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The $238 Million View: Inside The Record-Breaking Penthouses Of 220 Central Park South

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The term "Penthouse on the Park" is not a mere description; it is a direct reference to the most exclusive, record-shattering address in New York City: 220 Central Park South (220 CPS). As of December 23, 2025, this Billionaires' Row tower continues to dominate global luxury real estate headlines, proving its status as the ultimate haven for the ultra-wealthy. Recent transactions in 2025 underscore the building's unparalleled value, with off-market deals and listings reaffirming its position at the pinnacle of the market.

This article dives deep into the architectural marvel, the staggering amenities, and the latest, most expensive sales that define 220 CPS, revealing why its penthouses command price tags far exceeding any other residential building in the United States. From the limestone façade to the private club-like facilities, the property is a masterclass in pre-war opulence reimagined for the 21st century.

The Billionaires' Row Masterpiece: 220 Central Park South Profile

220 Central Park South is not just a building; it is a statement of wealth and exclusivity, strategically positioned to offer direct, unobstructed views over Central Park. The development was a monumental effort by some of the most respected names in architecture and real estate.

  • Official Address: 220 Central Park South, Midtown Manhattan, New York City.
  • Location: Situated on Billionaires' Row, between Columbus Circle and Seventh Avenue.
  • Developer: Vornado Realty Trust.
  • Design Architect: Robert A.M. Stern Architects (RAMSA).
  • Executive Architect: SLCE Architects.
  • Interior Design (Common Areas): Thierry Despont.
  • Architectural Style: Neo-classical, characterized by its pre-war opulence and limestone cladding.
  • Total Height: The main tower stands approximately 952 feet tall (70 stories).
  • Building Composition: Consists of a main tower and an 18-story adjacent structure known as "The Villa."
  • Total Residential Units: 118 luxury condominiums, many of which are duplexes.
  • Record-Setting Sale: The $238 million penthouse sale to Ken Griffin in 2019 remains the most expensive residential sale in U.S. history. [cite: 7, 10 from step 1]
  • Notable Residents: Ken Griffin, Daniel Och, and other unnamed titans of finance and industry. [cite: 7, 10 from step 1]

The Latest Record-Shattering Sales of 2025

While the $238 million sale to hedge fund billionaire Ken Griffin remains the all-time high, the building continues to generate extraordinary sales figures year after year. The first half of 2025 saw 220 CPS once again leading the charge for the most expensive residential deals in New York City, demonstrating that demand for its ultra-luxury units has not waned. [cite: 2, 6 from step 1]

NYC's Priciest Deal of the Year

An $82.5 Million Off-Market Transaction: In one of the most significant transactions of 2025, an apartment at 220 Central Park South was sold in an off-market deal for $82.5 million. [cite: 2, 6 from step 1] This deal instantly ranked as one of the priciest home sales in New York City for the year, highlighting the building's consistent ability to command top-tier prices even without public listings. [cite: 2, 6 from step 1]

Multi-Million Dollar Listings and Closings

Beyond the $82.5 million sale, other significant closings and listings in 2025 further solidify the building's elite status:

  • A unit was listed for sale in August 2025 with an asking price of $87.5 million. [cite: 1 from step 1]
  • A penthouse sale at the tower closed for $92.7 million, securing its spot as one of the most expensive sales ever recorded in the city. [cite: 4 from step 1]
  • Another full-floor penthouse, near the top of the 70-story tower, was sold for a reported $72 million. [cite: 3 from step 1]

These figures are a testament to the enduring appeal of the "Penthouse on the Park" concept—an investment in a trophy asset that offers both unparalleled luxury and a safe harbor for generational wealth. The consistent flow of nine-figure transactions signals a robust and exclusive market that operates entirely outside of conventional real estate trends.

Architecture and Exclusivity: The Robert A.M. Stern Signature

The success of 220 Central Park South is inextricably linked to its design, which deliberately rejects the glass-and-steel aesthetic of many contemporary Billionaires' Row towers. The developer, Vornado Realty Trust, commissioned the renowned Robert A.M. Stern Architects (RAMSA) to create a building that evoked the timeless elegance of pre-war New York.

Limestone Cladding and Pre-War Opulence

Unlike its modern neighbors, 220 CPS is clad in rich, custom-fabricated Alabama Silver Shadow limestone. This choice of material, along with the classical detailing, gives the skyscraper a sense of permanence and gravitas, reminiscent of classic Manhattan apartment buildings like 740 Park Avenue. Stern's design provides a unique blend of "cutting-edge living with rarified pre-war opulence."

The Tower and The Villa

The property is cleverly divided into two distinct residential sections: the main, soaring 70-story tower, and an 18-story building known as "The Villa." The Villa sits closer to Central Park South and is designed to blend seamlessly with its comparably-sized neighbors, offering a more intimate, low-rise luxury experience, while the tower provides the dizzying, full-expansive views that command the highest prices.

The Amenities: A Private Club in the Sky

The true value proposition for residents of 220 CPS extends far beyond the square footage and the views; it lies in the comprehensive suite of private amenities that transform the building into an exclusive urban resort. These facilities are designed to cater to the every need of the world's elite.

Exclusive Residential Services and Facilities

The amenity package at 220 Central Park South is one of the most comprehensive in the city, offering a level of service and convenience that is typically reserved for the world's most exclusive private clubs. Key features include:

  • An 82-foot saltwater swimming pool, providing a serene escape.
  • A state-of-the-art athletic club and fitness center.
  • A private residents-only restaurant, managed by world-renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten.
  • A full-size squash court and a basketball court.
  • A private library and a golf simulator.
  • Various lounges, a children's playroom, and a temperature-controlled wine cellar.

The combination of classic design, record-setting prices, and an unparalleled amenity package ensures that the "Penthouse on the Park" at 220 Central Park South will remain the benchmark for global ultra-luxury real estate for the foreseeable future. Its consistent performance in 2025 proves that for the world's billionaires, this is the definitive address in New York City.

The $238 Million View: Inside the Record-Breaking Penthouses of 220 Central Park South
penthouse on the park
penthouse on the park

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