126 West 78th Street

5,139 Sq. Ft.
$1,128 / Sq. Ft.
5,139
Sq. Ft.
$1,128
per Sq. Ft.

Description

Prime UWS Museum park block treasure - offering priceless heritage! Featured in renowned films and celebrated as one of Time Out Magazine’s best blocks in all of New York City, this home’s block exudes cinematic charm and authentic neighborhood prestige. A magnificent 19-foot landmark brownstone, conceived by the acclaimed Spanish architect and building engineer Rafael Guastavino, sits gracefully on one of the Upper West Side’s most highly-coveted, tree-lined blocks. Completed in 1886 in the Renaissance...Prime UWS Museum park block treasure - offering priceless heritage! Featured in renowned films and celebrated as one of Time Out Magazine’s best blocks in all of New York City, this home’s block exudes cinematic charm and authentic neighborhood prestige. A magnificent 19-foot landmark brownstone, conceived by the acclaimed Spanish architect and building engineer Rafael Guastavino, sits gracefully on one of the Upper West Side’s most highly-coveted, tree-lined blocks. Completed in 1886 in the Renaissance Revival tradition, the “Albert Lilienthal House” currently consists of an expansive owner's triplex spanning its first three levels, with two two-bedroom apartments on the fourth and fifth floors and a ground floor studio. All three market-rate rental units will be delivered vacant, alongside the owner's triplex. This exceptional opportunity suits the discerning investor or those seeking a generational family retreat, complete with a spacious three-bedroom, three and a half bath residence. Alternatively, there’s potential to restore the residence to its grand single-family design. This multi-family brownstone, spanning a total of 5,139 square feet, gracefully combines historic architectural beauty with contemporary amenities.

Owner’s Triplex:

Step through the residence’s private gated entry, tucked gracefully beneath its elegant dog-legged front stoop, and be greeted by the welcoming character of exposed brick and the generous height of wainscot ceilings that crown the warm family space. The triplex’s thoughtful three-bedroom layout seamlessly connects two spacious, sun-filled living areas adorned with a refined interplay of hardwood and ceramic flooring.

Upon entering, the first floor features a high-ceilinged, bright and airy family room, perfectly situated just off its casement-windowed kitchen. The inviting and thoughtfully designed kitchen boasts a Sub-Zero refrigerator, stainless steel appliances, and a glass-ceilinged dining area bathed in natural light. Whether preparing a family feast or savoring a leisurely breakfast, this chef’s eat-in kitchen serves as a warm gathering hub. A charming office nook provides the perfect corner for daily correspondence or for children to study as meals take shape. A powder room sits discreetly off the home's entry, while the adjacent family room opens onto a tranquil private patio - an ideal retreat for morning coffee, weekend brunches, or intimate evenings with friends.

Ascending to the parlor floor, discover the home’s gracious formal living room, a guest bedroom with full en-suite bath, and a luminous solarium-style office. Sunlight pours through the office’s east-facing casement window and glass-beamed ceiling, creating an inspiring space for work or relaxation. The adjoining living room impresses with its soaring ceilings, a handsome fireplace, a sweeping, south-facing window, and a distinguished wall of built-ins that convey effortless elegance.

The upper level is devoted to the serene primary suite, where three large south-facing windows bathe the bedroom with golden light. A generous walk-in closet and en-suite bath complete the refined tranquility of the primary. A second bedroom and its own full bath share this floor, and this quiet bedroom suite includes its own peaceful sitting area that can serve beautifully as a nursery, study, or private reading retreat. A laundry room with washer and dryer also grace this floor.

Studio, Fourth and Fifth Floor Apartments:

The ground-floor studio, accessible through a separate entry, exudes classic pre-war charm with a whitewashed brick accent wall and a fully equipped kitchenette. Its bathroom is discreetly located down the hall, featuring a bathtub.

The fourth and fifth floor residences, reached via the stoop’s main entrance, are similarly arranged and showcase spacious living rooms with lovely windows overlooking West 78th Street’s beautifully detailed, heritage brownstones. Kitchens adjoin the living areas, with both apartments offering two south-facing bedrooms thoughtfully separated from main living zones by a hallway, and each has a full bath outside the bedrooms. While the fourth floor apartment presents a beautiful renovation, the fifth features an open kitchen plan and exceptional Moorish-arched windows.

