20 distinguished Manhattan co-op buildings
720 Park Avenue belongs in a search for substantial prewar apartments along the lower residential stretch of Park Avenue.
- Address
- 720 Park Avenue
- Location
- Park Avenue
- Ownership
- Cooperative
- Architect
- Rosario Candela and Cross & Cross
- Completed
- Late 1920s
Architecture and building history
Rosario Candela and Cross & Cross designed 720 Park Avenue at East 70th Street in the late 1920s. The building is part of the concentrated run of prewar apartment houses that established this section of the avenue's residential character.
Its significance lies in the apartment planning as well as the exterior. The building's corner site offers several directions of exposure, while the relationship between entrance rooms, entertaining areas and bedrooms is central to understanding the homes inside.
What to compare in the apartment
Start with the full plan rather than the total number of rooms. Check the width of the living and dining rooms, the route from the entrance and the separation of bedroom and service areas.
Compare a duplex with a single-level apartment according to how you will use it. Internal stairs take space and change everyday circulation. Where a residence has been altered, confirm which walls, kitchens and bathrooms have moved and review the approved plans with your attorney and architect.
The location
The East 70th Street corner is close to the southern end of the residential Park Avenue corridor. Compare its position with 740 and 778 Park, including the walk west toward the park and the routes to Madison and Lexington Avenues.
Services, maintenance and purchase requirements
Request the current service schedule and maintenance breakdown for the apartment. Establish which services are included, which carry separate charges and whether storage or other ancillary space transfers with the shares.
A co-op purchase involves shares in the building corporation and a proprietary lease. Have your attorney review the financial statements, minutes, insurance and any assessment notices. Confirm the current requirements for financing, liquidity, intended occupancy, ownership structure, subletting and renovations with the managing agent. Published summaries can lag the governing documents.
Compare the complete cost of ownership with the apartment’s condition and the work you intend to do. A recognizable address does not establish the condition of the home or the co-op’s finances.
Where it fits on a shortlist
Entrance galleries, entertaining-room dimensions and the practical difference between duplex and single-level plans.
Compare this building with The Prasada, 740 Park Avenue. The top-20 co-op guide explains the wider selection.
For purchase steps, read buying an apartment in NYC and the co-op versus condo guide. For market-wide inventory, use the 100 newest Manhattan co-op listings.
Discuss an apartment in this building
Tell us the space you need, your timing and how you intend to use the home. We can help assess relevant availability and compare the building with other co-ops on your shortlist.
Architecture and image sources
Image author and license are credited with the photograph. Building descriptions cover architecture and purchase considerations; current availability and co-op policies require individual confirmation.