Rarely available! This corner unit, Classic 7 home, has been owned and lovingly maintained by the same family for nearly 50 years.  Grand and elegant, this impressive apartment is one of the most desirable lines in the building and offers bright, open city views from the 16th floor.     A formal entry foyer opens into a gracious prewar layout, with side-by-side living and dining rooms that have the potential to be combined, making an expansive great room with 4 oversized windows spanning its width.  Classic prewar details, including hardwood herringbone floors and high, beamed ceilings, add timeless elegance throughout.  The windowed eat-in-kitchen is the combination of the original maids room with the original kitchen, and features stainless steel appliances, including a vented stove, plentiful storage, and a full-sized washer and vented dryer.   Incredibly large by NYC standards, the kitchen is every home cook's dream with tons of space and even a designated pantry.  While perfectly functional in its current state, you could also renovate to create a true chef's kitchen customized to your needs.    The three bedrooms are located in a separate wing of the apartment, making them particularly quiet and private from the living areas.  The primary bedroom boasts a very large walk-in closet, dual exposures facing East and North and spectacular surprise view all the way to the East River and Triborough bridge.  The ensuite bathroom is appointed with a standing shower and a pedestal sink.  Currently shared with the second bedroom, it could easily be closed off and made private to the primary bedroom.   The second bedroom is adjacent to the primary bedroom and is just as large as the primary bedroom, features two closets, and open, northern city views.  Across the hall with bright and quiet southern exposures, is the third bedroom.  The second full bathroom is adjacent to the third bedroom and is appointed with a 6-foot cast iron tub and pedestal sink.  Both bathrooms are in good (mostly) original condition.   12 West 96th Street is a beautifully maintained building with a friendly and attentive staff, including a live-in superintendent and 24-hour elevator operator - one of the few remaining in New York City.  Building amenities including private storage and bike storage.  Homeowners love having Central Park just outside their door and easy access to multiple train lines and buses.  Pets are welcome!  There is currently an assessment in the amount of $231.88/month through 3/2030 to pay for elevator modernization and to replenish the reserve fund.