2 Fifth Avenue vs. The Brevoort vs. The Brevoort East: Which Is Right for You?
If you’re looking for a co-op on Greenwich Village’s Gold Coast, chances are you’ll be considering three buildings: 2 Fifth Avenue, The Brevoort at 11 Fifth Avenue, and The Brevoort East at 20 East 9th Street. All three are mid-century modern white-brick buildings with full-service staff and strong financials. But there are some important differences that might make one a better fit for you than the others.
2 Fifth Avenue has the location advantage. It sits right at Washington Square Park, at the beginning of Fifth Avenue, and has a private driveway—a real plus when you’re arriving by car service or juggling luggage. With 343 apartments across 20 floors, it’s the largest of the three, yet I’ve noticed that apartments here seem to turn over less frequently. Perhaps those park views are hard to give up! The building also allows up to 70% financing, making it the most flexible of the three for buyers who want to put less money down. Pied-à-terres and in-unit washer-dryers are permitted with board approval.
The Brevoort, at 11 Fifth Avenue, is the smallest, with 267 apartments over 20 floors. It also has a driveway and allows pied-à-terres and washer-dryers with board approval. Financing is limited to 60%, the lowest of the three, but there’s a nice perk: every apartment comes with a storage unit. The building has also been ahead of the curve on sustainability, with green roofs and a generator that provided backup power during Hurricane Sandy.
The Brevoort East, around the corner at 20 East 9th Street, is the tallest of the three, with 25 floors and 298 apartments. Its furnished roof deck takes full advantage of that extra height, with expansive views across the city. Financing of up to 65% is permitted, but there’s one important drawback for some buyers: the building doesn’t allow pied-à-terres or in-unit washer-dryers.
What about pricing? In my experience, the differences between these buildings matter less than the usual factors: an apartment’s condition, views, light, layout, and overall appeal.
The bottom line: All three offer a full-service co-op experience in a prime Greenwich Village location. If park views and a little more flexibility with financing top your list, start with 2 Fifth Avenue. If storage and sustainability appeal to you, take a look at The Brevoort. And if a spectacular roof deck is high on your wish list, don’t overlook The Brevoort East.
Choosing between them really comes down to how you want to live—and which building best fits your priorities. If you’re considering a purchase in any of these three buildings, I’d be happy to help you compare your options.
