Quirky Midtown penthouse with wraparound terrace seeks $2.5M

The name Rosario Candela brings to mind prewar apartments with gracious layouts that, these days, fetch in the many millions. Although critic Christopher Gray once wrote that owning such an apartment was to “accede to architectural as well as social cynosure,” Candela is also well known for his set-back penthouses, surrounded by terraces overlooking New York.

While it isn’t a text book example of a Candela penthouse, and most certainly isn’t one of his expansive, jaw-dropping apartments that still set records, the new-to-market penthouse at 40 West 55th Street is a Candela penthouse nonetheless.

The petite apartment is a true building topper, surrounded in white brick and set back to allow for a wraparound terrace. A water tower hovers over the outdoor space provoking that extra New York City feel.

The penthouse is small but charming. A wood-burning fireplace at the far end overlooks an open living area. The kitchen could use some updating, as could the interiors (gotta love that round bed), but the apartment has its perks: a full bathroom off of the bedroom, a powder room off of the foyer, five deeded storage lockers in the building, and that wraparound terrace with great views of Philip Johnson’s 550 Madison Avenue.

The apartment is on the market for $2.5 million with Shannon Helms Wisniewski and Gilbert Simrall Meem at Stribling. Those looking for a deal won’t get off easy here: Monthly common charges are $1,517 and taxes are $1,295.

Stribling.

• 40 West 55th Street PH [Stribling via StreetEasy]
• For sale in New York archives [Curbed]