Autumn in New York is getting off to a good start. For the first time in 8 weeks, we hit what has lately become an elusive benchmark: 20 contracts signed last week at $4 million and above.

And for the second time in the last 4 weeks, the No. 1 contract was an apartment at 157 West 57th Street: unit 65 B, asking $28.3 million. The condo has 4,193 square feet including 3 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms, plus 11-foot ceilings and breathtaking views of Central Park from the living room and master suite. 157 West 57th Street was designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Christian de Portzamparc with interiors by Thomas Juul-Hansen. The 90-story, 90-unit condo was built above a 5-star Park Hyatt hotel that has a separate entrance for its 210 rooms. Amenities include use of hotel services, fitness center, pool, private dining, a library lounge, performance space, and a garage.

The No. 2 contract was a townhouse at 153 West 82nd Street, asking $9.850 million, reduced from $10.225 million when it went on the market in March. This 17-foot-wide, 5-story house has 4,200 square feet and was completely renovated after being purchased for $3.2 million in 2010. It has 5 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, a gym and playroom, a large garden, and several terraces. The house does not have an elevator.