219 East 12th Street

Overview of 219 East 12th Street

219 East 12th Street is a Greek Revival townhouse built in 1900 and converted to condominiums in 1988. The intimate 25 foot wide building contains just five or six units across five stories in a walk up configuration. Located on a tree lined block between Second and Third Avenues, the building sits at the intersection of the East Village, Union Square, and Greenwich Village, with convenient access to multiple subway lines, Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, and Union Square Park.

The building's units retain exceptional historic character, with original details including inlaid parquet floors, crown moldings, ceiling medallions, and carved marble mantles. Ceiling heights are particularly impressive, ranging from 9'9" to 14 feet in the parlor floor units. Most apartments feature multiple wood burning fireplaces (between two and four per unit), with fully functional chimneys. The units showcase a thoughtful blend of preservation and modern renovation, with one parlor floor apartment designed by Drew McGukin and featured in Architectural Digest. Common features across units include hardwood floors, oversized windows providing multiple exposures, and abundant natural light unusual for typical townhouse layouts.

The building's larger units are particularly noteworthy. A 3,200 square foot duplex penthouse occupies the top two floors with four bedrooms, 3.5 baths, two private outdoor spaces, and four fireplaces. Another top floor penthouse offers a 260 square foot landscaped terrace and a 1,215 square foot private roof deck with 360 degree views. Kitchens throughout feature high end appliances including Viking, Wolf, and Sub-Zero, with custom cabinetry and marble countertops. Bathrooms are outfitted with Waterworks fixtures, heated floors, and details like freestanding soaking tubs and steam showers. Most units include in unit washers and dryers, with the duplex penthouse featuring a dedicated laundry room.

The boutique building offers video intercom security, common storage, and bicycle storage. Monthly common charges are notably low, and the building is pet friendly. The small number of units ensures exceptional privacy and minimal traffic, creating what residents describe as a peaceful, country retreat atmosphere within the heart of downtown Manhattan.