BKREA Exclusively Retained to Market 150 West 85th Street, a Rare Vacant User & Redevelopment Opportunity in Manhattan’s Upper West Side

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BKREA has been exclusively retained to arrange the sale of 150 West 85th Street, a rare vacant six-story building in Manhattan’s highly sought-after Upper West Side. Offering 38,838 square feet of flexible space on a 6,575-square-foot lot with 75 feet of frontage, this property presents a unique opportunity for owner-users, educational institutions, or redevelopment projects in one of New York City’s most supply-constrained neighborhoods.

The building, formerly home to the Manhattan Country School, is delivered vacant and ready for immediate use, conversion, or redevelopment. Its combination of location, scale, and zoning flexibility makes it a standout offering for investors and institutions seeking prime Manhattan real estate.

Key Highlights of 150 West 85th Street

• Prime Upper West Side Location
  Positioned mid-block on West 85th Street between Amsterdam and Columbus Avenues, with proximity to Central Park, Riverside Park, major retail corridors, and robust transit options, including the 1, B, and C subway lines.
  
  
• Spacious Six-Story Building
  Approximately 38,838 SF across six stories, including a full basement and mezzanine, situated on an irregular 6,575 SF lot with 75 feet of frontage, offering scale and visibility.
  
• Vacant Institutional-Use Opportunity
  Formerly occupied by Manhattan Country School, now delivered vacant, providing a clean canvas for immediate occupancy, conversion, or redevelopment.
  
• Flexible Zoning & Use Potential
  Zoned R8B, the site supports residential and community facility uses, including schools, religious institutions, foreign government use, or other community-oriented purposes. The existing Certificate of Occupancy for school use is a rare advantage for educational buyers in NYC.
  
• Exceptional Light, Air, and Layout
  Mid-block location adjacent to Louis D. Brandeis High School ensures abundant natural light and air—an uncommon feature for assets of this scale on the Upper West Side.
  
• Clean Title & Court-Appointed Sale
  Being sold by a federal court-appointed trustee, the property will be delivered free and clear of all liens, claims, and encumbrances, offering one of the cleanest title opportunities currently available.
  

Leadership & Advisory Team

The offering is led by Bob Knakal, Chairman & CEO; Ryan Candel, Senior VP, Transactions; Tom Brady, Managing Director; and Ana Barrie, Managing Director. BKREA’s team brings decades of NYC commercial real estate expertise, ensuring a seamless transaction process for prospective buyers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this property best suited for?

The building is ideal for educational institutions, religious organizations, government use, owner-users, or developers seeking a rare Upper West Side asset with redevelopment potential.

What is the zoning and allowed uses?

Zoned R8B, the property allows residential and community facility uses, providing flexibility for schools, institutional occupancies, or other redevelopment opportunities.

Why is the existing Certificate of Occupancy an advantage?

The current school use is one of the hardest certificates to obtain in NYC, making this property exceptionally appealing for educational institutions seeking ready-to-use space.

Is the property delivered free of liens or claims?

Yes. As it is being sold by a federal court-appointed trustee, it will be delivered free and clear of all liens, claims, and encumbrances.

What makes this property rare?

Vacant, institutional-scale buildings in the core of the Upper West Side are extraordinarily rare, particularly with scale, frontage, and light all in one offering.

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