117 West 85th Street

About this property

117 West 85th Street is an historic three-family brownstone designed and constructed in 1891 by the architect John G. Prague in the Queen Anne and Renaissance Revival styles. The current configuration is a spacious owner’s triplex with two one-bedroom floor-throughs above, spread across five floors.

This home provides the unique opportunity for comfortable family living in the owner’s triplex, while covering expenses with income from the floor-through rentals above. The bright and airy triplex, which occupies the garden, parlor and third floors of the building, features four bedrooms, a home office, and two private outdoors spaces including the tranquil garden. The soaring ceilings are enhanced by stunning original details, provided by the builder and by the 1904 purchaser/owner/prominent architect, Robert Allen Jacobs, whose family resided here for over 30 years. The interior has been beautifully maintained and restored throughout. The current owners added a wine room and cedar closets in the cellar. Alternatively, the house provides the opportunity to convert to a single family home today or in the future as the owner needs more space.

The market rent one-bedroom apartments are each currently rented for $4,000/month, consist of large bedrooms and living rooms, abundant natural light, and great ceiling heights. The fourth floor unit has a private terrace, while the fifth floor apartment has updated finishes and a washer/dryer in-unit. Leases expire 8/31/23.

This townhome is conveniently located in close proximity to Central and Riverside Parks, excellent schools, fine dining and retail, The Museum of Natural History, and public transportation. Live in style while covering a significant portion of your expenses in this historic 3-unit brownstone in the heart of the Upper West Side.