Milton Coste

Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker

(917) 416-7433

SOLD FOR $830,000

· Closed February 2, 2017

523 W 121ST Street #52
Closed For Sale Co-op

$830,000

$830 per sq ft

523 W 121ST Street #52

Morningside Heights, Manhattan

SPENCER APARTMENTS INC.

MLS® #RLS10474489

RLS at REBNY

Listing by The Corcoran Group

2

Bedrooms

1

Bath

1,000

Sq. Ft.

1926

Year Built

Quick Summary

Bedrooms 2
Bathrooms 1
Living Area 1,000 sq ft
Year Built 1926
Ownership Co-op
Maintenance $1,303.47/mo
Neighborhood Morningside Heights
Floor 5

Property Highlights

  • Exposure: North facing
  • Style: Prewar architecture
  • Climate Control: Window Units

Property Details

Type Co-op
Ownership Stock Cooperative
Total Rooms 5
Baths 1 Full
Floor 5
Exposure North
Cooling Window Units
Pets Yes
Cross Street Broadway & Amsterdam Ave.
Year Built 1926
Living Area 1,000 sq ft
Architectural Style Prewar
Parcel # 1976-0013-00523-000-0000052

Listing History

Event Date Price Change
Listed Aug 11, 2016 $890,000 -
Price Reduced Nov 2, 2016 $859,000 -3.5%
Currently Jun 3, 2026 $830,000 -3.4%

Description

Rarely does a 2 bedroom apartment come to the market at The Spencer, one of New York's first co-op buildings, in the much sought-after Columbia University/Morningside Heights neighborhood. Currently configured as an extra large 23ft. 1 bedroom/office, it can easily be restored to the original 2 bedroom layout (and possible 3 BRs). Through the entryway you immediately notice the first of many original pre-war details; transom doors, a loft-like living/dining room with beautiful wainscoting, crown moldings and high ceilings. Facing North provides all day sunlight. The updated kitchen is large enough to fit a small dining table. A long hallway, perfect to display your artwork or photos, leads to the bathroom with its original clawfoot tub and the bedroom area.

The Spencer was built in 1904, designed by the renouned architect George F. Pelham following the relocation of Columbia University in 1897. Located on a quiet tree-lined street between Riverside and Morningside Parks, just off Broadway with easy access to the 1 A C B and D trains and up/downtown buses at the corner.

The building provides every service you could desire with full-time door staff, live-in super, FREE private storage, bike room, central laundry and daily mail delivery right to your door. This is a pet friendly 100% shareholder owned building. A Pre-War Gem not to be missed!

Features & Amenities

Interior Features

Eat In Kitchen Common Area

Building Information

Financial Details

Maintenance $1,303.47/mo
Original Price $890,000
Sale Price $830,000
Previous Price $859,000

About Morningside Heights

View All Morningside Heights Listings

Morningside Heights is often referred to as the 'Academic Acropolis' of New York, home to Columbia University and the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. Perched on a plateau between Riverside and Morningside Parks, the neighborhood offers a scholarly and serene atmosphere. The real estate market is dominated by grand pre-war cooperatives with high ceilings and classic details, catering to those who appreciate historic architecture and green space.

Morningside Heights Live Market Data

View Neighborhood

Active Listings

54

Median Asking Price

$1.01M

Median $/Sqft

$1,485

Avg Days on Market

N/A

New This Week

1

Price Reduced

35%

Sold (30 Days)

8

Median Sale Price

$1.12M

Live data from RLS at REBNY • Updated 6/3/26, 4:45 AM EST

Similar Listings in Morningside Heights

View All

Location

Loading map...

523 W 121ST Street #52, Morningside Heights, New York County • Near Broadway & Amsterdam Ave.

Floor Plans

Floor Plan 1
Floor Plan 2

Building Information

Official NYC property records for this building

1926
Year Built
100 years old
6
Floors
24
Residential Units
R8
Zoning District
Elevator Apartments

Tax & Assessment

Assessed Value: $1,873,350
Land Value: $287,550
Exemptions: $11,450

Note: Individual unit taxes may differ. Verify current tax bills with NYC DOF.

Lot Area: 6,728 SF
Building Area: 28,668 SF
Built FAR: 4.26
Allowed FAR: 6.02

Source: NYC PLUTO (Primary Land Use Tax Lot Output), NYC Department of City Planning (data.cityofnewyork.us)

Want help estimating ownership costs or understanding building compliance? Let's discuss

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this property

The current listed monthly maintenance are $1,303.47 per month. Confirm the exact amount with the listing broker before making an offer.

This property has 2 bedrooms and 1 full bathroom.

The listed interior living area is 1,000 square feet. Verify dimensions independently during due diligence.

According to MLS records, the building was constructed in 1926, making it approximately 100 years old.

This listing is a co-op (stock cooperative). Buyers purchase shares in a corporation rather than real property, and the board must approve all sales.

Pets are permitted at this property. Contact the listing broker for weight limits or breed restrictions.

At the current list price of $830,000 for 1,000 sq ft, the asking price per square foot is approximately $830. This figure is for reference only and may differ from appraised or assessed values.

To schedule a private showing, contact Milton Coste at (917) 416-7433 or [email protected]. Per REBNY guidelines effective 2025, a Buyer Representation Agreement is required before a buyer's broker can show you properties. You may attend open houses independently without one.

Have a question not answered here?

(917) 416-7433
MLS® ID: RLS10474489
First Listed: 8/11/2016
Price Changed: 11/2/2016
Closed: 2/2/2017
Contract Date: 8/11/2016

Listing Courtesy of The Corcoran Group - Nancy Brennan

Listing Contact: (917) 568-7701

Listing information for certain New York City properties provided courtesy of the Real Estate Board of New York's Residential Listing Service (the "RLS"). The information contained in this listing has not been verified by the RLS and should be verified by the consumer. The listing information provided here is for the consumer's personal, non-commercial use. Retransmission, redistribution or copying of this listing information is strictly prohibited except in connection with a consumer's consideration of the purchase and/or sale of an individual property. This listing information is not verified for authenticity or accuracy and is not guaranteed and may not reflect all real estate activity in the market. ©2026 The Real Estate Board of New York, Inc., all rights reserved. This advertisement does not suggest that the broker has a listing in this property or properties or that any property is currently available.

Broker Commission Disclosure: Broker commissions are not set by law and are fully negotiable.

Buyer Notice: Planning to work with a buyer's broker? A Buyer Representation Agreement is required before your broker can show you properties, per REBNY/UCBA guidelines (effective 2025). You may attend open houses independently without one.

RLS at REBNY

RLS Data display by Keller Williams NYC. Data last updated on 6/3/2026 at 8:45 AM UTC

Buying a Co-op? Start Here

Co-op vs. Condo: Which Is Right for You?

Ownership structure, board approval, financing: the full comparison.

Read article

How to Ace Your Co-op Board Interview

What boards look for, common questions, and how to prepare.

Read article

HDFC Co-ops: Complete Guide

Income limits, resale caps, and how to qualify for affordable co-ops.

Read article

NYC Real Estate Market Report 2026

Data-driven analysis of prices, inventory, and trends across NYC.

Read article

Interested in this property?

Your info is secure and never shared.

View Active Listings Call Milton