Walk down 93rd Street toward Second Avenue and you’ll see it. It’s a massive, red-brick tower that basically defines the skyline of this specific corner of Yorkville. We're talking about 245 East 93rd Street, better known to locals and real estate junkies as the Plymouth Tower. If you’ve spent any time looking for an apartment on the Upper East Side, this building has almost certainly popped up in your search results. It’s one of those buildings that people either love because of the insane amenities or feel skeptical about because of the sheer density of the place.
Honestly, NYC real estate is a mess right now. Prices are hovering at historic highs, and finding a spot that doesn't feel like a literal shoebox is getting harder by the day. 245 East 93rd Street sits in a weirdly perfect sweet spot. It’s far enough north to avoid the chaotic tourist traps of Midtown, but close enough to the Q train that you aren't stranded in a transit desert.
The Reality of Life in the Plymouth Tower
Built back in 1977, this 30-story co-op isn't exactly a "new build" in the glass-and-steel sense. That’s actually a good thing. Why? Because buildings from the late 70s were often constructed with slightly more generous floor plans than the "luxury" condos going up today that prioritize marble countertops over actual square footage. At 245 East 93rd Street, you're getting solid bones. The units vary wildly because, as a co-op, owners have spent decades renovating them. You might walk into one unit that looks like a 1980s time capsule and another that belongs in an interior design magazine.
The building is huge. We are talking about over 350 units. That creates a specific kind of vibe. It’s bustling. You’ll see young professionals rushing to the 96th Street subway station, families hauling strollers, and long-time residents who have lived here since the building opened its doors. It’s a community, but a big one.
What’s the Deal with the Amenities?
Most people look at 245 East 93rd Street for one reason: the roof. It is, quite frankly, ridiculous.
The rooftop at Plymouth Tower is famously decked out. There is a fitness center up there, but the real star is the indoor swimming pool. You can swim laps while looking out at the East River. It sounds like a sales pitch, but when it’s February and 20 degrees outside, having a heated indoor pool on your roof is a game changer. There’s also a sauna and a hot tub. Most buildings in this price bracket on the Upper East Side offer a cramped basement gym with a single broken treadmill. This is different.
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There is also a massive roof deck. In the summer, it’s the place to be. You get 360-degree views of Manhattan. You can see the bridges, the river, and the midtown skyline. It’s the kind of space that makes the high maintenance fees feel a little more justifiable.
Maintenance Fees and the Co-op Hurdle
Let's get real for a second. This is a co-op. That means the board is going to want to see your tax returns, your bank statements, and probably your middle school transcripts. Okay, not the transcripts, but the process is rigorous. 245 East 93rd Street is known for being a well-run building, but that comes with rules.
The maintenance fees here cover a lot—gas, electricity, and the amenities are often baked into the cost or available for a relatively low additional fee compared to a private club. However, because it's a full-service building with a 24-hour doorman, a live-in super, and a massive staff, those monthly costs can be steep. You have to weigh the "all-in" cost against a cheaper walk-up where you'll be paying $300 a month in the summer just to run your window AC units.
The Yorkville Neighborhood Factor
Location is everything. If you lived at 245 East 93rd Street twenty years ago, you were kind of in no-man's-land. Not anymore. The Second Avenue Subway (the Q train) changed everything for this neighborhood. The entrance at 94th Street is literally a block away. You can be at Union Square in twenty minutes.
Yorkville has evolved. It used to be strictly quiet and residential, but now it’s packed with spots like:
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- The Penrose: A go-to for cocktails and brunch that's always packed.
- Whole Foods: Just a few blocks south on 87th Street.
- Asphalt Green: If the building's pool isn't enough, this massive sports complex is right around the corner.
- Carl Schurz Park: This is the neighborhood's secret weapon. It’s way less crowded than Central Park and has a great dog run and river views.
Living here means you're tucked away from the noise of Lexington and Third Avenues, but you aren't isolated. It's a quieter brand of NYC living.
Common Misconceptions About 245 East 93rd Street
People often assume that because it’s a large tower, it feels impersonal. That’s not necessarily true. Because there are so many long-term residents, the doormen actually know people’s names. It has a "vertical village" feel.
Another misconception is that the "no pets" rule applies. Actually, Plymouth Tower is famously pet-friendly. You’ll see plenty of dogs in the lobby. However, always check the specific house rules before buying, as co-ops can update their weight limits or breed restrictions.
Some people also think the building is "dated." While the exterior has that 70s brick aesthetic, the lobby and common areas have seen significant upgrades. The elevators are fast—which matters when you live on the 28th floor—and the mechanical systems are generally well-maintained.
The Investment Perspective
Is buying at 245 East 93rd Street a good investment?
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The Upper East Side, specifically Yorkville, has shown incredible resilience. While the West Side gets the "trendy" labels, the East Side remains the bedrock of Manhattan real estate. Because this building allows for 80% financing, it’s more accessible to first-time buyers than some of the "old guard" co-ops on Park Avenue that require 50% down or all-cash deals.
That accessibility keeps demand high. If you buy a one-bedroom here and decide to move in five years, you aren't going to struggle to find a buyer. The combination of the Q train proximity and the pool makes it a very easy "sell" to future Manhattanites.
What to Look for During a Viewing
If you're heading to an open house at 245 East 93rd Street, pay attention to the exposures.
- High-floor South-facing units: These are the gold standard. You get light all day and views of the Chrysler Building.
- East-facing units: You get the sunrise over the river. It’s stunning, but keep in mind that FDR Drive noise can travel upward, though the windows here are pretty solid.
- Lower-floor units: These can be a bit darker depending on the time of day, but they often come at a significant price break.
Check the HVAC units. These are through-the-wall units in this building. Ask when they were last serviced or replaced. Replacing these can be an unexpected $2,000 to $5,000 expense if they’re on their last legs.
Making the Move: Actionable Steps
If you’re serious about 245 East 93rd Street, don't just browse Zillow. This building moves fast.
- Get Your Financials in a Row: Since it's a co-op, you need a "debt-to-income" ratio that makes the board happy—usually under 25-30%. Talk to a mortgage broker who specializes in NYC co-ops specifically.
- Visit the Neighborhood at Night: Yorkville is quiet, but 93rd and 2nd can have some foot traffic. Make sure you like the vibe after the sun goes down.
- Check the Flip Tax: Most co-ops have a flip tax (a fee paid during the sale). At Plymouth Tower, confirm the current percentage so you can factor that into your long-term exit strategy.
- Evaluate the "Post-Settlement" Costs: Remember that in addition to your mortgage, your monthly maintenance at 245 East 93rd Street is a fixed cost that will likely increase by 2-4% annually.
Ultimately, 245 East 93rd Street offers a lifestyle that's hard to find for under two million dollars in Manhattan. You get the doorman, the gym, the pool, and the transit access. It’s not a "hidden gem" anymore—the secret is out—but it remains one of the most practical ways to own a piece of the Upper East Side without sacrificing the perks that make city living tolerable.
If you want a view of the water and a place to swim in the middle of January, this is probably the first place you should look. Just be prepared for the paperwork. It's New York, after all. Nothing worth having comes without a few forms to sign.