126 West 78th Street is not simply a remarkable property - it's a living landmark infused with heritage, historic appeal, and modern luxury. The home boasts an unparalleled location, just steps from the Museum of Natural History, Hayden Planetarium, Central and Riverside Parks, New York Historical Society, Equinox, acclaimed playgrounds and dog parks, and all the world-class dining and shopping that define the Upper West Side lifestyle. Seize the opportunity to own this truly unique architectural gem in one of Manhattan’s most dynamic and desirable areas and located on one of the absolute greatest blocks in all of New York City.

Amenities

  • Triplex
  • Primary Ensuite
  • Private Patio
  • Patio
  • Exposed Brick
  • Fireplace
  • Built-Ins
  • Private Entrance
LISTING UPDATED: 11/18/2025 07:01 PM

Property Details for 126 West 78th Street

StatusPermanently Off Market
Days on Market74
Taxes$8,582 / month
Maintenance-
Min. Down Pymt-
Total Rooms17.0
Compass TypeTownhouse
MLS Type-
Year Built1910
Lot Size1,830 SF / 19' x 96'
CountyNew York County
Buyer's Agent Compensation2.75%

Building

126 W 78th St

4 Units4 StoriesBuilt in 1910
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Building Information for 126 West 78th Street

Stories4Residences4Year Built1910Building Size19' x 71'Building Sq. Ft5,396 SFLot Size1,830 SF / 19' x 96'Building Age-Building Type-

Payment Calculator

$36,826 per month

30 year fixed, 6.15% Interest

Principal and Interest

$28,244

Property Taxes

$8,582

Maintenance/Common Charges

$0

The Payment Calculator is for illustrative purposes only.

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Property History for 126 West 78th Street

DateEvent & SourcePriceAppreciation
Jan 13, 2026

Contract Signed

Manual

Nov 19, 2025

Listed (Active)

Manual

$5,795,000
Jul 7, 2025

Permanently Off Market

Manual

Jul 7, 2025

Temporarily Off Market

Manual

Apr 24, 2025

Listed (Active)

Manual

$5,795,000
DateEvent & SourcePrice
01/13/2026

Contract Signed

Manual

11/19/2025

Listed (Active)

Manual

$5,795,000
07/07/2025

Permanently Off Market

Manual

07/07/2025

Temporarily Off Market

Manual

04/24/2025

Listed (Active)

Manual

$5,795,000

For completeness, Compass often displays two records for one sale: the MLS record and the public record.

Public Records for 126 West 78th Street

Taxable ValueLand$780,750Additions$1,015,200Total$1,795,950
Home Facts
Total Finished SqFt5,495 SqFtLot Size1,830 SqFtYear Built1910ZoningR8BAPN1011490045

Schools near 126 West 78th Street

This home is within New York City Geographic District # 3.
Rating
School
Type
Grades
Distance
Public - PK to 5
Public - 6 to 8
Public - 9 to 12
Public - K to 8
Rating
School
Distance
P.S. 87 William Sherman
PublicPK to 5

Ms 247 Dual Language Middle School
Public6 to 8

Urban Assembly School for Green Careers
Public9 to 12

The Anderson School
PublicK to 8

School ratings and boundaries are provided by GreatSchools.org and Pitney Bowes. This information should only be used as a reference. Proximity or boundaries shown here are not a guarantee of enrollment. Please reach out to schools directly to verify all information and enrollment eligibility.

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This information is not verified for authenticity or accuracy and is not guaranteed and may not reflect all real estate activity in the market. ©2026 The Real Estate Board of New York, Inc., All rights reserved. The source of the displayed data is either the property owner or public record provided by non-governmental third parties. It is believed to be reliable but not guaranteed. This information is provided exclusively for consumers’ personal, non-commercial use. The data relating to real estate for sale on this website comes in part from the IDX Program of OneKey® MLS. Information Copyright 2026, OneKey® MLS. All data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by Compass. See Terms of Service for additional restrictions. Compass · Tel: 212-913-9058 · New York, NY Listing information for certain New York City properties provided courtesy of the Real Estate Board of New York’s Residential Listing Service (the "RLS"). The information contained in this listing has not been verified by the RLS and should be verified by the consumer. The listing information provided here is for the consumer’s personal, non-commercial use. Retransmission, redistribution or copying of this listing information is strictly prohibited except in connection with a consumer's consideration of the purchase and/or sale of an individual property. This listing information is not verified for authenticity or accuracy and is not guaranteed and may not reflect all real estate activity in the market. ©2026 The Real Estate Board of New York, Inc., all rights reserved. This information is not guaranteed, should be independently verified and may not reflect all real estate activity in the market. Offers of compensation set forth here are for other RLSParticipants only and may not reflect other agreements between a consumer and their broker.©2026 The Real Estate Board of New York, Inc., All rights reserved.