235 West 108th Street, 56

There's an agent saying an apartment is a "rare gem" — and then there's a rare gem. Exquisite textures and a rich palette of colors grace this House Beautiful-featured abode; look deeper and you'll discover a marvel of discerning design and functionality for the buyer to enjoy. Gut renovated by the owner in 2017, this spacious 2BR/1BA was rebuilt from the studs with its classic features intact: notably the four-square layout, reshaped to enlarge the primary bedroom; and original hardwood floors, mouldings, and tin-punched doors, refinished and repainted to a sheen. No detail was too small to perfect in the renovation, from the hidden cabinetry in the living room (revealing a deep utility closet), the floor-to-ceiling built-ins in the king-size primary bedroom (with their clever machinery to lever down a full length wardrobe), or the half-cut closet doors (to maximize both storage space and room to breathe) in the quiet second bed. Needless to say, the redesigned kitchen is top-of-the-line, with Carrera marble countertops, cabinet-clad Bosch dishwasher, custom stainless steel Liebherr refrigerator and 15" True wine fridge, and Bosch cooktop and stove. Cheery custom shelving is offset by the whimsical touch of hand-painted borders on the hardwood floor. The bathroom features a classic cast iron tub with modern tiling and vanity. Custom-built-in bookshelves and TV maximize space for a generous flow between living and dining. High ceilings an windows in every room (including kitchen and bath) bring an airy serenity to the whole. An uniquely joyful home in an ideal Manhattan Valley location, 235 West 108th Street is planted in one of the most desirable residential blocks in Manhattan Valley, nestled between three parks (Riverside, Central, and Morningside) with easy access to Columbia and Barnard and all the joys of a vibrant neighborhood. Located right off Broadway (and the 1 train at 110th), you'll be surrounded by iconic and delicious neighbors – like the Hungarian Pastry Shop, facing St. John's Cathedral and bordered by the Peoples Community Garden at 111th, or Community Food and Juice, Silver Moon Bakery, and Bookculture, with the Morningside Farmer's Market on Saturdays and breezy, tree-lined walkability on every day of the week. This pet-friendly, pre-war building was designed by Schneider & Herter and built during the residential housing boom in the area following Columbia University’s move uptown in 1897. The building includes 37 units over six stories, with a new laundry room and video security system being installed. Bike and storage units are available in the basement.