Done Deals: Katzen's a School Customer

Proximity to top city schools sparked a bidding war on a $3.4 million Upper West Side co-op.

Douglas Elliman brokers Frances Katzen (pictured) and Stephanie Hinton listed the three bedroom comer unit 8W at 1 Gracie Square for $3.35 million.

They mailed out collateral to surrounding buildings and advertised the pre-war home online. It had been gut renovated by the owners, who were relocating.

It has herringbone floors, a real wood-burning fireplace in what Katzen described as a "stunning living room with views of the Hudson, central A/C, a built-in sound system and separate laundry room.

The windowed eat-in kitchen "is a chef’s dream," said Katzen, who added that, being so close to many of New York's best private schools turned out to be the biggest selling point. "One couple [who wanted to buy] was divorcing and the soon-to-be ex-wife needed a place near Chapin," said the broker.

"The other buyer had a child and the family was seeking a larger home close to the schools they were attending.

Katzen wouldn't tell us who won, but it was Corcoran's Jonathan P. Conlon and Patricia Cliff who repped the buyer.