It is one of those buildings that everyone on the Upper East Side knows, even if they don't know the exact address. Sitting right on the corner of 85th and Third, 185 E 85th St NYC—better known to locals as Continental Towers—is a massive, beige-brick landmark that defines the skyline of Yorkville.
People move here for the location. Honestly, being steps from the Q train and the 4-5-6 line is a logistical dream, but there is a lot more to this place than just a short commute. It's a condo, which is somewhat rare for a building of this scale in this neighborhood, where co-ops usually reign supreme. That means fewer hoops to jump through for buyers and a very active rental market.
Why 185 E 85th St NYC stays so popular
The building was finished around 1975. You can see it in the architecture—it has that sturdy, mid-century-modern-meets-utilitarian vibe. It isn't trying to be the ultra-slim billionaires' row glass towers. It's a "real" New York building. It’s huge. We are talking over 500 units across 30+ floors.
One thing that surprises people when they first tour 185 E 85th St NYC is the staff-to-resident ratio. There are dozens of staff members. You've got multiple doormen, a concierge, and a live-in super. It feels secure. In a city where package theft is a constant headache, having a dedicated mail room and a team that actually knows your name makes a massive difference.
The lobby underwent a major renovation a few years back. It went from looking a bit dated to being quite sleek and bright. It sets a tone. When you walk in from the chaos of 85th Street—which is a very busy thoroughfare—the transition to the quiet, marble-clad lobby is an instant relief.
The actual living experience inside the units
Let’s talk about the apartments. Since it's a condo, the interiors vary wildly. You might walk into a unit that hasn't been touched since 1980, featuring parquet floors and popcorn ceilings. Or, you might find a gut-renovated masterpiece with Wolf appliances and wide-plank oak.
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The "A" line and the "B" line units are often the most sought after because of the corner exposures. If you are high enough up, the views of the East River or the Central Park skyline are basically unbeatable for this price point. Space is a major selling point here. Compared to the new construction "luxury" buildings where a one-bedroom is basically a closet with a fancy fridge, the layouts at 185 East 85th Street are generous. You get actual dining alcoves. You get closets that can actually hold a winter wardrobe.
Amenities and that roof deck
The gym is located on the lobby level. It’s decent. It’s not an Equinox, but it gets the job done for a morning cardio session. But the real star is the roof deck.
Living in NYC, you crave outdoor space. The roof at Continental Towers is massive. It’s landscaped. It has 360-degree views. On a July evening, it’s arguably the best place in Yorkville to watch the sunset. It is one of those amenities that residents actually use, rather than just something that looks good on a brochure.
The Yorkville lifestyle: Life on 85th and Third
Location is everything. If you live at 185 E 85th St NYC, you are basically at the epicenter of the Upper East Side's "new" energy.
Ten years ago, this area felt a bit sleepy. Not anymore.
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You’ve got Whole Foods just a few blocks away. Fairway is right there too. If you’re into fitness, you are surrounded by SoulCycle, Barry’s, and some of the best Pilates studios in the city. Then there's the food. You are a short walk from San Mateo Pizzeria (arguably some of the best pizza in Manhattan) and the classic H&H Bagels.
Wait times for the 4-5-6 at 86th Street can be a nightmare during rush hour. Everyone knows that. But having the Q train at 86th and 2nd Avenue as a backup changed the game for this building. It effectively doubled your chances of getting to midtown on time.
What to know before buying or renting here
There are some quirks. Because it is a large building, elevators can be a wait during peak times. It’s a fact of life in high-rises. Also, 85th Street is a main cross-town route for buses and ambulances heading toward the hospitals further east. If you’re on a lower floor facing the street, you’re going to hear the city. It’s loud. You get used to it, or you buy some heavy-duty blackout curtains and a white noise machine.
Real estate experts like those at StreetEasy or The Corcoran Group often point out that Continental Towers has relatively low common charges for the level of service provided. This is partly because the building owns the commercial space on the ground floor. The rent from those businesses helps offset the costs for the condo owners. That is a huge financial plus that most people overlook.
Common misconceptions about the building
People often think that because it’s a "70s building," the infrastructure is failing. Honestly, the board at 185 East 85th has been pretty proactive. They’ve done the facade work (Local Law 11 is a constant in NYC), updated the elevators, and kept the common areas fresh.
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Another myth is that it’s all families. While there are definitely families here because of the proximity to schools like PS 190 and various private options, there is a huge population of young professionals and "pied-à-terre" owners who just want a landing pad in the city.
Strategic advice for prospective residents
If you are looking at 185 E 85th St NYC, you need to be fast. Units here don't sit on the market. If a well-priced rental hits on a Tuesday, it’s usually gone by Friday.
For buyers, pay close attention to the exposure. North-facing units get great, consistent light but lack that dramatic sunset. South-facing units can get incredibly hot in the summer but offer that classic Manhattan glow.
Next Steps for Interested Parties:
- Check the Board Requirements: Even though it's a condo, there is still an application process. It’s not as grueling as a co-op board interview, but you’ll need your finances in order—usually showing a debt-to-income ratio that satisfies their standards.
- Visit at Night: Walk the block around 8:00 PM. See if the noise levels on the Third Avenue side are something you can live with.
- Evaluate the Renovations: If you're buying an unrenovated unit, get a contractor in before you close. The building has specific rules about when work can be done (usually 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM on weekdays), which can extend your renovation timeline.
- Verify Tax Abatements: Occasionally, specific units may have tax nuances. Always have your attorney double-check the tax lot records for any outstanding balances or specific condo abatements that might be expiring.
Living at 185 East 85th Street offers a specific kind of New York life: convenient, serviced, and right in the thick of it. It isn't the quietest corner of the world, but for those who want the true Upper East Side experience with all the bells and whistles, it remains one of the most reliable picks in the neighborhood.