Once-in-a-lifetime listings include Gilded Age mansion and John Steinbeck's former Upper East Side home

By CityRealty Staff | From Goldilocks Blocks Thursday, February 29, 2024

James F.D. Lanier House, #TH (Christie's International Real Estate Group)

Last week’s top Manhattan contracts included the longtime home of documentary photographer Elliot Erwitt, which entered contract with an $11.5 million asking price. The listing notes that it had been his family’s home for 55 years and that it is in estate condition. Nevertheless, its address in a prestigious Central Park cooperative and richness in prewar details like coffered ceilings and a classic floor plan undoubtedly contributed to the high price it commanded.

The signing took place a few months after Mr. Erwitt’s death in November 2023. Indeed, between the rise of certain New York neighborhoods over the past several decades (e.g., Lincoln Center and the Village) and the fact that certain aspects of Old World craftsmanship are incredibly challenging, if not impossible to replicate in new construction, it is not surprising that some would choose to hold onto their city homes as long as possible, sometimes even until death.

When an apartment or townhouse has not been listed in several decades, prospective buyers are often advised to “bring your architect” so as to get an idea of how to bring an older home’s infrastructure, appliances, and layout into the 21st century. However, we can only hope that this does not come at the expense of the architectural details and impressive proportions that made previous owners so possessive of them in the first place.

First Listing in 40 Years
City Hall Tower, #5E
$1,550,000

Tribeca | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath

City Hall Tower, #5E (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: This spacious, approximately 1,300-square-foot residence boasts high ceilings just under 11 feet tall. Currently configured as a two-bedroom with a sizable separate home office and enormous living and dining room, this flexible space could assume many different layouts to meet individual needs. With a wall of eight windows in the living room and second bedroom facing north (and two windows with west exposure from the primary bedroom), this apartment enjoys extreme quiet and a view of the City as well. The big open kitchen has plenty of countertops and storage, a dishwasher and large pantry closet, and there are currently one and a half bathrooms and five additional closets throughout the apartment. A private storage cage in the basement conveys with the sale. See floor plan and full details here.

First Listing in 40 Years
The Ardsley, #18B
$10,000,000

Central Park West | Cooperative | 4 Bedrooms, 4.5 Baths | 3,500 ft²

The Ardsley, #18B (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: This 4-bed, 4.5-bath home with a 700-square-foot terrace directly off the living room has over 50 feet of sweeping, protected views over Central Park, the reservoir and the most incredible skyline views. Upon entering the residence from your private elevator landing, you will be greeted by the grand gallery. As you proceed, the enchanting views seen through the home's north, south, east and west exposures will hold your gaze captive. Every bedroom promises superb views, sun-drenched spaces, and generous proportions, and comes with its own en suite bathroom. This home has been purposefully designed for entertaining, from its separate windowed eat-in chef's kitchen to its stately dining room stretching 21 feet long. See floor plan and full details here.

First Listing in 43 Years
The Raleigh, #MAISC
$2,795,000

Park/Fifth Ave. to 79th St. | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths

The Raleigh, #MAISC (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: This architecturally distinctive, one-of-a-kind residence is ideal for art collectors or avid entertainers, offering a functional layout filled with prewar details, and featuring 7.5 rooms with 3-4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, separate dining, and a primary bedroom suite with separate sitting room or home office, located in a prestigious Park Avenue building. A gracious entry foyer with stone floors and charming art niches welcomes you to a sprawling living room with soaring 12' high ceilings and oversized paneled windows providing abundant natural light - ideal for showcasing your prized art collection. The living room flows seamlessly into a spacious dining area, creating an expansive entertaining space for any occasion. See floor plan and full details here.

First Listing in 40+ Years
64 MacDougal Street, #11
$699,000

SoHo | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

64 MacDougal Street, #11 (Sothebys International Realty)

From the Listing: In this recently renovated one-bed, sunlight abounds through five oversized windows which have north, east and western exposures. Other features include 9’ ceilings, exposed brick, recessed lighting and custom built-ins. If you like to cook, this kitchen will not disappoint, with its stunning quartzite countertops, dishwasher, windowed nook, and tons of storage. Currently configured as an alcove studio with a queen-sized Murphy bed, this space could easily be transformed to a one-bedroom. See floor plan and full details here.

