Walk down East 10th Street. It's quiet. Usually, the only sound you hear is the low hum of a passing taxi or the distant chatter from University Place. Then you see it. Standing at the corner of Ninth Street and University Place, Devonshire House New York City isn't just another pre-war building; it’s a masterclass in how to modernize history without stripping its soul.
It’s old. 1928, specifically.
Emery Roth designed it. If you know New York architecture, that name carries weight. He’s the mind behind The Beresford and The San Remo. But while those Uptown giants are about scale and intimidation, Devonshire House is about intimacy. It’s a Classic Revival beauty that feels more like a London manor than a Manhattan high-rise.
People obsess over this place. It’s not just the location, though being a three-minute walk from Washington Square Park helps. It’s the fact that in 2010, the building underwent a massive condo conversion that actually got things right. Victoria Hagan, the legendary interior designer, was brought in to handle the interiors. She didn’t go for "ultra-modern cold." Instead, she leaned into "timeless warmth." Think thick moldings, white oak floors, and kitchens that don’t look like they belong in a spaceship.
The Architectural Pedigree of Devonshire House New York City
Emery Roth didn’t do boring. When he drew up the plans for Devonshire House New York City, he was operating at the height of his powers. The building features an intricate brick and terra cotta facade that catches the afternoon light in a way that’s honestly hard to describe without sounding like a real estate brochure. But it's true.
The layout is a "U" shape. This was a smart move back then and it’s a luxury now. It creates a central courtyard, which means even the apartments that don't face the street get actual sunlight and fresh air. That’s a rarity in Greenwich Village, where many "historic" units are basically dark tunnels.
The lobby is where the vibe starts. It’s not one of those glass-and-steel boxes where you feel like you’re in a dentist’s office. It’s paved with English Yorkshire stone. There’s a fireplace. It smells like old money and expensive candles. You’ve got a 24-hour doorman who actually knows your name, which is part of the reason why privacy-seeking buyers—including a fair share of celebrities over the years—flock here.
What’s Inside the Units?
When the building transitioned from rentals to condos about fifteen years ago, the developers could have cut corners. They didn't.
- The windows are huge. Most are Pella wood-clad, designed to keep the city noise out while letting the light in.
- Kitchens feature Wolf, Sub-Zero, and Miele appliances. Basically, the holy trinity of high-end cooking.
- Waterworks fixtures in the bathrooms. If you know, you know.
The floors are a big deal. They used 4-inch wide rift-cut white oak. It’s sturdy. It feels solid under your feet. Unlike new construction where the walls feel like paper, these units have the heft of a pre-war build. You won't hear your neighbor's TV.
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Living in the Heart of the Gold Coast
Greenwich Village is divided into several "micro-neighborhoods," but Devonshire House New York City sits squarely in the Gold Coast. This is the stretch between Fifth Avenue and University Place. It’s the most expensive real estate in the Village for a reason.
You’re close to everything.
Honestly, the food scene right outside the door is dangerous for your wallet. You have Gotham (formerly Gotham Bar and Grill) just a block away. You have the legendary Knickerbocker Bar & Grill. If you want something low-key, Joe’s Pizza is a short walk, though the line is usually a nightmare these days.
The convenience factor is a 10 out of 10. You’re equidistant from the Union Square subway hub and the West 4th Street station. You can get anywhere in the city in twenty minutes. But most people who live at 28 East 10th Street don't seem to want to leave the neighborhood. Why would you? You have the Strand Bookstore three blocks away and some of the best coffee in the city at Everyman Espresso.
The Realities of the Market
Let’s talk numbers. This isn't a "budget" building.
Because it’s a condo and not a co-op, the barrier to entry is different. In a co-op, you have to deal with a board that wants to see your tax returns from 1994 and knows how much you spend on socks. Devonshire House is a condo. It’s easier to buy, easier to rent out, and generally more flexible.
But you pay for that flexibility.
A one-bedroom here will easily set you back $1.5 million to $2 million depending on the square footage and the view. Three-bedroom units? You’re looking at $5 million plus. The common charges and taxes aren't exactly cheap either, but they cover a lot. There’s a fitness center (it’s decent, not Equinox-sized but functional), a cold storage room for your FreshDirect deliveries, and a stunning rooftop terrace.
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The rooftop is the building's secret weapon. It’s landscaped. It has multiple seating areas. On a Tuesday night in July, looking out over the Empire State Building to the north and the Freedom Tower to the south, you realize why people pay the "Village Tax."
Misconceptions About Pre-War Living
Some people think "pre-war" means "old and broken."
At Devonshire House New York City, that’s just not the case. During the conversion, they ripped out the guts. The plumbing is modern. The electrical can handle your high-end PC and your triple-zone AC without blowing a fuse. It’s the best of both worlds: the aesthetic of 1928 with the infrastructure of 2026.
Another misconception? That it’s too noisy.
University Place used to be a bit of a drag race, but the city has done a lot to calm the traffic there. Plus, East 10th is a one-way street. Compared to living on 14th Street or 6th Avenue, this is practically a library.
Why It Still Matters in 2026
In a city that’s constantly tearing itself down to build glass needles, Devonshire House New York City feels permanent. It’s a literal anchor for the neighborhood.
There’s a sense of community here that you don't find in the massive 500-unit towers in Hudson Yards. With only about 130 units, people actually recognize each other in the elevator. It’s a mix of long-time New Yorkers who bought in early, young professionals working in tech or finance, and the occasional "pied-à-terre" owner who just wants a slice of the Village for the weekends.
The building is also incredibly pet-friendly. You’ll see a lot of French Bulldogs in the lobby.
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A Note on the "Hagan Style"
Victoria Hagan’s influence on the building cannot be overstated. She used a palette that stays relevant. Whites, grays, soft neutrals. It means that even though the conversion happened years ago, the units don't feel dated. They feel like a blank canvas that actually has some personality.
If you’re looking at properties, pay attention to the hardware. The doorknobs, the hinges, the cabinet pulls—they all have a specific weight. It’s those small details that separate a luxury building from a "luxury-branded" building.
Actionable Insights for Potential Residents or Investors
If you are seriously considering a move to Devonshire House New York City, there are a few things you need to do before you even book a showing.
First, check the "C" line units. They often have some of the most efficient layouts if you're looking for a one-bedroom. Second, ask about the storage situation. The building has private storage lockers, but they are highly coveted and don't always come with the unit.
Third, walk the block at different times. Visit on a Friday night and a Tuesday morning. You’ll notice the vibe shifts from quiet residential to a bit more vibrant as the weekend approaches.
Fourth, understand the condo vs. co-op tax implications. Because this is a condo, your closing costs will be higher than a co-op (due to mortgage recording tax and title insurance), but the resale value tends to be more resilient because the pool of potential buyers is much larger (including international buyers).
Finally, look at the history of the neighborhood’s zoning. Greenwich Village has strict landmark protections. This is good for you. It means that the beautiful view you have today isn't likely to be blocked by a 60-story glass tower next year. Your investment is protected by the city’s own bureaucracy.
Devonshire House remains a top-tier choice because it refuses to chase trends. It’s a building that knows exactly what it is: a sophisticated, well-built home in the best neighborhood in the world. It’s not flashy, it’s not loud, and that’s exactly why it’s so hard to get a foot in the door.