Active Rain April 4, 2010

Upper Manhattan, NYC: Castle Village Co-op

Castle Village is the sort of apartment community that dispels the myth of New York City as the Concrete Jungle. Located in the Hudson Heights section of Upper Manhattan, it occupies a site where a castle once indeed stood, with a spectacular view of the Hudson River, George Washington Bridge, and the Palisades in New Jersey. Built in 1939, Castle Village has classic pre war architecture that gives it charm and warmth both on the exterior and the interior of the apartments.

Castle Village Arbor with George Washington Bridge View 

Co op apartments are a type of ownership that is virtually unique to New York, although they do exist in rare form elsewhere. Owners are technically stockholders in a corporation, who, depending on the amount of stock they own, get a proprietary lease to an apartment of commensurate value.  The monthly co op fees typically cover heat, maintenance and property taxes on the building. Because of that arrangement, the co op board has to approve owners and can mandate the type of down payment required, as well as the financial credentials of perspective shareholders. Being a shareholder not only entitles one to an apartment, but also the other many amenities the complex offers, such as the roof deck,community room, health club and children’s playroom & playgrounds.  

Castle Village North View 

Overall the whole complex spans 7.5 acres, and the courtyard has a well manicured lawn. The apartments are known for their Herringbone/parquet floors, classic designs and generous closet space. It is a pet-friendly community and all buildings have a doorman. Castle Village is walking distance to beautiful Fort Tryon Park and The Cloisters. There are 9 styles of apartments ranging from 1 to three bedroom units. Board approval is required for resales, or units owned by current investors, but “sponsor units” do not require board approval. The minimum down payment to become a stockholder is 10%.

Castle Village South View

There are 5 total buildings in Castle Village, and the prices for an apartment range from the 200’s for a studio to the 800,000 range for a 3 bedroom. There is a true community feel here. If you want Manhattan without Manhattan prices and a fantastic setting as well, put Castle Village at the top of the list.