The $13 Million Secret Of 190 Riverside Drive NY: 5 Things You Didn't Know About This UWS Landmark
The address 190 Riverside Drive in New York City is more than just a location; it is a legendary piece of Upper West Side real estate history, a prewar condominium with a striking limestone façade and a pedigree that attracts Manhattan’s elite. As of December 23, 2025, this iconic building remains a benchmark for luxury living, recently grabbing headlines for a high-profile celebrity departure that underscores its enduring value and prestige.
Situated on a quiet, highly coveted corner overlooking the expansive greenery of Riverside Park, this 11-story landmark is a masterclass in classic New York architecture, blending Gilded Age elegance with modern luxury amenities. From its 1908 origins to its recent multi-million-dollar transactions, the building at 190 Riverside Drive continues to define the pinnacle of Upper West Side charm and exclusivity.
190 Riverside Drive: Building Biography and Key Facts
The building itself is the primary entity of interest, a storied structure with a rich history that contributes significantly to the character of the Upper West Side (UWS) neighborhood.
- Full Address: 190 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10024.
- Location: Northeast corner of Riverside Drive and West 91st Street.
- Building Type: Prewar Condominium.
- Year Built: 1908 (Some records cite 1910).
- Architect: Ralph Townsend.
- Architectural Style: Neo-Renaissance, characterized by a handsome limestone façade and classic prewar details.
- Number of Stories: 11 floors.
- Number of Units: 54 apartments.
- Amenities: Full-time doorman, live-in superintendent, and private storage.
- Landmark Status: The building is considered a landmarked property, contributing to the historic character of the area.
The Architectural Pedigree of Ralph Townsend
The enduring appeal of 190 Riverside Drive is deeply rooted in its classic Neo-Renaissance design, a signature style of the Gilded Age. The building was designed by architect Ralph Townsend, a notable figure whose work shaped the early 20th-century streetscape of Manhattan.
A Study in Prewar Elegance
Completed in 1908, the structure stands as a testament to the quality and grandeur of prewar construction. Its exterior is distinguished by a stately limestone façade that captures the refined aesthetic of the era. Although the main entrance is technically on West 91st Street, the building adopted the more prestigious "190 Riverside Drive" address, immediately signaling its status as a premier residence overlooking Riverside Park.
The apartments within the building are known for their spacious layouts, high ceilings, original hardwood floors, and exquisite prewar details, such as decorative moldings and oversized windows that frame spectacular views of the park and the Hudson River.
This commitment to architectural integrity and luxury finishes is why units at 190 Riverside Drive consistently command high prices in the competitive Manhattan real estate market. The blend of historical charm and modern condominium convenience—including a full-time doorman and live-in super—makes it a highly sought-after address for discerning buyers.
The $13 Million Penthouse Sale and Celebrity Connection
The most recent and significant news concerning 190 Riverside Drive revolves around a major celebrity real estate transaction: the sale of the building's penthouse unit. This event not only made headlines but also provided a fresh data point on the value of luxury Manhattan properties in the current market.
Amy Schumer's "Manhattan Dream Apartment"
The famous resident associated with the penthouse is actress and comedian Amy Schumer. Schumer purchased the unit in 2016, famously calling it her "Manhattan dream apartment."
Details of the penthouse unit (PH) are impressive, befitting its status as the crown jewel of the building:
- Size: Approximately 4,500 square feet.
- Features: The sprawling unit reportedly included five bedrooms, a massive private terrace, and unparalleled panoramic views of the city skyline and the river.
Schumer's tenure at the address drew significant media attention to the building, solidifying its status as a residence for high-profile individuals on the Upper West Side.
The Record-Breaking Transaction
In a major real estate move that was widely reported, Amy Schumer listed the penthouse for sale. The unit was initially asking for $15 million, and it quickly went under contract, demonstrating strong demand for this type of luxury property.
The final sale price, as reported by various sources, was approximately $13 million. This multi-million-dollar transaction highlights the robust nature of the luxury real estate market in the UWS, particularly for unique, view-rich properties like the penthouse at 190 Riverside Drive. The sale price serves as a crucial metric for the valuation of other prime properties in the area, including the active listings like Unit #4C, a spacious 5-bedroom, 4-bath condo currently listed for $6,950,000.
The Undeniable Appeal of the Upper West Side Location
The prestige of 190 Riverside Drive is inseparable from its prime Upper West Side location. The building sits on a quiet, residential stretch of Riverside Drive, offering residents immediate access to one of Manhattan's most beautiful green spaces: Riverside Park.
Riverside Park and Neighborhood Amenities
Residents of 190 Riverside Drive enjoy a lifestyle defined by tranquility and convenience. Riverside Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted (co-designer of Central Park), provides miles of waterfront paths for jogging, biking, and leisurely strolls along the Hudson River. The park’s proximity is a major selling point, with many units boasting direct, protected park views.
The building is also strategically located near the cultural and commercial hubs of the UWS. The area around West 91st Street offers easy access to:
- Cultural Institutions: The American Museum of Natural History and Lincoln Center are a short distance away.
- Dining and Shopping: The vibrant commercial corridors of Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue are filled with high-end restaurants, boutique shops, and gourmet food markets like Zabar’s.
- Transportation: Excellent access to the 1, 2, and 3 subway lines ensures a quick commute to Midtown and Downtown Manhattan.
The combination of classic Neo-Renaissance architecture, a full-service prewar condominium experience, and an unparalleled location overlooking Riverside Park ensures that 190 Riverside Drive will remain a highly desirable and newsworthy address for decades to come.
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