Billionaires’ Row is a nickname for a stretch of ultra-luxury residential skyscrapers located along or near 57th Street in Midtown Manhattan, just south of Central Park. These buildings are known for their record-breaking prices, stunning panoramic views of the city and Central Park, and exclusive amenities that rival a five-star hotel.
Key Characteristics of Billionaires’ Row
- Supertall Towers: Many of the buildings are «supertalls», meaning they are over 1,000 feet (300 meters) tall. This height allows for unparalleled views and is a result of creative engineering and the city’s zoning policies.
- Luxury Condominiums: The towers are primarily luxury condominiums, not co-ops. This distinction is important because it allows for more anonymous ownership through shell companies and trusts, which is appealing to many of the buildings’ wealthy international and domestic buyers.
- Price Tags: Apartments in these buildings can cost tens of millions of dollars, with penthouses selling for over $100 million. The area is home to some of the most expensive residences ever sold in New York City and the United States.
- Amenities: Residents have access to an impressive suite of amenities, which can include private restaurants, swimming pools, fitness centers, screening rooms, private parks, and 24-hour concierge service.
- Controversy: The rise of Billionaires’ Row has been met with some controversy. Critics point to the fact that many of the units sit empty for much of the year, functioning as “safe deposit boxes” for the ultra-wealthy. There have also been concerns raised about the shadows these towers cast on Central Park and the surrounding neighborhoods.
Notable Buildings on Billionaires’ Row
While the term has been extended to other nearby buildings, the core of Billionaires’ Row is centered on a few key towers.
- Central Park Tower (217 West 57th Street): The tallest residential building in the world, standing at 1,550 feet.
- 111 West 57th Street (Steinway Tower): Known as the most slender skyscraper in the world, this architectural marvel combines a modern tower with the historic Steinway Hall.
- One57 (157 West 57th Street): One of the first buildings to launch the Billionaires’ Row boom. It includes a Park Hyatt hotel and lavish residences.
- 432 Park Avenue: Famous for its distinctive minimalist, grid-like design and a prominent early addition to the skyline’s new supertalls.
- 220 Central Park South: A limestone-clad tower with a more traditional aesthetic, it is home to some of the most expensive and secretive sales in the city.
- 53 West 53rd Street (MoMA Tower): A residential tower that rises above the Museum of Modern Art, it features a unique design and access to MoMA’s amenities.
Billionaires’ Row is a symbol of New York City’s evolving skyline and its status as a hub for global wealth and luxury real estate.
