Upper West Side school-to-condo conversion gets new renderings

It’s been more than three years since the Landmarks Preservation Commission gave the Upper West Side’s school-to-condo conversion at 555 West End Avenue the green light to move forward after a few modifications. It’s been quietly been making progress ever since, and finally, there are some new renderings and a teaser site that give an idea of what to expect from the finished product.

Dating back to 1908, the William A. Boring-designed building once served as the home of St. Agnes Boys High School, run by the Archdiocese of New York. Soon, it will be home to 13 condos, developed and designed by Cary Tamarkin, that combine the building’s vintage details with the architect/developer’s own understated style.

In a statement to Curbed, Tamarkin called the development a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” thanks to the building’s historic character. “With its fascinating history as a school, 555 West End Avenue has truly incredible architectural details and soaring interior spaces flooded with light, dramatic ceiling heights and oversized windows that you just can’t find anywhere else, certainly not in a new condominium,” he says.

Original details like limestone window bays, filigreed windows, parapets, and carved stone facade elements have been restored. The units range in size from three- to five-bedrooms, along with a rooftop penthouse, and finishes include 12-foot ceilings, eat-in kitchens with custom cabinetry that pays “homage to the building’s location on the Upper West Side,” walk-in pantries, and an abundance of sunlight.

Building amenities are set to include a 24-hour doorman, fitness center, recreation room, stroller valet, private individual storage rooms, and bike storage. And of course, these apartments won’t be cheap: Pricing will begin at $7.9 million, and condos are expected to hit the market this fall.