First Listing in 40+ Years
Park Towers, #17F
$750,000

Gramercy Park | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

Park Towers, #17F (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Apartment 17F awaits your renovation and vision, with unobstructed western views with sunsets that truly take your breath away. The efficient floorplan has a good-sized living space and bedroom, and also the ability to create a home office or an additional walk-in closet. Park Towers offers full-service living with a 24-hour doorman, a stunning roof deck with panoramic city views, a fully-equipped gym, laundry facilities, a resident manager, bike storage, and garage access. See floor plan and full details here.

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First Listing in 40+ Years
Lincoln Guild, #20DW
$995,000

Lincoln Center | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath | 1,000 ft²

Lincoln Guild, #20DW (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: This 2-bed, 1-bath penthouse with private terrace boasts unparalleled water views, providing a canvas for your dream residence. Unleash your creativity and expertise to reimagine every corner of this penthouse, turning it into a modern masterpiece while preserving the nostalgic essence that makes it unique. See floor plan and full details here.

First Listing in 40+ Years
1165 Fifth Avenue, #23D
$2,495,000

Carnegie Hill | Cooperative | 4 Bedrooms, 3 Baths | 2,200 ft²

1165 Fifth Avenue, #23D (Coldwell Banker Warburg)

From the Listing: Unique opportunity to purchase a classic 8-room duplex in estate condition at 1165 Fifth Avenue, just steps to Central Park. Upon entry, a gracious foyer and gallery with original curved staircase leads to a grand and elegant living room with wood-burning fireplace and stunning herringbone wood floors. An adjacent formal dining room is impressive in scale and connects to an enormous kitchen with plentiful cabinetry and counterspace, plus a washer and dryer. Upstairs, there are 4 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms. See floor plan and full details here.

First Listing in 40+ Years
James F.D. Lanier House, #TH
$24,750,000 (-15.2%)

Murray Hill | Townhouse | 6+ Bedrooms, 6+ Baths | 11,638 ft²

James F.D. Lanier House, #TH (Christies International Real Estate Group LLC)

From the Listing: The James F.D. Lanier House is more than a testament to the Gilded Age, it is an exuberant celebration. The original architectural finishes and materials have been meticulously preserved under the stewardship of the current owner, with thoughtful improvements sensitive to the original design. Among the significant features of this extraordinary mansion are the fluted Ionic pilasters; dentil and modillion cornices; carved stonework; stately stone porch, and copper mansard roof with three dormers. The magnificent details begin at the arched entrance hall with its high, rose medallion ceiling, crowned with an antique crystal chandelier. The James F. D. Lanier House offers nine generously appointed bedrooms (five of which are suites), seven luxuriously appointed bathrooms, and three powder rooms. There’s also a fitness center, sauna room, massage room, and 1,000-bottle temperature-controlled wine cellar. See floor plan and full details here.

First Listing in 50+ Years
39 East 19th Street, #3F
$1,593,000 (-3.5%)

Flatiron/Union Square | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 1,800 ft²

39 East 19th Street, #3F (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Here is your chance to own and put your personal touch on a quintessential loft in the heart of the photography district. This 1,800-square-foot co-op has soaring twelve-foot ceilings on the main floor and has been the home and studio of a legendary photographer. The elevator opens into the apartment which is currently set up for live/work, with an open office and sitting area in the front with tall south-facing windows, an interior dressing area, bathroom, Pullman kitchen, tremendous closet space, washer/dryer, and an enormous living room with north windows. The upper level has lower ceilings and is currently used for storage and sleeping. See floor plan and full details here.

First Listing in 50+ Years
The Kenedale, #3C
$3,595,000 (-5.4%)

Carnegie Hill | Cooperative | 4 Bedrooms, 4 Baths

The Kenedale, #3C (Sothebys International Realty)

From the Listing: This sprawling, pre-war residence enjoys a generous floor-through layout with triple exposure to the north, west and south. Employing a large and open-plan design, this apartment is home to three bedrooms with three en-suite full bathrooms, a formal living room, spacious separate dining room, kitchen, and maid’s quarters with en-suite bath that can be converted to a fourth bedroom or realize an enormous eat-in kitchen with four windows. Stepping from the semi-private elevator landing, one is welcomed into a massive gallery foyer that connects the living room to the left with the dining room to the right and consolidates access to the three-bedroom suites across the way. The living room faces south and features a beautiful, mantled wood-burning fireplace and built-in, lighted bookshelves. See floor plan and full details here.

