Updated 3 days ago
In contract

42 West 128th Street

Harlem, Manhattan | Fifth Ave & Lenox Ave

9 Rooms5 Beds7 Baths4,010 Square FeetMulti-Family

$2,700,000
floors / apts3 / 2
Lot Size20'x99'
Built Size20'x42'
ZoneR7-2
Building TypeHouse
RE Taxes$2,904
Price Per SF
$673

Outdoor space and views

  • Backyard
  • Deck
  • Garden
  • Patio
  • Terrace

Building Amenities

  • Garden
  • Pool
  • Sauna

Property Description for 42 West 128th Street

A rare opportunity to own a beautifully renovated two-family home in Harlem, offering an expansive four-bedroom owner’s triplex, a separate one-bedroom garden residence, a full-height lower recreation level, and an exceptionally large private backyard. Designed with an impressive 20-foot width and finished with remarkable attention to detail, this home combines generous proportions, sophisticated interiors, and extraordinary flexibility. No detail has been spared—recessed lighting runs throughout, and even the closets are thoughtfully illuminated. The owner’s triplex begins on the parlor floor with a dramatic, sun-filled great room that seamlessly unites the living, dining, and kitchen areas. Three tall front windows flood the living room with natural light, while wide-plank hardwood floors and extensive recessed lighting create a bright, refined atmosphere. The open layout offers exceptional scale for both comfortable everyday living and large gatherings. At the center of the home, the beautifully appointed kitchen features sleek natural-wood cabinetry, an oversized stone-topped island with a gas cooktop, double wall ovens, and a full-height refrigerator and freezer. Sculptural woven pendant lights add warmth above the island, while abundant cabinetry and preparation space make the kitchen as functional as it is visually striking. A beautifully crafted staircase with wood treads and ornate black ironwork serves as an architectural focal point and connects all three levels of the residence. At the rear of the parlor floor, broad glass doors open directly onto a substantial private deck—an outdoor living room ideal for dining, lounging, and entertaining. Stairs lead to the oversized backyard below, offering enough space to create multiple outdoor zones. There is room for gardening, recreation, a children’s play area, a seasonal pool, hot tub, sauna pod, or a combination of these while still preserving generous open space. The second floor is anchored by an impressive primary suite with the proportions of a true private retreat. Three tall windows provide abundant light, and the room easily accommodates a king-size bed as well as a separate sitting area. Two walk-in closets offer exceptional storage. The spa-like primary bathroom features a long double vanity, an expansive illuminated mirror, a freestanding soaking tub, and an oversized frameless glass-enclosed shower. The shower is finished with contrasting hexagonal tile and includes a rainfall showerhead, handheld fixture, built-in niche, and multiple controls. A second bedroom on this level also includes a spacious closet and its own en-suite bathroom with a tub. The top floor offers two additional light-filled bedrooms, each with a private en-suite bathroom and generous closet space. A dedicated laundry closet with a tiled floor is conveniently located on this level, together with an additional hallway closet for even more storage. In total, all four bedrooms within the owner’s residence enjoy the privacy of their own en-suite bathrooms. Comfort is enhanced by three-zone air conditioning, allowing each level of the triplex to be controlled independently. Skylight allows for the light to flood the house. The separate garden residence features one bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, an additional powder room, recessed lighting, split-system air conditioning, and direct access to the backyard. Below, a full-height lower level provides additional recreation space, a full bathroom, and its own laundry area. This flexible level is well suited for a media room, home gym, office, studio, playroom, guest area, or other permitted use. With its exceptional width, elegant renovation, multiple outdoor spaces, abundant storage, individual climate control, two laundry areas, and versatile two-family configuration, this turnkey Harlem home offers the scale and comfort of a private townhouse together with valuable income-producing potential. Conveniently located close to all transportation and everything the neighborhood has to offer, including restaurants, groceries, and entertainment, and is within a short distance of both Columbia University and City College. Harlem’s famous Restaurant Row, including Red Rooster, Barawine, Settepani, Sottocasa, Maison Harlem, Melba’s, Sylvia’s, and so much more, is also close by. Whole Foods and Trader Joes grocery stores are only 3 blocks away; also, Target is nearby. Ideally situated near the express 2/3, 4/5/6, A/C, and B/D trains, the home offers easy access to Midtown in as little as 15 minutes.

Listing History for 42 West 128th Street

Now
09/20/2026
Contract Signed by Shimaa Anwar
Compass
09/10/2026
$2,700,000
Initial Price by Shimaa Anwar
Compass

Building Details for 42 West 128th Street

OwnershipMulti-Family
Building TypeHouse
AgePre-War
AccessWalk-up
Year Built1899
Floors/Apts3/2
Learn More About the Building

Transit and Citi Bike

Subway

125 St
0.16 miles
135 St
0.38 miles
125 St
0.42 miles

Railroad

Harlem-125 StMetro-North Railroad
0.32 miles

Citi Bike

5 Ave & W 126 St
0.12 miles
Lenox Ave & W 126 St
0.13 miles

Harlem | Manhattan

Quick Profile

The neighborhood called West Harlem by the locals is known as Manhattanville to neighborhood newcomers. The area is culturally diverse and might be considered a microcosm of the city as a whole. 

Columbia University has recently expanded into the area, which is attracting student residents from all over the world. Together with students from the City College of New York and young professionals fleeing higher prices in other neighborhoods, this influx of younger residents has brought with it more restaurants and bars on W 125th Street to serve this clientele. There are also new ventures, like a rock-climbing gym, to cater to the interests of these students and young professionals. At the same time, there are many small, family-owned shops and restaurants that have been anchors of the neighborhood for multiple generations.

The area has been through a housing upgrade, as older properties have been renovated and abandoned properties have been razed to make room for new development. There are still reasonably priced apartments available. Young professionals are finding that there is a certain cachet to living in West Harlem. It provides a convenient commute to the city and all of its amenities, while providing a sense of escape at the end of a long work day.

While rentals are popular with the student population, the young professionals are delighted to find pre-war brownstones, pre-war co-ops (including some income-capped HDFCs for lower- and middle-income buyers), and post-war condos that they can afford, although prices are rising. Some new low-rise developments, sporting virtual doormen and desired amenities, are cropping up.

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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: 63122TH