440 RIVERSIDE Drive #121

Never before offered and never again possible to create, this home represents design and architectural gold atop the choice south-west corner of The Paterno - a most iconic Riverside Drive building. The building's best apartment is originally 8 rooms, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths (expandable), near 10ft ceilings, gorgeous period details, magnificent wood doors and paneling, and with an enfilade suite of Library, Living Room and Formal Dining Room all with glorious Southern exposures. The 3 bedrooms on this level enjoy side and direct river views. The eat-in chef's kitchen has a built-in breakfast booth, a large pantry with washer/dryer, and an abundance of storage and counter space. Central air conditioning is permitted with board approval. This marvelous space has been supremely enhanced by the addition of a huge rooftop penthouse with a massive skylight covering most of its immense floor area. The very special space can serve as studio, family room or even a primary bedroom. Both levels of this magnificent duplex are flooded with light all day long. The open views south and west are equal to the best on Riverside Drive. Capping this extraordinary home is direct access from the penthouse level to the building's spectacular furnished rooftop terrace. It is literally just steps away. The Paterno, designed by renowned Morningside Height's architects Schwartz & Gross, has since 1910 soared above the northwest corner of 116th Street and Riverside Drive with its elegant facade sweeping around towards picturesque Claremont Avenue and the architectural masterpiece Columbia University campus. Its porte cochere remains an exquisite entrance after more than a hundred years. The cavernous marble lobby with stained glass ceiling is a monument to the elegance of a bygone era and its history as one of the premier apartment houses in the area This well run and pet friendly, full service co-op features low maintenance, 24 hour doorman, live in super, bike room, storage and central laundry room. It is located in the heart of the flourishing Columbia University neighborhood, and on a particularly beautiful stretch of Riverside Park and architecturally outstanding buildings. The thriving area offers a multitude of superb living experiences and has unrivalled cultural and intellectual energy. There are numerous dining, shopping and entertainment venues as well as exciting new construction, excellent grade school options and multiple convenient transportation options. This home is truly one of a kind.