A true city of stars (Views from Morgan Court, #24B - Douglas Elliman)
Given the number of business executives, artists, and stars of stage and screen that have chosen to make New York their home over the years, the possibility of owning an apartment where a famous person once lived is not a remote one. As a matter of fact, in some instances from the last week of April 2023, New York's luminaries would appear to be trading apartments.
In this article:
Matthew Derella
55 Leonard Street, #1 (Douglas Elliman)
At the end of 2022, technology firm Catalyte announced that former Twitter executive Matthew Derella had been appointed the company’s new CEO. Shortly after the announcement, public records revealed that the longtime New Yorker and his family bought a garden maisonette in Tribeca.
From the Listing:
Upon entering main living area, your eye is immediately drawn to the custom steel and walnut grand staircase leading to the great room which consists of the living room with fireplace, powder room, dining and open kitchen looking out onto a custom glass encased balcony. The chef's kitchen is equipped with Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, Calcutta Gold Marble countertops and backsplash, and custom metal-clad and walnut cabinets. The upper level includes 4 sizably proportioned bedrooms all with en-suite baths, custom fitted closets and automated Hartmann & Forbes blackout and sheer blinds. Both the primary bedroom and a second bedroom have access to a glass encased terrace.
The lower level is truly special! Included on this level is a media room with Crestron audio speakers & built in 85" TV, custom millwork and wet bar and a Ninja Warrior Room complete with rock climbing wall and obstacle course. There is also a fitness room with Crestron audio speakers & built-in TV, a laundry room with (2) LG washers, (2) vented LG dryers, and an office with custom built-in desks with (3) in-wall Apple computers. Access to patio with built-in grill area, 36" Wolf grill, custom made outdoor table and Crestron audio system. Additional features include custom millwork throughout, Crestron Smart Home with complete automation of music, TV's, lighting, shades and security camera's, elevator access to all three levels, Nest system for central a/c and heating, and virtual doorman
From the Listing:
Upon entering main living area, your eye is immediately drawn to the custom steel and walnut grand staircase leading to the great room which consists of the living room with fireplace, powder room, dining and open kitchen looking out onto a custom glass encased balcony. The chef's kitchen is equipped with Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, Calcutta Gold Marble countertops and backsplash, and custom metal-clad and walnut cabinets. The upper level includes 4 sizably proportioned bedrooms all with en-suite baths, custom fitted closets and automated Hartmann & Forbes blackout and sheer blinds. Both the primary bedroom and a second bedroom have access to a glass encased terrace.
The lower level is truly special! Included on this level is a media room with Crestron audio speakers & built in 85" TV, custom millwork and wet bar and a Ninja Warrior Room complete with rock climbing wall and obstacle course. There is also a fitness room with Crestron audio speakers & built-in TV, a laundry room with (2) LG washers, (2) vented LG dryers, and an office with custom built-in desks with (3) in-wall Apple computers. Access to patio with built-in grill area, 36" Wolf grill, custom made outdoor table and Crestron audio system. Additional features include custom millwork throughout, Crestron Smart Home with complete automation of music, TV's, lighting, shades and security camera's, elevator access to all three levels, Nest system for central a/c and heating, and virtual doorman
Lawrence and Elizabeth Lenke
The Park Loggia, #30A (The Corcoran Group)
In addition to performing spinal deformity surgeries, Dr. Lawrence Lenke acted as a producer of the Tony-nominated musical The Prom with his wife Elizabeth Lenke. Appropriately enough, these patrons of the arts have recently bought an apartment located between the Theater District and Lincoln Center – a bustling area to be sure, but a private loggia offers an outdoor respite.
