The Upper West Side’s Collegiate School located at 260 – 262 West 78th Street, and the neighboring building 378 West End Ave., owned by the West End Collegiate Church, was sold for $158 million to Alchemy Properties last week. Alchemy properties is a New York real estate development and investment firm, whose portfolio encompasses a number of luxury residential buildings, and is currently working on the Woolworth Tower Residences on 2 Park Place. Alchemy Properties has partnered with a South Korean investment firm, Daishin Securities, to finance the endeavor.
The Collegiate School was established in this location in 1892 and now has been relocated to 301 Freedom Place South. The School’s 378 West End Ave. location will be torn down and transformed into a 19-story condo featuring over 60 units. The plot located at 260 – 262 West 78th Street will also be demolished and developers will construct a new 12-story building. In addition to the residential space, the developments will feature 20,000 square feet of space for amenities, such as a swimming pool, sports facilities and children’s playroom.
COOKFOX Architects will be responsible for the designs of both buildings and ensure the buildings integrate and comply with the West End-Collegiate Historic District. COOKFOX is known for its sustainable and environmentally friendly designs. The building has been recognized as a New York City Landmark since 1967, and was subsequently given recognition on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. COOKFOX’s new designs were initially approved by the Landmarks Preservation Commission in 2015 to construct 66 residential units and the architects intend to create large, masonry windows to match the style of the neighborhood.[1]
A partner at COOKFOX, Rick Cook, explained in 2015 that their intention is to “create a beautiful design that supports the healthiest possible living environment” and they have “crafted a sculpted massing with intimate terrace gardens that connect residents with nature, and provide a finely detailed backdrop to the gem of West End Collegiate Church and the historic Upper West Side.”[2]
[1]Warerkar, T. (Sept. 12, 2018) “Historic Upper West Side School will Become a 19-Story Condo.” Curbed New York. Available at: https://ny.curbed.com/2018/9/12/17850140/upper-west-side-collegiate-school-condo-conversion. Accessed on Sept. 12. 2018.
[2] Warerkar, T. (Dec. 8, 2015) “UWS Collegiate School Conversion Gets Landmarks Approval.” Curbed New York. Available at: https://ny.curbed.com/2015/12/8/9893050/uws-collegiate-school-conversion-gets-landmarks-approval. Accessed on Sept. 12, 2018.