New York Times article about Bergdorf Goodman

Indeed it is.

EDIT: Although Saul fell on hard times and had to sell it to Steven Schwarzman. Poor guy.

998 5th is by far the grandest apartment building in the city. My best friend lives there, and I can say that it puts to shame large suburban mansions and even my (former)townhouse. It was actually the first luxury apartment building in the city, with designs previously (and often still today) only found in the largest of NYC mansions. If anyone has the opportunity to glance in even to the lobby, you will be able to imagine some of the upper floors. Be careful though, they've recently upped security on the block - the Sultan of Brunei has several (. ) townhouses on the block as well.

Indeed it is.

EDIT: Although Saul fell on hard times and had to sell it to Steven Schwarzman. Poor guy.

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Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy.

Historically, #1 was the Hutton triplex at 1107 5th. Â The building is still there, but the apartment was cut to ribbons years ago. Â Great story behind it. Â Mrs. (E. F.) Hutton lived in a huge house on the site. Â Developers begged her to sell so they could erect an apartment building on the site. Â She agreed on condition that they recreate her house room for room on the top three floors. Â They did it. Â At 54 rooms and lord-knows-how-many square feet, it is believed to be the largest apartment ever built anywhere. Â It not only had its own entrance on 92nd Street, but its own porte-cochere whch only she could use. Â Hardly any other buildings have one of these at all. #2 is the Rockefeller triplex at 834 Fifth. Â The building is sort of a jumble on the outside, but a masterpiece inside. #3 is the Rockefeller (different one) triplex in 740 Park. #4 I would say is the (long gone) William Randolf Hearst pad on Riverside Drive. #5 is the triplex mansionette at 666 Park. Â Actually a part of 660 Park, it nonetheless has a separate entrance and address. I've read about the Brisbane apartment in the Ritz Tower, but never seen a floorplan (or been invited up, heh). Â Ditto the triplex at the top of the Pierre. Â I think the penthouse at 1 Beekman place is very impressive.

998 5th is by far the grandest apartment building in the city.

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I wouldn't go so far as to say "by far."  There are a handful that give it a run for its (considerable) money.  It is damned impressive, however.

It was actually the first luxury apartment building in the city

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Not exactly.  It would be more precise to say that it was the first East Side building built specifically to attract the limestone-townhouse-dwelling upper class.  Other luxury apartment buildings came before, but 998 was the first intended to replace the townhouse with no corners cut.

And what's your take on the building on 92nd and 5th? Damn apartment had a front hall that could give Versailles a run for its money.

God damn I feel poor. And ghetto.

Susan Gutfreund: http://www.newyorksocialdiary.com/list/105.php

Susan Gutfreund: http://www.newyorksocialdiary.com/list/105.php

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He took a lot from the Brothers. Saw him last summer and he said he was trying to get rid of most of his possessions, but his wife was still buying.

Yeah, didn't he get paid a bunch when he was forced out of SB? Can't remember if that was in Liar's Poker or not. I need to re-read that one.

Yeah, didn't he get paid a bunch when he was forced out of SB? Can't remember if that was in Liar's Poker or not. I need to re-read that one.

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Yeah, and he made a ton when he sold to Phibro as well. I went through that program. A lot of fun.

Dumb non-Manhattan resident question:

What does $1M get you in certain neighborhoods (include sq ft)?

ie, Upper East Side - 2br, 1,000 sq ft, doorman bldg, view of Central Park

Upper West Side - 2br, 1500 sq ft, no doorman, view of park

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It was actually the first luxury apartment building in the city
Not exactly. Â It would be more precise to say that it was the first East Side building built specifically to attract the limestone-townhouse-dwelling upper class. Â Other luxury apartment buildings came before, but 998 was the first intended to replace the townhouse with no corners cut.
You are correct, Manton, with your more qualifying statements.

Dumb non-Manhattan resident question:

What does $1M get you in certain neighborhoods (include sq ft)?

ie, Upper East Side - 2br, 1,000 sq ft, doorman bldg, view of Central Park

Upper West Side - 2br, 1500 sq ft, no doorman, view of park

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One million would would be very lucky to find a park view... River sure, but I doubt park view.

Some studio apts. are being sold for $1 million now -