First Listing in 50+ Years
The Gordon, #11
$7,200,000 (-3.9%)

Carnegie Hill | Cooperative | 6+ Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths

The Gordon, #11 (Compass)

From the Listing: Perched high on the 11th floor, this incredible full-floor home offers approximately 4,000 square feet of flexible living space with light emanating from all four exposures. It is currently configured with 6 spacious bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2 wood-burning fireplaces, a double-sized living room, formal dining room with butler's pantry, windowed eat-in kitchen with a breakfast room, laundry room, and separate staff quarters. Enter the magnificent double-size great room which boasts impeccable floor-to-ceiling wooden paneling set within a wall of original lead casement windows with western city views. A beautiful wood-burning fireplace and multiple seating areas complete this impressive entertaining space. Private storage transfers with the sale. See floor plan and full details here.

First Listing in 50+ Years
135 East 19th Street, #TH
$13,950,000

Gramercy Park | Townhouse | 6+ Bedrooms, 5.5 Baths | 6,798 ft²

135 East 19th Street, #TH (Compass)

From the Listing: 135 East 19th Street was originally built by wealthy Dutch owners in Amsterdam in the 17th century, then dismantled and shipped to the Upper West Side in 1845. In 1910, it was relocated again to Gramercy Park and completed by English architect Frederick J. Sterner. Ribbons of stained-glass windows sparkle on every floor, decorative stone inlays define the façade, and an ornate roof line caps this "best on the block" mansion. Massive wood carved entry doors belie the history and scale that lie within, with the townhouse offering four stories (plus an interior mezzanine) and almost 7,000 square feet of interior living space. Presently, there are six bedrooms, six bathrooms, a full chef’s kitchen, a prep kitchen off the dining room, a dumbwaiter, two staircases, a laundry center, and more. See floor plan and full details here.

First Listing in 55+ Years
177 East 78th Street, #TH
$7,950,000

Lenox Hill | Townhouse | 4 Bedrooms, 4 Baths

177 East 78th Street, #TH (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Real estate firm Lowenfeld & Prager purchased both 177 and 175 East 78 Street in 1902, and they have been bonded under single-ownership ever since. In September of 1946, the two buildings became home to the great American author and Nobel Prize winner, John Steinbeck. 177 East 78 Street is 18' wide and has been completely renovated from top to bottom. Elegantly set off the street, the stately home offers 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a beautifully landscaped backyard, 2 wood burning fireplaces, split AC system, hardwood floors, finished basements, and one elevator servicing the entire house. The first floor features a formal entryway with a spacious coat closet and a large eat-in kitchen with top of the line Bosch and Sub-Zero stainless steel appliances. A huge living room/ dining room with oversized bay windows leads outside to a beautiful backyard. See floor plan and full details here.

First Listing in 60+ Years
11 Bank Street, #TH
$21,000,000

West Village | Townhouse | 6+ Bedrooms, 5 Baths | 5,855 ft²

11 Bank Street, #TH (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Located on the most desirable tree lined street in the West Village, this magnificent 24-foot-wide five-story Greek Revival townhouse offers everything one dreams of in a Village house. Behind this 1845 historic facade awaits a 5,800+ square-foot, four-family house with free market rentals that has been lovingly cared for and well maintained with extensive upgrades made in 2020. 1 apartment is vacant, and the remaining 3 leases expire within the next 18 months, which would give the buyer ample time to make plans if conversion to a single-family mansion is so desired. Among the many marvelous historic details are original pine floorboards, moldings, and marble mantles throughout the house. See floor plan and full details here.

First Listing in Nearly 100 Years
69 Orange Street, #NA
$8,950,000 (-10.1%)

Brooklyn Heights | Townhouse | 4 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 2,570 ft²

69 Orange Street, #NA (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: One of Brooklyn Heights' oldest historic homes can now be yours! Built in 1829, this house was built in the Federal clapboard style, and features Victorian add-ons such as the mansard roof with gingerbread details. The distinctive architecture of this house gives it unmatched curb appeal. 69 Orange has been meticulously preserved by the current owners and contains all original features, such as handrails, woodworking, hardware, molding, and historical milk paint. The large backyard has a surprising amount of green space and a bluestone patio perfect for entertaining. This generously sized home has four sizable bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a library, a salon, a formal dining room, and two spaces that work great for a home office or nursery. See floor plan and full details here.