From the Listing:
Highest floor three-bedroom with Park, Columbus Circle, and sweeping skyline views! This three-bedroom boasts two loggias (357 square feet) for outdoor dining and entertaining regardless of the weather! Entrance gallery that is great for art leads you to a corner living room facing south and east with all-day light and nine windows! The primary bedroom has a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows, a generous walk-in closet, a private loggia, and also an ensuite five-fixture bathroom with Gioia Venatino marble floors and walls. Separated by the living spaces are the second and third bedrooms, the marble second bathroom, and powder room. The kitchen has a Madreperola Quartzite island, countertops, and backsplash with a full Miele appliance package, including double ovens and a wine refrigerator. LG Steam Stylers and GE washer and vented dryer complete the appliance package.
From the Listing:
Highest floor three-bedroom with Park, Columbus Circle, and sweeping skyline views! This three-bedroom boasts two loggias (357 square feet) for outdoor dining and entertaining regardless of the weather! Entrance gallery that is great for art leads you to a corner living room facing south and east with all-day light and nine windows! The primary bedroom has a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows, a generous walk-in closet, a private loggia, and also an ensuite five-fixture bathroom with Gioia Venatino marble floors and walls. Separated by the living spaces are the second and third bedrooms, the marble second bathroom, and powder room. The kitchen has a Madreperola Quartzite island, countertops, and backsplash with a full Miele appliance package, including double ovens and a wine refrigerator. LG Steam Stylers and GE washer and vented dryer complete the appliance package.
Raphaelle D'Ornano
The Cortland, #7EW (Core Group Marketing)
In mid-April, the New York Post announced that New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge had bought a penthouse in The Cortland. That sale has not yet been recorded, but another significant one in the building has: Raphaelle D’Ornano, founder and managing partner of investment firm D’Ornano & Co, has purchased a two-bedroom home with Hudson River views and a Juliet balcony off the primary bedroom.
From the Listing:
Residence 7EW is 1,725 square feet with two bedrooms and two-and-a-half bathrooms. The expansive, open-plan living and dining areas feature unobstructed views of the Hudson River, a corner great room, a kitchen with a custom Olson Kundig-designed Jackbox, warm wood flooring, and floor-to-ceiling windows. The primary bedroom suite offers a walk-in closet and bay window.
From the Listing:
Residence 7EW is 1,725 square feet with two bedrooms and two-and-a-half bathrooms. The expansive, open-plan living and dining areas feature unobstructed views of the Hudson River, a corner great room, a kitchen with a custom Olson Kundig-designed Jackbox, warm wood flooring, and floor-to-ceiling windows. The primary bedroom suite offers a walk-in closet and bay window.
Anthony Marx
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The Madison Parq, #PH (Compass)
New York Public Library CEO Anthony Marx has recently purchased an eye-catching penthouse at the top of The Madison Parq, a hotel-turned-cooperative less than a mile from the library’s main Stephen A. Schwarzman Building and the new Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library across the street. As 6sqft observes, Mr. Marx is the latest in a long line of acclaimed figures to move in – he bought it from Emmy Award-winning casting director Kathleen Chopin and, when 6sqft covered the penthouse in September 2016, it was owned by designer/PR executive Leslie Klotz.
From the Listing:
The penthouse at 66 Madison presents a rare opportunity to own a secluded, top floor, “free standing” home with unparalleled outdoor space in one of Manhattan’s most coveted neighborhoods. The keyed elevator opens directly to the private windowed penthouse landing with its own massive 65-square-foot storage closet. From here, an outdoor pathway leads to a custom wall of industrial steel frame glass windows and door that opens to a breathtaking 650-square-foot great room with 12’ cathedral ceilings and four massive skylights that infuse the space in light all day long. A wood burning fireplace sits majestically at the center of the room.
Adjacent to the great room is a windowed kitchen which features a full suite of stainless steel appliances including a 30” Bosch five burner gas range with vented hood, 30” GE monogram refrigerator with dual drawer freezer, and Kitchenaid dishwasher. The kitchen is complemented with beautiful calacatta quartz counters, ceramic tile backsplash, Shaws Original farm sink with Moen faucet, and customized cabinets to maximize storage. Massive double doors from the great room lead to a south-facing king-size primary bedroom that offers those same 12’ ceiling heights, two additional skylights, and two spacious closets including a newly designed walk-in closet.
