This impeccable Fifth Avenue pied-a-terre is a masterful collaboration between interior designer Michael S. Smith and architect Oscar Shamamian, longtime creative partners, for a longstanding shared client. The collective expertise of this visionary design duo is defined by a rare, relaxed elegance and an unmatched standard of thoughtful and flawless execution. With captivating views of Central Park from every room, this magical full floor aerie is located atop a classic 1925 prewar cooperative. Twelve oversized windows provide a perfect vantage point for the changing seasons of Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum, the landmarked buildings of Central Park West, and the northern horizon to the George Washington Bridge. 969 Fifth Avenue is located opposite the James B. Duke Mansion, the Horace Trumbauer designed limestone masterpiece, on one of the most desirable tree-lined mansion blocks of the Upper East Side Historic District. The Henry Cook Block, between East 78th and East 79th Streets and Fifth and Madison Avenues, is the last remaining block with all of its landmarked low-rise mansions intact. The spectacular views are protected by deeded height restrictions upon all buildings within the block imposed by Henry Cook, which remain in place to this day. The handsome attended elevator opens directly into the stunning full floor residence. A gracious Entry Gallery with Japanese marble flooring leads to a grand corner Living Room, where 5 large windows overlook Central Park. This expansive reception room features a wood-burning fireplace with a fine Antique Regency English mantel, quarter sawn cerused oak flooring and exquisite custom wood and plaster millwork and decorative architectural elements by Fau Boiseries of Paris. The adjacent Dining Room/Library, paneled with enameled bookshelves, also enjoys park views. A charming Primary Bedroom boasts open park and Museum views, a custom designed television lift and a spa-like windowed en-suite Bathroom finished in semi-precious Cream Onyx with marble flooring, a soaking tub and shower. The Second Bedroom also enjoys northern park views and includes a luxurious en-suite Bathroom paneled in marble with a double shower. The Powder Room, outfitted with shagreen cabinetry, is lined with exquisite panels created by John Simon Guggenheim Fellow Nancy Lorenz whose artistic style is characterized by its references to expressionistic abstraction and use of decorative craftsmanship. A superb Eat-In Chefs Kitchen with soapstone countertops and granite flooring enjoys dual northern and eastern exposures with views to the George Washington Bridge. The Kitchen features a Viking Professional 6 Burner Stove, Sub-Zero Refrigerator Freezer, an ASKO dishwasher, a dining banquette, bookshelves and excellent storage. A Hall Closet contains an ASKO Washer and Dryer and a Media Stack. The apartment includes central air conditioning, humidification, and Lutron systems, a sophisticated media system and radiant heated floors in all rooms. A successful marriage of classic detail and craftsmanship with a brand new infrastructure, state-of-the-art systems and extraordinary finishes throughout. There are only 12 apartments, providing for an intimate and luxurious experience with a high level of staffing. Incomparable service and seamless security are provided by a superb property manager and 24 hour Doorman. Pets, pied-a-terres, and financing of up to 30% are permitted. A 3% Flip Tax is payable by the Purchaser. Storage conveys with the apartment. Showing appointments are permitted Weekdays from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.