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In this article:

First Listing in 40 Years
City Hall Tower, #5E
$1,550,000

First Listing in 40 Years
The Ardsley, #18B
$10,000,000

First Listing in 43 Years
The Raleigh, #MAISC
$2,795,000

First Listing in 40+ Years
64 MacDougal Street, #11
$699,000

First Listing in 40+ Years
Park Towers, #17F
$750,000

Select which properties are of interest to you:

First Listing in 40+ Years
Lincoln Guild, #20DW
$995,000

First Listing in 40+ Years
1165 Fifth Avenue, #23D
$2,495,000

First Listing in 40+ Years
James F.D. Lanier House, #TH
$24,750,000 (-15.2%)

First Listing in 50+ Years
39 East 19th Street, #3F
$1,593,000 (-3.5%)

First Listing in 50+ Years
The Kenedale, #3C
$3,595,000 (-5.4%)

First Listing in 50+ Years
The Gordon, #11
$7,200,000 (-3.9%)

First Listing in 50+ Years
135 East 19th Street, #TH
$13,950,000

First Listing in 55+ Years
177 East 78th Street, #TH
$7,950,000

First Listing in 60+ Years
11 Bank Street, #TH
$21,000,000

First Listing in Nearly 100 Years
69 Orange Street, #NA
$8,950,000 (-10.1%)

This is your member's center

In this article:

First Listing in 40 Years City Hall Tower, #5E$1,550,000

First Listing in 40 Years The Ardsley, #18B$10,000,000

First Listing in 43 Years The Raleigh, #MAISC$2,795,000

First Listing in 40+ Years 64 MacDougal Street, #11$699,000

First Listing in 40+ Years Park Towers, #17F$750,000

Select which properties are of interest to you:

First Listing in 40+ Years Lincoln Guild, #20DW$995,000

First Listing in 40+ Years 1165 Fifth Avenue, #23D$2,495,000

First Listing in 40+ Years James F.D. Lanier House, #TH$24,750,000 (-15.2%)

First Listing in 50+ Years 39 East 19th Street, #3F$1,593,000 (-3.5%)

First Listing in 50+ Years The Kenedale, #3C$3,595,000 (-5.4%)

First Listing in 50+ Years The Gordon, #11$7,200,000 (-3.9%)

First Listing in 50+ Years 135 East 19th Street, #TH$13,950,000

First Listing in 55+ Years 177 East 78th Street, #TH$7,950,000

First Listing in 60+ Years 11 Bank Street, #TH$21,000,000

First Listing in Nearly 100 Years 69 Orange Street, #NA$8,950,000 (-10.1%)

Select which properties are of interest to you:

Listings in this article

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First Listing in 40 Years
City Hall Tower, #5E
$1,550,000

First Listing in 40 Years
The Ardsley, #18B
$10,000,000

First Listing in 43 Years
The Raleigh, #MAISC
$2,795,000

First Listing in 40+ Years
64 MacDougal Street, #11
$699,000

First Listing in 40+ Years
Park Towers, #17F
$750,000

First Listing in 40+ Years
Lincoln Guild, #20DW
$995,000

First Listing in 40+ Years
1165 Fifth Avenue, #23D
$2,495,000

First Listing in 40+ Years
James F.D. Lanier House, #TH
$24,750,000 (-15.2%)

First Listing in 50+ Years
39 East 19th Street, #3F
$1,593,000 (-3.5%)

First Listing in 50+ Years
The Kenedale, #3C
$3,595,000 (-5.4%)

First Listing in 50+ Years
The Gordon, #11
$7,200,000 (-3.9%)

First Listing in 50+ Years
135 East 19th Street, #TH
$13,950,000

First Listing in 55+ Years
177 East 78th Street, #TH
$7,950,000

First Listing in 60+ Years
11 Bank Street, #TH
$21,000,000

First Listing in Nearly 100 Years
69 Orange Street, #NA
$8,950,000 (-10.1%)