From the Listing:
The penthouse at 66 Madison presents a rare opportunity to own a secluded, top floor, “free standing” home with unparalleled outdoor space in one of Manhattan’s most coveted neighborhoods. The keyed elevator opens directly to the private windowed penthouse landing with its own massive 65-square-foot storage closet. From here, an outdoor pathway leads to a custom wall of industrial steel frame glass windows and door that opens to a breathtaking 650-square-foot great room with 12’ cathedral ceilings and four massive skylights that infuse the space in light all day long. A wood burning fireplace sits majestically at the center of the room.
Adjacent to the great room is a windowed kitchen which features a full suite of stainless steel appliances including a 30” Bosch five burner gas range with vented hood, 30” GE monogram refrigerator with dual drawer freezer, and Kitchenaid dishwasher. The kitchen is complemented with beautiful calacatta quartz counters, ceramic tile backsplash, Shaws Original farm sink with Moen faucet, and customized cabinets to maximize storage. Massive double doors from the great room lead to a south-facing king-size primary bedroom that offers those same 12’ ceiling heights, two additional skylights, and two spacious closets including a newly designed walk-in closet.
Caroline Ellen and Richard Temerian
176 West 87th Street, #5B (Rand Realty NY LLC)
Jewelry designer Caroline Ellen started out as a model but has since applied her creativity to precious stones and gold. Her husband, artist Richard Temerian, also works with metal as the founder of custom architectural fabrication firm Studio 40. Public records indicate that the artistic couple has just sold their Upper West Side apartment.
From the Listing:
This beautiful, gut-renovated 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom home blends prewar charm with modern living. It features 9½-foot ceilings, exquisite parquet wood floors, custom woodwork and elegant finishes throughout, including stunning brass and glass door handles. A large, welcoming foyer ushers you into the spacious living room—a sophisticated yet comfortable space with fabulous custom built-ins—which flows gracefully into the oversized dining room. This layout is ideal for both formal and informal gatherings: Plenty of room for quiet seating areas, while the open, airy and vibrant atmosphere is perfect for posh parties. You can even easily transform the living room/dining room into a 400 sq ft+ expansive masterpiece by simply taking down a wall.
Prepare to be captivated as you enter the eat-in chef’s kitchen, embraced by a stunning custom pressed tin ceiling. With ample room for a table that seats four, the kitchen is a chef’s dream: commercial-style four-burner Viking convection range w/griddle, stone counters, large Sub-Zero refrigerator, and a Bosch dishwasher. There is a plethora of glass-fronted and lower cabinets, including a butler’s pantry with additional plentiful storage. A stacked Miele washer/dryer ensures a future of easy and accessible laundering.
From the Listing:
This beautiful, gut-renovated 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom home blends prewar charm with modern living. It features 9½-foot ceilings, exquisite parquet wood floors, custom woodwork and elegant finishes throughout, including stunning brass and glass door handles. A large, welcoming foyer ushers you into the spacious living room—a sophisticated yet comfortable space with fabulous custom built-ins—which flows gracefully into the oversized dining room. This layout is ideal for both formal and informal gatherings: Plenty of room for quiet seating areas, while the open, airy and vibrant atmosphere is perfect for posh parties. You can even easily transform the living room/dining room into a 400 sq ft+ expansive masterpiece by simply taking down a wall.
Prepare to be captivated as you enter the eat-in chef’s kitchen, embraced by a stunning custom pressed tin ceiling. With ample room for a table that seats four, the kitchen is a chef’s dream: commercial-style four-burner Viking convection range w/griddle, stone counters, large Sub-Zero refrigerator, and a Bosch dishwasher. There is a plethora of glass-fronted and lower cabinets, including a butler’s pantry with additional plentiful storage. A stacked Miele washer/dryer ensures a future of easy and accessible laundering.
