117 West 79th Street

117 West 79th Street, formerly the Park 79 Hotel, is a seven-story Renaissance Revival building located in New York’s Upper West Side within the Central Park West Historic District. Designed by Neville & Bagge and constructed in 1898-1899, the building underwent a transformative conversion led by Fairstead and their social services partner, Project FIND. This initiative created 77 high-quality, deeply affordable residences tailored for seniors.  

The renovation converted the former Single Room Occupancy (SRO) building into low-income senior housing, featuring 77 fully furnished units designed for independent seniors aged 62 and older. Each unit includes a private kitchenette and bathroom, with UFAS-compliant units available on every floor. Accessibility upgrades include a new wheelchair lift at the main entrance and a modern interior elevator serving all levels. Additional amenities include a welcoming ground-floor lobby/lounge, community spaces, accessible laundry facilities, and outdoor patios. The design, approved by the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission, preserves the building’s historic integrity while meeting contemporary accessibility standards and housing needs.  

Exterior restoration efforts further enhanced the building’s functionality and historic character. Work included masonry repairs, lintel and sill replacements, installation of furred stucco, new ground-level accessible doors, and the addition of a metal cornice.