A landmark school building on Manhattan’s Upper West Side is officially hitting the market. Manhattan Country School, a progressive private school that closed earlier this year, has retained Bob Knakal of BKREA to sell its six-story property at 150 West 85th Street. The schoolhouse, most recently appraised at $39 million, represents a rare opportunity for educational institutions, investors, or adaptive reuse developers.
Key Highlights
Prime UWS Location: The property sits at 150 West 85th Street, just steps from Central Park and surrounded by premier residential and cultural institutions.
Historic Six-Story Building: Constructed in 1928, the elevator building spans multiple floors and was previously occupied by The New School before Manhattan Country School acquired it.
$39M Appraisal: The last appraisal was conducted in 2021 by KTR Real Estate Partners, reflecting the building’s significant value in one of Manhattan’s most desirable submarkets.
Bankruptcy Sale: Following financial struggles worsened by the pandemic, the school filed for bankruptcy in May 2025. Trustee Albert Togut has engaged Bob Knakal and BKREA to handle the sale.
Educational Legacy: Manhattan Country School, once serving 250 students from kindergarten through eighth grade, was known for its focus on equity, sustainability, and experiential learning at its 180-acre farm in Roxbury, NY.
Flexible Future Use: While the trustee hopes another school will acquire the site, offers from a wide range of buyers will be considered—including institutional users and potential redevelopment interests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where is the property located?
The building is located at 150 West 85th Street, in Manhattan’s Upper West Side.
Q: Who is handling the sale?
Commercial real estate broker Bob Knakal of BKREA has been retained by the bankruptcy trustee.
Q: How much is the property worth?
It was most recently appraised at $39 million in 2021.
Q: What type of building is it?
It is a six-story, elevator schoolhouse built in 1928, previously used by The New School and later by Manhattan Country School.
Q: Who can buy it?
While the trustee expressed hope for another school to purchase the building, all offers will be considered, including developers and investors.