Dennis Sprung
Morgan Court, #24B (Douglas Elliman)
A few short months after he listed it at the beginning of the year, American Kennel Club president Dennis Sprung has sold his Madison Avenue apartment for slightly under the asking price. His next move is unclear, but he told the New York Post that he wanted to be closer to Central Park. Public records identify the buyer as Lior Aldad, whose eponymous real estate law firm is a stone’s throw away in the Empire State Building.
From the Listing:
Enter the semi-private landing to a full wall of panoramic glass windows that boast breathtaking views of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, and Freedom Tower. The spacious great room offers an ideal layout for comfortable living and dining with direct access to the eat-in kitchen. The kitchen provides an abundance of cabinet and counter space, a separate breakfast nook, and laundry area with a washer-dryer.
An interior spiral staircase leads to the lower-level sleeping quarters, providing a complete retreat from the rest of the home. Both bedrooms are oversized and bright with ensuite bathrooms and an abundance of closet space. The primary spa-like bathrooms features double sinks, a tub, and a glass enclosed shower. The primary suite boasts western-facing views, a generous layout, and convenient built-in California closets. The second bedroom, which could comfortably be used as the primary suite, guest room, or oversized office, offers panoramic windows spanning south and west.
From the Listing:
Enter the semi-private landing to a full wall of panoramic glass windows that boast breathtaking views of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, and Freedom Tower. The spacious great room offers an ideal layout for comfortable living and dining with direct access to the eat-in kitchen. The kitchen provides an abundance of cabinet and counter space, a separate breakfast nook, and laundry area with a washer-dryer.
An interior spiral staircase leads to the lower-level sleeping quarters, providing a complete retreat from the rest of the home. Both bedrooms are oversized and bright with ensuite bathrooms and an abundance of closet space. The primary spa-like bathrooms features double sinks, a tub, and a glass enclosed shower. The primary suite boasts western-facing views, a generous layout, and convenient built-in California closets. The second bedroom, which could comfortably be used as the primary suite, guest room, or oversized office, offers panoramic windows spanning south and west.
Valentina Akerman and Joseph Bradley
The Apthorp, #PHR (The Corcoran Group)
In February 2020, Curbed visited the Hamptons beach house that artist Joseph Bradley and his wife, designer Valentina Akerman, transformed from a 70s eyesore to a modern masterpiece. Public records indicate that they have a new home to decorate, this one a penthouse in a landmarked building on the Upper West Side.
From the Listing:
Penthouse R at the gorgeous Apthorp is filled with spectacular natural light all day with big, blue sky, west-facing views showcased through oversized windows high atop the 12th floor. The oversized one-bedroom penthouse features over 9’ ceilings, an over 17’ formal expanse leaving plenty of room for both living and dining rooms, a big and bright bedroom, an oversized foyer, kitchen with dishwasher and full bathroom. The 12th or penthouse floor offers direct access to a huge building terrace just down the hall, wonderful for dining al fresco, entertaining or just soaking up the sun. This gracious layout is complemented by the luxuries of the condominium’s amenities, creating the best of both worlds for a NYC homeowner.
From the Listing:
Penthouse R at the gorgeous Apthorp is filled with spectacular natural light all day with big, blue sky, west-facing views showcased through oversized windows high atop the 12th floor. The oversized one-bedroom penthouse features over 9’ ceilings, an over 17’ formal expanse leaving plenty of room for both living and dining rooms, a big and bright bedroom, an oversized foyer, kitchen with dishwasher and full bathroom. The 12th or penthouse floor offers direct access to a huge building terrace just down the hall, wonderful for dining al fresco, entertaining or just soaking up the sun. This gracious layout is complemented by the luxuries of the condominium’s amenities, creating the best of both worlds for a NYC homeowner.
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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