If you’ve spent any time walking along the northeast corner of Central Park, you’ve seen it. It's a glass-and-brick tower that doesn't quite look like the historic brownstones surrounding it, yet it doesn't feel like those cold, sterile skyscrapers you find in Midtown. People call it Fifth on the Park. Officially, it’s 1485 5th avenue ny ny. It’s one of those buildings that sparked a thousand debates about gentrification, architecture, and what it actually means to live in "Upper" Fifth Avenue.
Harlem is changing. Obviously. But 1485 5th Avenue was one of the first major projects to really plant a flag and say, "luxury belongs here too." It’t not just a bunch of condos. There’s a massive church integrated into the base—the Bethel Gospel Assembly. That’s a weird combo for some, right? A high-end residential tower sitting on top of a spiritual powerhouse. But in New York, space is a puzzle, and this building is a very expensive, very shiny piece of that puzzle.
The Reality of Living at 1485 5th Avenue NY NY
When you look at the floor plans, you realize the architects, FXCollaborative (formerly FXFowle), were obsessed with the view. And honestly, they should be. Most apartments in this building have floor-to-ceiling windows that look directly south over Marcus Garvey Park or across the street toward the North Woods of Central Park.
It’s a 28-story building. That might not sound huge if you’re used to the 1,000-foot "pencil towers" on Billionaire’s Row, but in this part of Harlem, it’s a giant. It dominates the skyline. Living here basically means you’re trading the "old New York" vibe of a walk-up for a 55-foot indoor heated pool and a 13th-floor lounge with a fireplace. Is it worth the price tag? That depends on how much you value a 24-hour doorman in a neighborhood where that used to be a rarity.
The Amenities: More Than Just a Gym
Most buildings throw in a treadmill and call it a fitness center. 1485 5th Avenue went a different route.
- The Pool: It’s a literal lap pool. Not a dipping pool. Not a decorative puddle. It’s enclosed in glass, so you can swim while watching the snow fall over the park.
- The Sun Deck: Located on the 13th floor, the "resident lounge" feels more like a private club. It has a catering kitchen. People host actual parties here.
- Parking: Finding a spot in Harlem is a nightmare. This building has an on-site garage. If you have a car in the city, that’s not a luxury; it’s a sanity-saver.
Why the Location at 120th Street Matters
Location is everything. But the corner of 120th and 5th is a very specific kind of everything. You’re at the crossroads of Mount Morris Park Historic District. You’ve got the jazz history, the incredible food at places like Red Rooster or Barawine, and then you have the quiet, leafy streets of the historic district just a block away.
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Mount Morris Park is essentially your front yard. It’s one of the few places in Manhattan where you can still find a massive community drum circle on a Saturday afternoon or see people playing intense games of chess under the trees. It’s vibrant. It’s loud. It’s Harlem. 1485 5th Avenue NY NY sits right on the edge of that energy. You get the peace of the park, but you’re only a ten-minute walk from the 2/3 or the 4/5/6 subway lines.
The Controversy and the Culture
You can’t talk about 1485 5th avenue ny ny without talking about the church. The Bethel Gospel Assembly has been a fixture in the community for decades. When the building was being planned in the mid-2000s, it was a massive deal. The church sold its land but stayed on-site, occupying the lower floors.
Some people hated it. They thought the modern glass tower felt like an "invader" in a neighborhood known for its limestone and brownstone soul. Others saw it as a blueprint for how religious institutions can survive in an era of skyrocketing real estate costs. By partnering with a developer, the church got a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility, and the city got 160+ luxury condos.
It’s a compromise. Like most things in New York real estate, it’s about survival and evolution. If you live here, you’re part of that story. You’re living in a building that literally rests on a foundation of community history, even if your kitchen has sub-zero appliances and granite countertops.
Market Value: What the Numbers Actually Say
Let's talk money because that’s why people Google these addresses. Prices at 1485 5th Avenue have fluctuated, but they generally stay high because there isn't much else like it in the immediate vicinity.
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A one-bedroom can easily clear $850,000. Three-bedrooms? You’re looking at $2 million plus. Rentals are equally steep. It’s not "affordable housing" by any stretch of the imagination, though the building did include some moderate-income units during its initial lottery phase.
Why the Resale Value Stays Strong
- The Park Views: As long as Central Park exists, south-facing views will be gold.
- The Tax Abatement: Many units benefited from a 421-a tax abatement. You have to check the specific unit, but for years, this kept carrying costs incredibly low compared to similar buildings downtown.
- The Proportions: These aren't "micro-apartments." The ceilings are high. The layouts feel like actual homes, not just boxes to sleep in.
Is It the Right Move for You?
Kinda depends on what you’re looking for. If you want the anonymous, high-octane buzz of the Financial District, you’ll hate it here. It’s too quiet at night. But if you want to be able to walk to a world-class jazz club, grab some of the best fried chicken in the world, and then retreat to a quiet apartment with a view of the trees, it’s hard to beat.
There are downsides. Fifth Avenue is a major thoroughfare. It gets bus traffic. The M1 bus stops right nearby, which is great for commuting but noisy if you're on a lower floor. And while the area has improved significantly in terms of safety and services, it’s still an urban environment with all the grit that comes with it.
What You Need to Do Before Buying or Renting Here
If you’re serious about 1485 5th avenue ny ny, don't just look at the Zillow photos. You need to do a few things first.
Walk the park at 6:00 PM. See if you like the vibe of Marcus Garvey Park when people are getting off work. Is it too loud for you? Or does it feel like home?
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Check the Board Minutes. This is a condo, not a co-op, so it’s a bit more relaxed, but you still want to see how they handle repairs. That 55-foot pool is expensive to maintain. You want to make sure the reserve fund is healthy so you don't get hit with a surprise assessment three months after moving in.
Talk to the staff. The doormen at 1485 5th Avenue are legendary for knowing everyone’s name. Stop by, say hello, and see how they treat people. It tells you a lot about the culture of the building.
Verify the Tax Status. If there is a tax abatement, find out exactly when it expires. When those abatements end, your monthly costs can jump by hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Do the math now so you aren't crying later.
Final Take on 1485 5th Avenue NY NY
This building represents a specific moment in Harlem's timeline. It was a gamble that paid off. It proved that you could build a luxury glass tower on 5th Avenue and 120th Street and people would actually come. It’s a mix of spiritual roots and modern capital.
Whether you love the architecture or think it’s a bit much, you can’t deny the impact. It’s one of the most recognizable addresses in Upper Manhattan for a reason. If you’re looking for a view that makes your friends jealous and a pool that actually lets you get a workout in, this is the spot. Just make sure you’re ready for the reality of living in a neighborhood that is constantly evolving under your feet.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Schedule a viewing during sunset. The way the light hits the 13th-floor terrace is the building's best selling point.
- Compare price per square foot with new developments further west, like the ones near Frederick Douglass Boulevard, to ensure you're getting a fair deal for the 5th Avenue prestige.
- Investigate the 421-a abatement status for the specific unit number you are interested in via the NYC Department of Finance website.