What is The Belnord known for?

The Belnord is a celebrated residential landmark and condominium building on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. It is known for its Italian Renaissance Revival style, its status as a New York City designated landmark, and for serving as the exterior site for the show Only Murders in the Building.

Where is The Belnord located?

It is located at 225 West 86th Street on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, situated between Central Park and Riverside Park. The building occupies an entire city block between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue.

What are the architectural features of the building?

Designed by Hiss and Weekes in the Italian Renaissance style, the limestone-and-brick structure features a 22,000 square foot private palazzo-style landscaped interior courtyard. It also includes six distinct residential lobbies and frescoed exterior details.

When was The Belnord built?

The building was designed by Hiss and Weekes and built between 1908 and 1909.

Is it a historic site?

Yes, The Belnord is a New York City designated landmark (as of 1966) and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (added in 1980).

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

The Belnord in New York City

The Belnord

A palatial Italian Renaissance Revival landmark on the Upper West Side, The Belnord is a full-block condominium building famous for its massive interior courtyard and its role in 'Only Murders in the Building'.

Open prototype

Official site

Get directions

What to know

The Belnord is a magnificent 14-story limestone-and-brick structure located at 225 West 86th Street on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Designed by architects Hiss and Weekes and completed between 1908 and 1909, the building was originally built as a rental apartment house. It is a premier example of the Italian Renaissance Revival style, which is evident in its frescoed exterior details and elaborate entryway. Occupying an entire city block between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue, the building is one of Manhattan's most celebrated residential landmarks. It was designated as a New York City landmark in 1966 and was later added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. The Landmarks Preservation Commission has described it as a fine example of imaginative apartment house design with special historical and aesthetic value to New York City. One of the most striking architectural features is the private, palazzo-style landscaped interior courtyard, which spans 22,000 square feet. This secluded sanctuary provides a contrast to the city's bustle. Internally, the building's current configuration includes six distinct residential lobbies, each offering three means of entrance to residences, including a private residential elevator and a grand, open staircase. While the residences have been meticulously reimagined for modern living, the building retains an atmosphere reflective of the Gilded Age. This blend of limestone sisters and palatial proportions provides a the Belnord with a timeless, ageless quality that continues to define the Upper West Side's residential grandeur.

Visitor tips

Walk around the entire block to appreciate the limestone and brickwork of the Italian Renaissance Revival style.
// a private residential building, this is a condominium; interior access is restricted to residents and guests.
Look for the elaborate entryway on 86th Street to see the frescoed exterior details.

Nearby context

The Belnord is centrally located on the Upper West Side, perfectly positioned between Central Park and Riverside Park, adding to its residential prestige.

Quick facts