If you’ve spent any time walking around the Upper West Side, specifically that sweet spot between Central Park and Lincoln Center, you’ve definitely seen it. It’s tall. It’s brownish-red. It’s 77 West 66th Street, a building that basically sits at the intersection of "old New York" prestige and "I want to be able to walk to the opera in five minutes" convenience. People usually call it the ABC Condominium because, well, the American Broadcasting Company’s headquarters are right there, and for a long time, the two were practically synonymous in the neighborhood's identity.
It’s a weird building in the best way.
Construction wrapped up around 1988. This was a time when New York architecture was transitioning from the gritty seventies into the "greed is good" eighties, and you can see that DNA in the brickwork and the oversized windows. It’s a 33-story tower, which, for this specific pocket of the Upper West Side, makes it a bit of a giant. Because it’s a condominium and not a co-op, you don't have to deal with the soul-crushing board interviews that make buildings on Central Park West so notoriously difficult to enter.
Why the location of 77 West 66th Street is actually insane
Location is a cliché in real estate. We know this. But 77 West 66th Street is different because it’s basically the "ten-minute rule" personified. You are one block from Central Park. You are one block from Lincoln Center. You are surrounded by some of the most expensive dirt on the planet.
Living here means your "local" grocery store is often the flagship Whole Foods at Columbus Circle, or if you’re feeling more traditional, you’re hitting up the shops on Columbus Avenue. The proximity to the park isn't just a selling point; it’s a lifestyle shift. You aren't "going to the park" like it's an event; you're just existing near it. Morning jogs, late-night walks, or just staring at the greenery from a high-floor unit—it changes your blood pressure.
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Honestly, the building’s relationship with the ABC studios next door is what gives the block its energy. You’ll often see news trucks, celebrities heading in for tapings, and that hum of "important things are happening here" that defines Midtown, even though you’re firmly in a residential neighborhood. It’s a strange mix of high-stakes media and quiet, dog-walking residential life.
The layout of the units
Inside, the apartments at 77 West 66th Street aren't your typical cookie-cutter boxes. Because it was built in the late eighties, the floor plans actually prioritize light. Many units feature floor-to-ceiling windows, particularly the "A" and "B" lines which are highly coveted for their views. If you’re high enough up, you’re looking directly over the park or the Hudson River.
The building has about 132 units. Some are modest one-bedrooms, but the real prizes are the sprawling three- and four-bedroom layouts that take up significant chunks of the floor plate. Unlike some newer "pencil towers" on 57th Street where you feel like you’re living in a glass straw, 77 West 66th Street feels solid. It feels like a home.
The real cost of living at the ABC Condominium
Let’s talk money. You aren't getting into 77 West 66th Street for cheap. It’s a luxury building in one of the world’s most expensive zip codes.
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Current market trends for 2026 show that prices here remain remarkably resilient. Even when the broader Manhattan market dips, the "Lincoln Center effect" keeps values high. You can expect to see one-bedroom units starting well north of $1.5 million, while the larger, renovated high-floor units can easily command $5 million to $8 million depending on the specific line and the quality of the renovation.
Common charges and taxes are another story. They aren't low. You’re paying for a 24-hour doorman, a concierge, a live-in super, and a very well-maintained fitness center. But because it’s a condo, you have more flexibility with financing and subletting than you would at a co-op like the Dakota or the San Remo. This makes it a favorite for international buyers and pied-à-terre owners who want a slice of New York without the bureaucratic nightmare of a co-op board.
Amenities that actually matter
Doormen here are legendary. Many have been with the building for decades. They know the residents, they know the dogs, and they know which delivery guys are allowed up. It’s that old-school New York service that you just can’t replicate in a "luxury" building that went up last Tuesday.
- The Fitness Center: It’s not an Equinox, but it’s clean, functional, and rarely crowded.
- The Views: This is the real amenity. South-facing units get the sparkling lights of the Midtown skyline. North-facing units get the rolling green of Central Park.
- Storage: Surprisingly, the building offers decent storage options, which is a miracle in Manhattan real estate.
What most people get wrong about the neighborhood
People think the area around 66th Street is just for tourists going to see The Nutcracker. That’s wrong. It’s a real neighborhood. There’s a Target nearby now, which sounds sacrilegious to some, but it’s incredibly practical. There are hidden gem restaurants like P.J. Clarke's for a burger or more upscale spots like Boulud Sud.
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The "ABC" label sometimes makes people think the building is an office tower. It’s not. While the lower floors have some commercial presence, the residential portion is completely separate, private, and quiet. You don't hear the sirens and the city noise as much as you’d expect once you get past the 10th floor.
Navigating the 77 West 66th Street market
If you’re looking to buy or rent at 77 West 66th Street, you need to be fast. Inventory is usually tight. People who move in tend to stay for twenty years.
You should also pay close attention to the "C" and "D" lines. While they might not always have the direct Park views of the higher-priced units, they often offer more square footage for the dollar. If you’re a renovation-minded buyer, finding an "original" unit from 1988 is the dream. You can gut the eighties-style kitchens—think lots of white laminate—and turn it into a modern masterpiece with a view that will never be blocked.
The building is also pet-friendly, which is a non-negotiable for many people moving to the Upper West Side. Being that close to the park with a dog is basically the New York dream.
Actionable steps for prospective residents
- Check the views during the day AND night: A park view is great at 2:00 PM, but make sure you like the look of the city lights at 8:00 PM before signing.
- Review the reserve fund: Like any older condo, you want to make sure the building has been managed well. Ask your lawyer to look at the minutes for any upcoming "special assessments" for things like elevator repairs or facade work (Local Law 11).
- Walk the block at 8:00 AM: See the energy of the ABC studios and the neighborhood waking up. It’s a specific vibe that you either love or hate.
- Compare price per square foot: Look at 77 West 66th Street against buildings like 3 Lincoln Center or 15 Central Park West. You’ll find that 77 West 66th offers a significant "relative" value while still providing that ultra-prime location.
Living at 77 West 66th Street is about being in the middle of everything without feeling like you’re in the middle of a tourist trap. It’s refined, it’s established, and it’s arguably one of the best-positioned buildings in the city for anyone who loves the arts and the outdoors equally. Keep an eye on the listings; when a high-floor "A" line hits the market, it’s usually gone within the month.