20 distinguished Manhattan co-op buildings
The Eldorado brings an Art Deco silhouette to the reservoir end of Central Park West. Its location and twin towers make it a distinct alternative to the buildings farther south.
- Address
- 300 Central Park West
- Location
- Central Park West
- Ownership
- Cooperative
- Architect
- Margon & Holder; consulting architect Emery Roth
- Completed
- 1931
Architecture and building history
The Eldorado, also written El Dorado, was completed in 1931 between West 90th and 91st Streets. Margon & Holder were the architects of record, with Emery Roth as consulting architect. Its paired towers and geometric ornament belong to the Art Deco period.
The building stands across from the northern portion of the park, near the reservoir. Compare its setting on its own terms. The longer distance from Midtown is part of the location decision, alongside access to the park and the residential blocks west of the avenue.
What to compare in the apartment
The two towers do not make every apartment a tower apartment. Establish whether the residence is in the base, a setback level or an upper tower, and study the room arrangement in that position.
Look closely at the width and orientation of the main rooms. Park frontage, side-street light and views over neighboring roofs can each shape the apartment differently. For outdoor space, verify the proprietary rights and repair allocation rather than relying on the presence of a terrace on a plan.
The location
West 90th Street places the Eldorado in the northern part of the traditional Central Park West co-op corridor. A viewing should include a walk to the reservoir and the nearby shopping streets so the location is judged against your own routine.
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
Base versus tower position, reservoir-side exposure and the usable dimensions of the main rooms.
Compare this building with The Beresford, The Majestic. 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.