| Bulding Address: | 227 West 61st Street, New York NY 10023 |
| Building Name: | Beacon High School |
| Building Alternate address: | 227 W 61st St |
| Zip Code: | 10023 |
| Neighborhood: | Columbus Circle |
| Borough: | Manhattan |
| Stories: | 4 |
| Year Built: | 1927 |
| Building Class: | B |
History of 227 West 61st Street, Manhattan, NYC
227 West 61st Street is a three-story building originally constructed in 1927. It was initially built as a commercial structure, historically used for automobile repair services. Over time, the building transitioned to an educational use, reflecting the changing needs of the neighborhood.
From 1994 until 2015, the building was home to The Beacon School, a selective college-preparatory public high school established in 1993. The New York City Department of Education leased the building under a short-term arrangement during this period, supporting the school's growth on the Upper West Side.
In 2005, the property was purchased for $31.2 million by an investment group with plans for potential residential development. Despite these plans, the building continued to serve educational purposes.
Following The Beacon School's relocation in 2015, the building underwent significant renovations. The New York City School Construction Authority invested approximately $20 million to modernize the facility, preparing it for the West End Secondary School, a public middle school that expanded its grade offerings between 2012 and 2015.
Although not designated as a New York City Landmark, 227 West 61st Street remains an important part of the Lincoln Square neighborhood's educational and urban history. Its three-story structure occupies roughly 70,000 gross square feet and stands as a testament to the adaptive reuse of early 20th-century urban architecture for contemporary educational needs.
227 West 61st Street, Manhattan, NYC
Located in the Upper West Side neighborhood of Manhattan, 227 West 61st Street is a prominent address known for residential and educational use.
Residential Features
This address includes luxury apartment residences featuring spacious interiors with floor-to-ceiling windows offering breathtaking views. Apartments often come with amenities such as in-unit washer/dryer (noted especially in 2-bedroom units), gourmet kitchens with marble countertops, and access to communal facilities including a fitness center, concierge, doorman service, lounge areas, and maid and laundry services.
Residents enjoy proximity to notable Manhattan landmarks including the Hudson River, Dewitt Clinton Park, Central Park, Columbus Circle, and Lincoln Center, along with a variety of nearby bars, shops, and restaurants.
Educational Institution
The building also houses West End Secondary School (WESS), a public middle and high school serving grades 6-12 with a focus on interdisciplinary learning and a nurturing academic environment. The school occupies the address 227-243 West 61st Street, Manhattan, NY 10023.
WESS offers advanced placement courses including AP Biology, AP Calculus, AP Chemistry, AP English Language and Composition, AP Psychology, AP Spanish Language and Culture, and others. The school supports sports teams such as basketball, indoor and outdoor track, and volleyball.
The building is fully accessible and designed with modern amenities to support education and community activities.
Building Amenities at 227 West 61st Street, Manhattan, NYC:
- 24/7 Doorman
- State-of-the-Art Fitness Center
- Rooftop Deck with City Views
- Resident Lounge
- Pet-Friendly
- High-Speed Elevators
- Nearby Subway Access
- Private Storage Available
- Sauna and Steam Room
- Concierge Services
227 West 61st Street in Manhattan's Upper West Side currently houses West End Secondary School, a NYC public middle/high school operated by the School Construction Authority.
The property was refinanced with a $60M loan in recent years while fully occupied by the NYC school system. Historical tenant data shows it previously housed The New York City Beacon High School before West End Secondary, and was listed as an elementary school occupant in 2019 records.
No commercial office tenants are currently reported in available listings.
Residents and businesses at 227 West 61st Street, Manhattan, NYC, have access to multiple high-quality internet service providers offering various connection types including fiber-optic, cable, and 5G. The primary providers available in this Manhattan location include:
- Verizon Fios: Known for its high-speed fiber-optic internet service, Verizon Fios offers symmetrical speeds up to 2.3 Gbps, supporting smooth streaming, gaming, and remote work.
- Spectrum: Widely available in Manhattan, Spectrum provides cable and fiber internet with speeds up to 1 Gbps and a no data cap policy, making it a popular choice for unlimited data usage.
- Astound Broadband (powered by RCN): Offers both cable and fiber services with plans featuring speeds up to 1.5 Gbps and unlimited data, often at competitive prices.
- AT&T U-verse: Provides DSL and fiber internet with download speeds up to 1 Gbps, including bundled options with TV and phone services.
- T-Mobile 5G Home Internet: Delivers wireless internet with flat-rate pricing, suitable for small to mid-sized households seeking cutting-edge 5G technology.
These providers cover most of Manhattan, including the Upper West Side area where 227 West 61st Street is located, ensuring access to high-speed and reliable internet options.
Transportation Near 227 West 61st Street, Manhattan, NYC
227 West 61st Street is located near the intersection of West 61st Street and Broadway in Manhattan.
Nearby Subway Stations
- 66 St-Lincoln Center (1 Line) – approximately 7 minutes walking distance
- 72 St Station – approximately 7 minutes walking distance
- 57 St-7 Av Station – approximately 8 minutes walking distance
- 7 Av Station – approximately 12 minutes walking distance
- 59 St-Columbus Circle Station – approximately 4 minutes walking distance
Nearby Bus Stops
- Broadway/W 61 St – about 1 to 3 minutes walk
- Broadway & W 61st St – about 3 minutes walk
- Columbus Av/W 61 St – about 3 to 4 minutes walk
- Broadway/W 63 St – about 2 to 5 minutes walk
Bus Lines Serving This Area
- M5
- M7
- M10
- M20
- M31
- M57
- M66
- M104
- BXM2
- Q32
Subway Lines Serving Nearby Stations
Cross Streets
The main cross street for 227 West 61st Street is Broadway, with close proximity to Columbus Avenue and West 63rd Street.
