Reform Movement’s Old Fifth Ave Digs Sell for $31 Million

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One condominium apartment in a Manhattan building which was originally built for the Union of Reform Judaism, formerly known as the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, at 838 Fifth Avenue, has just sold for $31.86 million.

The full floor condominium apartment, unit number 8 at 835 Fifth Ave, has 5, 461 square feet. It came with a wine cellar, a 45 square foot storage room and a servants’ apartment located on the ground floor. It has full views of Central Park, including the Central Park Zoo.

Its monthly carrying fees are reportedly $26, 416.

In 2005, the apartment was acquired by its current owners for $21 million.

838 Fifth Avenue is a twelve story limestone building located at the corner of 65th Street and directly across the street from Temple Emanu-El. It was built in 1950 and designed by Harry Prince to be the national headquarters of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations.

“Love Thy Neighbor As Thyself” was once inscribed on its façade and the building was known as “The House of Living Judaism.”

The building was converted into condominiums in 2000, after it was acquired the year before by A. Alfred Taubman, a developer of shopping malls. At the time, the 5 story building next door on 65th Street was acquired and replaced with a new 8 story building that was attached to 838 Fifth Ave. An additional floor was also added to it.

It offers residents amenities such as a rooftop terrace, a lobby filled with antiques with a wood-burning fireplace and nine private wine cellars. There is a concierge and a full time doorman.

It also features sidewalk landscaping and a few Juliet balconies.

Charles Bronfman bought the duplex apartment on its 11th and 12th floors for $18 million in 1999.