The Doors of New York’s Upper Eastside mark the entrances to some of the most expensive homes in our country. Research points to residences on 5th Avenue that command as much as $35,000,000… That’s correct, thirty five million. Sure, you might find a bargain at $7,500,000 just off 5th Avenue, which is still remarkably difficult to comprehend when you consider the fact that you can buy a palatial 10,000 sq. ft. mansion in LA’s Hancock Park for less than that. But as they say, location location location.

The Upper Eastside stretches from the East River to Central Park, between 59th Street and 96th Street. Prior to the 1890’s 5th Avenue north of 59th wasn’t considered  prestigious. That began to change in 1915 when speculators began building palatial residences on 5th Avenue north to 96th. Around that same time New York’s Central Railroad tracks along Park Avenue were electrified and covered, which helped restore land values that had been waning. The Upper Eastside prospered through the early 20th Century, slowing only during the Great Depression and World War II. It’s now home to the very best that Manhattan has to offer: luxury hotels, world class restaurants, flagship designer stores, and of course internationally renowned museums.

As I walked from my buddies apartment on York and 74th, to the NEUE GALERIE on 86th and 5th Avenue, I snapped photos of these spectacular doors along the way. Their architectural details are not to be missed: Cartouches,  Doric Columns, Balustrades, Garlands, Egg and Dart Trim, Statues, Topiaries… they all speak to a world steeped in elegance and rich in history. I spent as much time soaking in the artistry of these residences, as I did the Egon Shiele Portraits at the NEUE.  And if you haven’t been to the NEUE Galerie, I highly recommend it, as it might be the only chance you’ll have to step inside one of these grand old world residences. Built in 1914, it’s known as the William Starr Miller Residence,  and was also home to Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt III.