Given the immense popularity of HBO drama The Gilded Age, many were surprised to see it absent from the Emmy Awards ceremony last Sunday. Town & Country points out that the season premiere aired outside the eligibility period for the 2025 awards, but it will be eligible for next year's awards. Viewers can't get enough of the intrigue, the characters inspired by real life, and the period-perfect costumes and sets.
Much of the show's action takes place on the Upper East Side; however, as its historic district designation notes, "beginning in the 1890s and continuing into the new century, wealthy New Yorkers began moving into Murray Hill, where they usually either converted the area's mid-century row houses into elegant townhouses or replaced them with new mansions." One of those wealthy New Yorkers was James C. Fargo, president of American Express and brother of Wells Fargo co-founder William Fargo. In 1891, he replaced the rowhouse at 120 East 37th Street with a Renaissance Revival-style mansion designed by Romeyn & Stevens, who drew inspiration from popular designs by McKim, Meade & White. It was distinguished by its brick and terra cotta facade, Ionic columns at the entrance, and arched windows on the upper level.
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Over 130 years later, the mansion has been converted to The Lucia, an eight-unit boutique condominium that just launched sales. The first public availabilities are a studio for $400K, a one-bedroom for $650K, a two-bedroom for $1.5 million, and a three-bedroom for nearly $2 million.
All apartments feature tall sash windows, wide plank hardwood floors, open-concept layouts, and in-unit laundry. Kitchens come outfitted with two-toned cabinetry, stone countertops, matte black hardware, and integrated appliances from Bosch, Summit, and Fulgor Milano. Three-piece bathrooms have Everlast Arabescato porcelain tile walls and floors, custom floating vanities, and walk-in showers. But while the interiors are designed to meet modern buyers' needs, the exteriors were restored to their original glory amidst the conversion.
All apartments feature tall sash windows, wide plank hardwood floors, open-concept layouts, and in-unit laundry. Kitchens come outfitted with two-toned cabinetry, stone countertops, matte black hardware, and integrated appliances from Bosch, Summit, and Fulgor Milano. Three-piece bathrooms have Everlast Arabescato porcelain tile walls and floors, custom floating vanities, and walk-in showers. But while the interiors are designed to meet modern buyers' needs, the exteriors were restored to their original glory amidst the conversion.
The Lucia, #4-F (Nest Seekers LLC)
The Lucia's address in the heart of Murray Hill puts it in close proximity to the Morgan Library and Museum, United Nations Headquarters, and popular Murray Hill dining and nightlife. Grand Central Terminal is a few blocks north.
The Lucia's condo conversion comes at a time when available land for new construction is scarce, causing residential developers to look to existing properties for conversion opportunities. However, this does not necessarily put them at a disadvantage. In historic districts, it is anecdotally easier to get the Landmarks Preservation Commission's approval for an alteration than new construction, especially if a building's notable architectural features will be preserved and restored. All over the city, as prewar developments regularly rank among the city's top contracts and highest-priced sales, it is clear that residents appreciate having the best of both worlds: character-rich architecture and modern amenities. Below, we look at recently launched conversions.
New historic condo and rental conversions
Condos
The 291, Park Slope
291 Sixth Avenue
Built in 1920 | Converted in 2025
3 availabilities from $1.39 million
291 Sixth Avenue
Built in 1920 | Converted in 2025
3 availabilities from $1.39 million
A short distance from Prospect Park, the brownstone at 291 Sixth Avenue has been converted to a boutique condominium where all four units have private outdoor space: two with private backyards, and two with private roof terraces. Interiors feature abundant natural light from large panel Pella windows, open-plan layouts, and wide-plank engineered hardwood floors. Modern amenities include state-of-the-art kitchen appliances, in-unit laundry, individually controlled HVAC units, and video intercoms.
The 291, #3 (Corcoran Group)
323 Clinton Street, Cobble Hill
Built in 1910 | Converted in 2025
1 availability for $7.4 million
Built in 1910 | Converted in 2025
1 availability for $7.4 million
Amidst ECKSTROM's conversion of 323 Clinton Avenue to a boutique condominium, the exterior looks much as it did when it was constructed at the beginning of the 20th century. However, it was renovated with Passive House techniques such as high-performance windows, new plumbing, and new electrical systems for superior energy efficiency. All units have private outdoor space, and interiors feature wide-plank Hakwood oak floors, Henrybuilt custom kitchens with Miele appliance suites, king-size bedrooms, and generous closet space throughout.
