NYC’s Iconic Ghostbusters Building Has an $8.9 Million Residence for Sale

by Hannah Chambers

A sprawling 4,400-square-foot home with direct views of Central Park has opened up in the prewar co-op pop culture mavens will recognize from the 1984 film, “Ghostbusters.”

In the film—which stars Bill Murray, Dan Akyroyd, Sigourney Weaver, and Harold Ramis—the 19-floor building is named “Spook Central,” but in real life, it’s known as 55 Central Park West or The Shandor Building.

Although the professional Ghostbusters from the movie determine that the building—which is home to residents possessed by demons—was built by a cult leader, the truth is that the iconic art deco high-rise was constructed in 1929 by renowned architects Schwartz and Gross.

55 Central Park West’s design is considered to be a pivotal build for the art deco movement, and the original interiors of residences inside were also innovative when it opened in 1930.

Originally filled with apartments touting three to nine rooms, the units featured newly developed dropped living rooms that set the homes apart from anything else.

55 Central Park West plays a pivotal role in the 1984 film, "Ghostbusters." (Columbia Pictures/Getty Images)

Symmetrical Exterior Elevation View of Art Deco Brick High-Rise Residential Building — In the film, the building was erected by a cult leader. In reality, it was built in 1929 by renowned architects Schwartz and Gross. (Brown Harris Stevens)

Rooftop Terrace Terrace Lounge with Outdoor Seating and Views of Central Park and City Skyline — The location boasts unobstructed views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline. (Brown Harris Stevens)

Spacious Rooftop Deck with Outdoor Bar Counter, Seating Areas, and Architectural Towers — It's also filled with amenities, such as luxurious community spaces and a fully-staffed team. (Brown Harris Stevens)

High-Angle View of Central Park and New York City High-Rise Skyline — The unit available has 60 feet of Central Park frontage. (Brown Harris Stevens)

The unit available is an $8.9 million five-bedroom, 5.5-bathroom residence which boasts 60 feet of Central Park frontage and from the inside, its 13 rooms create an atmosphere that feels more like a spacious suburban house than a New York City condominium.

The listing is represented by Lisa K. Lippman of Brown Harris Stevens.

The abode features a park-facing, grand sunken living room with herringbone floors and is flooded with light, thanks to a massive picture window. Coffered ceilings, sleek crown molding, and unique light fixtures add to the home’s grandeur.

The formal dining room strikes the perfect balance between the building’s original prewar character and modern luxury, with the size and layout well suited for entertaining or intimate family gatherings.

Equipped with ample storage space and a wine refrigerator, the newly renovated kitchen is just steps away and offers an additional dining space for more casual dining.

Grand Foyer Entrance with Arched Doorways, Shell Chandelier, and Hardwood Floors — The sprawling 4,400-square-foot home includes 13 rooms which can be utilized in a variety of ways. (Brown Harris Stevens)

Formal Living Room with Mirrored Wall Panel Accent, Textured Sofa, and Large Window View — A sunken living room is flooded with light thanks to a massive picture window. (Brown Harris Stevens)

Sophisticated Formal Dining Room with Statement Chandelier, Crane Tapestry, and High-Back Chairs — A formal dining room connects to the kitchen, offering an ideal space for hosting. (Brown Harris Stevens)

Kitchen Pass-Through View Showing Marble Countertop, Penny Tile Backsplash, and Adjacent Sofa Area — The kitchen includes additional dining space for more casual meals. (Brown Harris Stevens)

Modern Open Living Room with Step-Up Dining Area, Plush Sectional Sofa, and Large Windows — In addition to the grand living room, there's a separate sunken den. (Brown Harris Stevens)

Bedrooms are arranged in two separate wings for optimal privacy, with the primary suite situated in the south side of the home, facing Central Park.

The primary suite includes lots of closet space and an oversized bathroom with double vanities and more park views. In fact, all of the home’s 5.5 bathrooms have windows.

Depending on how a buyer may choose to utilize the layout, the home’s north side can host three or four additional large bedrooms. There’s also a sizable den, which hosts access to a kitchenette and laundry room.

The remaining rooms in the home can be leveraged to suit just about any lifestyle.

Potential buyers can prioritize a work-life balance with a dedicated library and office, young families can thrive with a playroom, or a fashion-obsessed resident can take advantage of the home’s opportunities to add additional closet and dressing spaces.

Open Living Area with Hardwood Flooring, Wet Bar, Wine Cooler, and Wall-Mounted TV — The den is connected to a kitchenette, which includes a wine refrigerator and laundry. (Brown Harris Stevens)

Contemporary Living Room with Off-White Bouclé Sofa, Modern Chandelier, and Abstract Wall Art — The home's updates strike a perfect balance between the building's original Art Deco charm and modern luxury. (Brown Harris Stevens)

Cozy Sitting Nook with Large Wall Art, Plush Armchairs, and Marble Coffee Table — Gorgeous hardwood floors run throughout the home. (Brown Harris Stevens)

Spacious Playroom and Study Area with Custom Oak Shelving, Desk, and Activity Tables — Charming built-ins are ideal for a playroom, library, or office. (Brown Harris Stevens)

In addition to its starring role in a legendary supernatural comedy, The Shandor Building has been called home by a handful of notable individuals.

Designers Calvin Klein and Donna Karan have each lived there, as has film entertainment mogul David Geffen.

Billionaire businessman Marc Lasry and the late “Hello, Dolly!” composer Jerry Herman resided there, as well.

With an impressive offering of amenities, it’s no surprise that 55 Central Park West has drawn the attention of so many distinguished residents.

The 109-unit building promises “white-glove, full-service” and has a full staff, including two full-time doormen and a live-in resident manager.

Spacious Bedroom with Neutral Bedding, Modern Chandelier, and Floor-to-Ceiling Sheer Curtains — The primary suite looks out to Central Park and is located in the south wing of the home. (Brown Harris Stevens)

Children's Bedroom with Twin Beds, Vibrant Blue Curved Headboards, and Whimsical Wall Art — However, all of the residence's bedrooms are quite spacious. (Brown Harris Stevens)

Modern Bathroom Vanity with Double Sinks and Olive Green Vertical Mosaic Tile Wall — Each of the 5.5 bathrooms are windowed. (Brown Harris Stevens)

Building Fitness Center Exercise Room with Weight Machines and Treadmills — The building recently added a state-of-the-art gym. (Brown Harris Stevens)

There’s a bicycle room, storage bins, laundry facilities, a dedicated generator, and a newly added community room in the lobby. A new state-of-the-art fitness center has been added, as well.

55 Central Park West permits pied-à-terres and welcomes pets.

The building is conveniently located near the world-famous Lincoln Center, a destination for fans of music, dance, opera, theater, and cinema.

Some of Central Park’s most exciting attractions—such as Tavern on the Green and the Central Park Carousel—are also within close reach.