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NYC skyline via Corcoran NYC skyline via Corcoran
Across the pond, London’s famous “blue plaques” are used to indicate that a famous person once lived in a building and draw attention to the sites in the process. While the following New York listings may not warrant a blue plaque, they can claim celebrities of all stripes as former owners and attract attention from fans and real estate aficionados alike. June was an especially busy month, and we've chosen the hottest celebrity homes below.

In this article:

The Governor, 59 West 12th Street
The Governor, 59 West 12th Street Greenwich Village
212 Fifth Avenue
212 Fifth Avenue Flatiron/Union Square
The Chelsea Mercantile, 252 Seventh Avenue
The Chelsea Mercantile, 252 Seventh Avenue Chelsea
The Silk Building, 14 East 4th Street
The Silk Building, 14 East 4th Street NoHo
555 West End Avenue
555 West End Avenue Riverside Dr./West End Ave.

Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez

432-Park-Avenue-01 432 Park Avenue via DBOX; Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez via Wiki Commons
Less than a year after power couple Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez listed their apartment in 432 Park Avenue for $17.5 million, the three-bedroom condo has sold. Their search for a home large enough to accommodate their blended family is still on, and this is not Mr. Rodriguez’s only foray into real estate. The New York Post reports that he partnered up with Barbara Corcoran to buy a 21-unit rental building in the East Village and teamed up with Adam Modlin on a new venture.

From the listing:

A private elevator landing welcomes you into this beautifully proportioned 4003 square foot home. This residence features 3 bedrooms plus library and 4.5 baths. An elegant gallery leads to a gracious 29 × 29 corner living/dining room offering Northern and Eastern exposures with Central Park and city views. Perfect setting for a cocktail or dinner party. The custom windowed eat in kitchen features a center island, stunning marble floors and countertops, white lacquer and natural oak cabinetry, Miele stainless steel appliances, and Dornbracht polished chrome fixtures.

The expansive corner master bedroom suite is private and tucked away from the entertaining area. It features generous closet space and a dressing area. There are two windowed master bathrooms featuring marble floors and walls, cubic marble vanities with carved 22 inch oval sinks, custom wood cabinetry, freestanding soaking tub and separate shower, radiant heated floors and Dornbracht polished chrome bath fittings. The two additional bedrooms feature en suite baths. Some outstanding features of this home to note are gorgeous solid oak flooring, 12.6 ceilings, and 10 × 10 windows showcasing the abundant light all day.

Cher

14-East-4th-Street-1 The Silk Building via VHT/The Corcoran Group; Cher via Peter Hutchins - Flickr
The Cher Show may have received its closing notice, but the iconic singer has still made her mark on New York by being this penthouse’s first owner. After she sold it in 1990, the New York Post notes a string of other famous owners that includes Russell Simmons and socialite Byrna Butler. Appropriately enough, the building was the home of the original Tower Records store on the ground floor.

From the listing:

Extraordinary in every way, this magnificent corner triplex Penthouse is beyond compare! Feels like a townhouse in the sky complimented by a unique greenhouse surrounded by a large terrace with wonderful views! Truly exceptional!

Comparable to new construction, this residence has been gut renovated and redesigned with the utmost care and attention to details. Be the first to live in this fabulous residence! Everything is brand new including electric work, plumbing, HVAC and the like.

Some of the features include: total of 7 rooms, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a 36 living/entertaining room, 14 large picture windows, 11-13 ceilings, wood burning onyx fireplace, a gorgeous open kitchen with Corian counter-tops and high gloss custom cabinetry, 7 white oak hardwood floor, recessed lighting that has touch dimming and cable/internet is pre-wired in all rooms. Too many features to mention. The Greenhouse is a fabulous additional room previously used as a Media Room and the huge terrace is beyond words and even has a shower!

Vera Wang

35-East-63rd-Street-1 35 East 63rd Street via Compass; Vera Wang via AnnishaSmith - Flickr
Vera Wang’s elegant sense of style can be seen in the wedding gowns and couture she designs, and this taste extends to real estate: While her home in “tower of power” 740 Park Avenue underwent an extensive renovation, the New York Post reported that she rented a duplex penthouse several blocks down the street from her Madison Avenue bridal salon. It is now back on the market.

From the listing:

A glorious skylight ushers you inside the upper level of this stunning, 6,312-square-foot showplace, setting the stage for the ample light, air and outdoor access that greets you in every room. Oversized living spaces are paved in gorgeous wide-plank hardwood, while extra-tall ceilings rise overhead and private terraces provide leafy retreats and handsome neighborhood views. In the phenomenal 39-foot wide living room, a wall of glass doors leads to a long south-facing terrace encircled by the building's original neo-Grec cornice.

The formal dining room begs to entertain, while the extraordinary stainless steel kitchen is equipped with chic cabinetry, two sinks and professional-grade appliances, including a six-burner gas range, vented hood and three dishwashers. The serene study and library open to yet another large, landscaped terrace, while a full bathroom, powder room and extra closets provide added convenience. Private quarters are set on the lower level for utmost privacy and tranquility. Two-of-everything is the theme of the massive master suite where two separate marble bathrooms and two oversized walk-in closets mean never having to share.

