Building: 7 Gracie Square

7 Gracie Square is a pre-war cooperative built in 1929, located between East End Avenue and the East River. Gracie Square is the equivalent of East 84th Street, and was given that name in the late 1920’s. This 16-story red brick apartment house was developed by Canadian muralist, Arthur W. Crisp. Crisp selected the firm George B. Post & Sons to be the primary architects on the project, bringing on Rosario Candela as the consulting architect, which added to the building’s phenomenal architectural pedigree.

For most of the first two stories, a tan marble base contrasts the red brick upper floors. The buildings excited brickwork brings much attention to the facade, which overlooks the south side of Carl Schurz Park. In 1993, the facade was painstakingly replaced and upgraded, one brick at a time. At the street level, the building’s entryway retains its original iron and brass details, inviting residents home through one of the most unique sets of double doors in the entire city. The entryway, purportedly designed by Crisp, is described by The New York Times’ Christopher Gray as “a frenzy of swirling shapes in brass and iron, plated with zinc, nickel and cadmium, populated by gazelles, elephants and sinuous plants.” It is a sight to behold, and was also immaculately restored and preserved.

One person who surely marveled at this entryway as part of his daily routine was New York’s “master builder,” Robert Moses. According to newspaper reports, he was essentially running his 1934 Gubernatorial campaign from his 14th floor apartment. Most floors are arranged into three apartments, with two facing the park to the north, and one facing the south. There are duplex layouts on several floors, and apartments included wood burning fire places in the living rooms. The building also has two maisonettes, one bearing the name “Crisp” in a wrought iron window grille, a testament to its former occupant and the developer of the building.

Currently, the building has a 24-hour doorman, full time super, and a fitness center and laundry. The building allows for 50% financing and the transfer fee is 2%, payable by the buyer. The building is pet friendly.

Building Description Provided by Christian Emanuel