportunity to own a piece of New York City History in the Iconic Plaza Hotel! Formerly The Hardenbergh Suite, and now renamed The Grand Penthouse Suite, this palatial duplex offers breathtaking views of Central Park and the New York City skyline. Exquisitely furnished in classic Louis XV style, the breathtaking Grand Penthouse suite is over 2,100 square feet with a 540-square-foot terrace off the primary bedroom. The first floor features a gorgeous corner living room with stunning views of Central Park through oversized arched windows. See floor plan and full details here. 635-Park-Avenue-01

All images of The Adelaide via Sotheby's International Realty 635-Park-Avenue-02

From the Listing: Encompassing the entire second floor of 635 Park Avenue this tremendous 14-into-10 room simplex apartment affords picturesque views of tree-lined Park Avenue and lovely Northern exposures over East 66th Street. Accessed via a private elevator landing, this immensely gracious full-floor apartment is filled with sunlight throughout from three exposures. An elegant circular gallery, a signature of architect J.E.R Carpenter, leads to a truly impressive suite of entertaining rooms which include a beautifully proportioned living room, an enormous dining room, and a wood-paneled study, each of which enjoy wood-burning fireplaces. There is also a lovely and well-placed powder room.

The private quarters consist of a majestic primary bedroom suite with an enchanting and large mirrored dressing room and two luxurious Bathrooms. A book-lined library/sitting room connects the primary bedroom with two additional attractive bedrooms, one of which is a sunny corner and both with Park Avenue facing windows. Completing the gracious layout, there is a generous eat-in kitchen, a large butler's pantry, a laundry room, and a double staff room with bath. See floor plan and full details here.

All images of 226 East 49th Street via Sotheby's International Realty 226-East-49th-Street-02

From the Listing: First offering. This rare 9,000-square-foot residential treasure of immense scale exists behind a Regency-style façade with Flemish gables on New York's fabled Turtle bay gardens. 226 East 49th Street was built in the 1920's by a consummate New Yorker, Charlotte Hunnewell. Charlotte's home and gardens are masterpieces inspired by her love for artists, her love of Italy and France, and her strong belief in the obligations of aristocracy. See floor plan and full details here. 226-East-49th-Street-04

All images of 720 Park Avenue via Sotheby's International Realty 720-Park-Avenue-02

From the Listing: Perched up high within one of Candela's most prestigious and sought-after prewar coops, this one-of-a-kind residence boasts the extraordinary scale and baronial proportions. With massive frontage along Park Avenue, the glorious and sun-flooded rooms are perfectly suited to the grandest entertaining and the most gracious living. Noteworthy details include soaring ceilings as high as 14"9' feet, immaculate hardwood floors, and marvelous period stone embellishments and mantle pieces. See full details here. 720-Park-Avenue-04

All images of 895 Park Avenue via Sotheby's International Realty 895-Park-Avenue-02

From the Listing: This marvelous sun-filled and extremely elegant corner duplex is the epitome of Upper East Side chic. The sprawling 16 into 14 room apartment boasts very grandly scaled rooms that are ideal for major entertaining as well as for gracious living. Distinguished by a versatile plan, noteworthy architectural details include soaring high ceilings, immaculate hardwood floors, hand carved moldings and period fire mantle pieces. However, it is the plethora of glorious open exposures over the broad sweep of Park Avenue and 79th Street that are most distinctive and unique. See full details here. 895-Park-Avenue-04

All images of 37 West 74th Street via Sotheby's International RealtyFrom the Listing: First offering: A unique opportunity to become the next steward of an exceptional architectural masterpiece of superb scale, light and outlook, offered in triple mint, turn-key condition. Located on the most desirable block of the Central Park West Historic District, overlooking a row of 18 Neo-Georgian mansions the house was designed in 1889 by Thom & Wilson in the Queen Anne and Neo-Renaissance styles. Since that time 37 West 74th Street has been fortunate to survive as a single-family residence, rich in original interior and exterior architectural detail, boasting magnificent woodwork and a spectacular skylight. See floor plan and full details here. 37-West-74th-Street-05

All images of J.W. Marriott Essex House via Corcoran 160-Central-Park-South-02

From the Listing: Experience the rare opportunity to reside in a five-bedroom, six-and-a-half-bathroom residence with over one hundred feet of unobstructed Central Park views and full hotel services. At approximately 5,000 square feet, this luxurious apartment caters to elegant entertaining as well as the cozy private living. A stately foyer opens to a grand living room, and seamlessly flows into an impressive dining room making the entertaining spaces spectacular. Each of the entertaining rooms has oversized, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Park and are easily accessible from the large chef's kitchen. See floor plan and full details here. 160-Central-Park-South-04

All images of 69 East 93rd Street via Compass 69-East-93rd-Street-04

From the Listing: Offered for sale for the first time together are two sophisticated and landmarked townhouses designed by the renowned architectural firm of Delano & Aldrich, and once owned by prominent businessmen George F. Baker, Jr. (who built the houses in 1929 and 1931) and later by DLJ co-founder, Richard H. Jenrette, the noted preservationist.

Delano & Aldrich were the leading architects for New York's elite during the first three decades of the 20th century, including the Rockefellers, Vanderbilts, Astors, and Whitneys. Intact urban residences by the firm are exceedingly rare, many that survive having been converted to institutional use. Perfectly preserved, with spectacular proportions and original architectural details, fixtures and fittings, the houses include a double-height five-car parking garage - one of the largest private residential garages in the city - a majestic garden-facing classical colonnade, and elegant interior details like a stunning round staircase and an oval dining room. See floor plan and full details here.

All images of 993 Fifth Avenue via Brown Harris Stevens 993-Fifth-Avenue-02

From the Listing: The Penthouse at 993 Fifth Avenue is amongst the most significant penthouses to be available in over three decades. A stunning example of the grand scale, elegant proportions, and admirable floorplans that made Emery Roth one of the pre-eminent architects of the pre-war era, this home has soaring ceilings and incredible architecture. Spanning over 5,500 square feet inside, this 12-room home occupies the entire top two floors of 993 Fifth Avenue, with stunning views and brilliant light on all four sides. See full details here. 993-Fifth-Avenue-04

All images of 12 East 63rd Street via Corcoran 12-East-63rd-Street-03

From the Listing: Prepare to have all your concepts of space, design, luxury, and innovation completely revolutionized by this spectacular seven-story mansion.

This newly transformed residence delivers a premium property experience crafted on a scale and magnitude that will leave you speechless with its stunning interior design by Thierry W Despont LLD while making a statement in architectural mastery by Pierre Yves Rochon.

Cascading over seven luxurious levels, the trophy Upper East Side townhouse is ideal for those who love to entertain and features over 13,000 square feet of internal space including 7 bedrooms, 8.5 bathrooms, and an internal elevator that connects each level from the basement to your own private rooftop garden. An entire floor primary suite comes complete with a separate dining space, a luxurious primary bathroom, and access to its own private garden terrace. See floor plan and full details here.