Building: 35 Park Avenue

35 Park Avenue was built by Anthony Campagna & Sons in 1955 and designed by father/son architect team Sylvan Bien and Robert L. Bien in the modernist style, featuring a beige-brick façade. The 19 story elevator building originally housed 145 units and shareholders cherish their views of the Park Avenue mall, Grand Central Station, East River, Murray Hill townhouse historic district, and the Chrysler and Empire State Buildings. The building converted to a cooperative in 1987. The original flyer advertisement for 35 Park noted, “distinctive apartments for easy housekeeping in the convenient Murray Hill section renowned for its residential character”, featuring “2-5 Rooms, Some with Terraces, Sunny – Expertly Planned – Ample Closets.” A highlight for the fall 1955 opening was Electric Dishwashers in every apartment in addition to through wall air-conditioning in living and bed rooms. Today the building features a full-time doorman, two laundry rooms, common garden and live-in superintendent. There is an onsite parking garage and monthly maintenance includes basic cable, heat, gas, and water. Washer/Dryer and Pets are not permitted. 70% financing allowed and there is currently a 1.5% flip tax.

Sylvan Bien’s most renowned building is the Hotel Carlyle. He also designed many art deco buildings before focusing on glazed white brick buildings in the modern box-like style of the early 1950s. Notable buildings include: 710 Park Ave., 737 Park Ave., 860 Fifth, 900 Fifth Ave., 910 Fifth Ave., Schwab House, Grolier Building, and the Beverly Hotel.

Description provided by Marc Schaeffer