323 Clinton Street, #1 (Park Property Advisors)
503 Clinton Avenue, Clinton Hill
Built in 1930 | Converted in 2025
2 availabilities from $1.15 million
Built in 1930 | Converted in 2025
2 availabilities from $1.15 million
Located where Fort Greene meets Clinton Hill, new condo conversion 503 Clinton Avenue's brownstone facade remains in keeping with the neighborhood vernacular. However, the interiors have been transformed into eight condo units with new windows, recessed lighting, exposed brick, kitchens with stainless steel GE appliances, relaxing primary baths, split air conditioning systems, and in-unit laundry. The building offers bike storage in the basement, but is a short distance from the Clinton-Washington Avenues A/C trains.
503 Clinton Avenue, #2A (Corcoran Group)
Rentals
The Hartby, Bedford-Stuyvesant
788 Willoughby Avenue
Built in 1870 | Converted in 2024
21 availabilities from $3,130/month
788 Willoughby Avenue
Built in 1870 | Converted in 2024
21 availabilities from $3,130/month
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The main St. John's University campus is now in Queens, but it was originally constructed in Bedford-Stuyvesant. Over 150 years later, it has been converted to a luxury rental with amenities like a fitness center, a party room, a central courtyard, and a roof terrace with barbecue grills and skyline views. The 205 units combine the old and the new with features like arched windows, high ceilings, top-of-the-line appliances, central air conditioning, and in-unit laundry.
The Exchange, Bedford-Stuyvesant
619 Throop Avenue
Built in 1891 | Converted in 2024
4 availabilities from $3,900/month
619 Throop Avenue
Built in 1891 | Converted in 2024
4 availabilities from $3,900/month
The magnificent, interconnected Italian Renaissance Revival-style buildings at 601-619 Throop Avenue in Bedford-Stuyvesant were built as headquarters for the New York and New Jersey Telephone Company in 1905. One hundred twenty years later, the building has been designated a New York City Landmark and converted to a 40-unit rental. The historic architecture has been beautifully preserved, while interiors feature soaring ceilings, oversized windows, custom flooring, and top-of-the-line appliances. Amenities include a fitness center, a coworking lounge, package lockers, a laundry room, bike storage, and a roof terrace.
From the Listing: The Exchange is a historical landmark offering sun-drenched, spacious lofts featuring expansive windows that flood the apartments with natural light. Enjoy sleek, modern stainless-steel appliances, an in-unit LG stackable washer/dryer, and custom wardrobes. The kitchen is equipped with top-tier Blomberg appliances including a dishwasher. Smart-controlled heating and cooling throughout the apartment ensures effortless comfort year-round. See floor plan and full details here.
Listings in Gilded Age-era buildings
24 East 82nd Street, #1A (Sothebys International Realty)
The Stuart Duncan, #1C
$2,600,000
Park/Fifth Ave. to 79th St. | Condominium | 1 Bedroom, 1.5 Baths | 1,000 ft2
The Stuart Duncan, #1C (Compass)
23 Park Avenue, #1/A (Compass)
The Ansonia, #15/157
$3,040,000 (-5%)
Broadway Corridor | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 1,350 ft2
The Ansonia, #15/157 (Compass)
218 West 139th Street, # (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)
The Pulitzer Mansion, #PH
$4,950,000 (-29%)
Park/Fifth Ave. to 79th St. | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, Unknown Baths
The Pulitzer Mansion, #PH (Sothebys International Realty)
The Astor, #705 (Compass)
The Pulitzer Mansion, #2BC
$5,995,000
Park/Fifth Ave. to 79th St. | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 3 Baths | 2,000 ft2
The Pulitzer Mansion, #2BC (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)
The Osborne, #4B (Compass)
22 East 82nd Street, #56
$8,495,000 (-5.4%)
Carnegie Hill | Condominium | 4 Bedrooms, 5 Baths | 3,704 ft2
22 East 82nd Street, #56 (Corcoran Group)
16 East 76th Street, #TH
$16,000,000 (-17.9%)
Park/Fifth Ave. to 79th St. | Townhouse | 6+ Bedrooms, 6+ Baths | 10,258 ft2
16 East 76th Street, # (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)
11 East 74th Street, #TH
$34,000,000
Park/Fifth Ave. to 79th St. | Townhouse | 6+ Bedrooms, 6+ Baths | 10,800 ft2
11 East 74th Street, # (Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New York Properties)
9 East 88th Street, # (Bespoke Real Estate LLC)
15 East 63rd Street, #TH
$39,500,000
Park/Fifth Ave. to 79th St. | Townhouse | 6+ Bedrooms, 6+ Baths | 18,000 ft2
15 East 63rd Street, # (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)
2 East 82nd Street, # (Modlin Group LLC)
9 East 82nd Street, # (R New York)
Would you like to tour any of these properties?
Just complete the info below.
Or call us at (212) 755-5544
Would you like to tour any of these properties?
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