Updated 13 hours ago
In contract

The Spencer

523 West 121st Street, 2

Morningside Heights, Manhattan | Amsterdam Ave & Broadway

5 Rooms2 Beds1 Bath900 Square FeetCo-op

$749,000
Maintenance$1,782
Price Per SF
$832

Listing Features

  • Abundant Closets
  • Hardwood Floors
  • High Ceilings [9.6']
  • Moldings
  • Original Details
  • Storage Closet
  • Wainscoting
  • Walk-in Closet
  • Oversized Windows
  • Windowed Kitchen
  • Jacuzzi Tub

Outdoor space and views

  • North Exposure
  • South Exposure

Building Amenities

  • Full-Time Doorman
  • Bike Storage
  • Elevator
  • Laundry Room
  • Storage

Policies

  • Pets Allowed

Property Description for 523 West 121st Street, 2

Welcome to this beautifully detailed 2-bedroom, 1-bath home in the heart of Morningside Heights, located on West 121st Street between Broadway and Amsterdam. With generous proportions, classic pre-war character, and the flexibility to explore a potential 3-bedroom configuration, this home offers the space, charm, and long-term versatility that is increasingly hard to find in Manhattan.

The apartment opens with a gracious foyer and leads into a massive living and dining area that was formerly configured as separate living and formal dining rooms. Today, the space lives beautifully as an expansive open entertaining area, with tall ceilings, hardwood floors, oversized windows, and rich pre-war details throughout. The scale of the room also creates a compelling opportunity for buyers to consider an alternate 3-bedroom layout, while still preserving comfortable living and dining space.

Original-style wainscoting, transoms, picture moldings, and substantial base moldings add warmth and architectural texture throughout the home. These details give the apartment a sense of character and craftsmanship that newer homes often lack, while the current layout provides the openness and functionality today's buyers want.

The windowed kitchen offers excellent storage, abundant countertop space, wood cabinetry, and a practical layout that makes everyday cooking easy. Both existing bedrooms are true bedrooms, and the home also offers abundant closet space, including a walk-in closet. The beautifully tiled bathroom features a Jacuzzi tub.

A major added benefit is the large private storage closet included with the sale. Unlike a typical storage bin, this is a robust private storage space with built-in shelving, making it especially useful for seasonal items, luggage, sports equipment, bulk household goods, or anything you want close by but out of the apartment.

Set within a lovely turn-of-the-century elevator co-op, the building offers attended front desk coverage, a live-in super, in-building laundry, bike storage, and pet-friendly policies welcoming both dogs and cats. Mail is delivered directly to each owner's door, adding another layer of convenience.

Perfectly positioned between the Upper West Side and Harlem, Morningside Heights offers a rare mix of neighborhood charm, architectural beauty, green space, and cultural energy. Enjoy easy access to Columbia University, Barnard College, Teachers College, Morningside Park, Riverside Park, local cafes, restaurants, Saturday farmers markets, and world-class cultural institutions. The 1, A, B, C, and D subway lines are all within reach, making this a highly convenient Manhattan home with space, character, flexibility, and strong long-term appeal.


Listing History for 523 West 121st Street, 2

Now
07/31/2026
Contract Signed by Stanley Montfort
Serhant LLC
06/27/2026
$749,000 [-$50,000] [6.3%]
Price Drop by Stanley Montfort
Serhant LLC

Building Details for 523 West 121st Street

OwnershipCo-op
Building TypeLow-Rise
Service LevelFull-Time Doorman
AgePre-War
AccessElevator
Year Built1926
Financing Allowed80%
Floors/Apts6/24
Learn More About the Building

Transit and Citi Bike

Subway

116 St-Columbia University
0.31 miles
125 St
0.36 miles
125 St
0.37 miles
116 St
0.44 miles

Citi Bike

Morningside Dr & Amsterdam Ave
0.11 miles
Amsterdam Ave & W 119 St
0.13 miles

Building Availability

APPSF
Median
Average
$832
$749,000
$749,000

Two Beds in Morningside Heights

APPSF
Median
Average
$1,555
$1,900,000
$1,667,211
$1,260
$1,122,000
$1,392,700

Morningside Heights | Manhattan

Quick Profile

Due to the large number of institutes of higher learning that are housed within its borders, most notably Columbia University, Morningside Heights has a very definite college-town vibe. It has been dubbed the “Academic Acropolis,” both for the large number of schools and for the fact that the neighborhood is built high atop the Manhattan schist bluffs that are the geological bedrock of NYC. From this vantage point, which is the highest point of land in all of Manhattan, you can take in stunning views of upper Manhattan and the Hudson River. Sunsets are especially breathtaking from Riverside Park.

Walk through Morningside Heights and you’ll see a diverse population, especially when the schools are in session. It has a generally quiet atmosphere, bounded by large green spaces, dotted with small cafes, specialty stores, and restaurants that offer all manner of international cuisine. There is a modest nightlife consisting of intimate bars and small musical venues, many of which are open to the wee hours of the morning, and frequented by students.

Housing is primarily pre-war buildings that have larger apartments and beautiful architecture clustered around Broadway. You can find affordable walk-ups in low-rise buildings on the side streets. Many of the residential buildings in the area actually are owned by Columbia University.

All information furnished regarding property for sale, rental or financing is from sources deemed reliable, but no warranty or representation is made as to the accuracy thereof and same is submitted subject to errors, omissions, change of price, rental or other conditions, prior sale, lease or financing or withdrawal without notice. All dimensions are approximate. For exact dimensions, you must hire your own architect or engineer.
OLR ID: 46983