Jeff Bezos

212-Fifth-Avenue-1 212 Fifth Avenue via Visualhouse
Who says Amazon isn’t coming to New York? Its chief executive Jeff Bezos reportedly closed on a penthouse and two additional apartments in NoMad icon 212 Fifth Avenue for approximately $80 million. According to 6sqft, the deal is the largest ever to close south of 42nd Street and second only to Ken Griffin’s record-shattering penthouse at 220 Central Park South.

Cameron Diaz

59-West-12th-Street-1 The Governor via Brown Harris Stevens; Cameron Diaz via phian Persie - Flickr
How times have changed—when Cameron Diaz lived in an Emery Roth-designed condominium in the Village, she was an in-demand actress and dating Yankees star Alex Rodriguez (see above). Now they have both moved on to new loves, new careers, and new homes. In Ms. Diaz’s case, the New York Post notes that she quickly sold her apartment for $4.25 million eight years after buying it for $2.95 million. Three years later, it is back on the market for less than the purchase price.

From the listing:

One moves into the apartment through a glamorous entry hall featuring 14 feet of custom closets. A rose-gold glass wall and architectural beams framing the dining area distinguish it from the living room while maintaining openness throughout the space. The expansive living room boasts a wood burning fireplace, custom artisan wallpaper, and hand stenciled ceilings.

The windowed kitchen is outfitted with a Miele dishwasher, Sub Zero refrigerator/freezer, Viking range, and water filtration system. Cabinets of deep emerald are complimented by brass hardware and unlacquered brass counters and backsplash.

One enters the master suite through a hall of custom closets. A serene master bedroom joins a stunning expanded bathroom clad in glass tiles by Ann Sacks and Waterworks fixtures.

The oversized guest suite sits on the opposite side of the living room providing ample privacy for both bedrooms. The handsome guest bath boasts onyx and marble finishes, a custom shower and sink, as well as Waterworks fixtures.

Lance Bass

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252-Seventh-Avenue-1 The Chelsea Mercantile via Rise Media/The Corcoran Group; Lance Bass via EMAOnline - Flickr
The Chelsea Mercantile building has attracted such luminaries as actress Katie Holmes, Vanity Fair contributing editor Fran Lebowitz, and NSYNC star Lance Bass. The singer said “bye bye bye” to his apartment in in 2013 to the tune of $2.13 million, having bought it for $1.49 million in 2010, and it is now on the market for $2.5 million. The New York Post notes that the seller shines quite brightly herself: Ellen Kroner, AMC’s former chief communications officer who worked on some of the network’s most acclaimed shows.

From the listing:

The legendary Chelsea Mercantile is the highest pre-war building south of 34th Street and therefore offers an incomparable combination of 11-foot ceilings, oversized windows, and iconic views from approximately 10% of the buildings higher-floor units. Loft 17E is among this privileged category of high-floor units and literally rises above downtown's pre-war sector. The buildings impressive reputation as one of New York's standout addresses is second only to its financial stability, large reserve fund, and one of the lowest common charges of any building in New York City.

This split 2 bedroom/2 bathroom loft is meticulously maintained, beautifully upgraded, and perfectly configured. There is no wasted hallway space. Instead, all rooms are spacious with generous closets and a large walk-in closet in the master bedroom.

Jill Zarin

401-East-60th-Street-1 Bridge Tower Place via Douglas Elliman; Jill Zarin via Nick Step - Flickr
A few months after Real Housewives of New York Bethenny Frankel and Ramona Singer put their New York apartments on the market, former castmate Jill Zarin has sold hers. She and her family lived in the Upper East Side apartment for 18 years and that some episodes of the show were filmed there. The New York Post notes that Ms. Zarin has moved on to a penthouse in Sutton Place.

From the listing:

Stunning high-end finishes and modern conveniences in this picture perfect, move-in-ready home include: Electric Hunter Douglas solar shades throughout, with Electric blackout shades (secured by sleeve brackets) in the master bedroom, recessed spot lighting, baseboard moldings, wide plank LV hardwood floors, smart built-in storage, Sonos in master bedroom, one-year-old Flatscreen TV's (one 75", two 65", and one 20" in master bath), cable wiring thoughtfully hidden, custom closet interiors, DXV AT 200 Smart toilets, heated fog-Proof Mirrors in Baths, custom vanities (built extra deep), and washer/dryer. Windowed, extra-wide galley kitchen includes custom cabinets, quartz countertops (custom by Compac Surfaces) and seamless backsplash, Miele dishwasher, wine fridge, Bosch induction stove with vent hood, Samsung smart fridge.

Built approximately 18 years ago, and designed by famed architect Costas Kondylis, Bridge Place Tower is both solid in construction, well established in condo financials, tasteful in finishes throughout, and luxurious in experience with the most impeccable white glove staff. Building amenities include on-site garage, spacious gym, children's playroom, and peaceful roof terrace.

BD Wong

99-Clinton-Street-1 99 Clinton Street via Brown Harris Stevens; BD Wong via Ma_Co2013 - Flickr
Between his celebrated Broadway career and a long stint on Law and Order: SVU, it’s easy to think of BD Wong as a quintessential New York actor. The same can be said for his real estate choices: The New York Post reports that he has owned properties in Noho and Bedford-Stuyvesant, and most recently purchased a duplex apartment in a converted Brooklyn Heights church.

From the listing:

Welcome home to a duplex with soaring 22-feet high ceilings, stained glass windows, wide plank pumpkin pine floors, a semi-private entrance on Remsen and ample space making this a townhouse equivalent, currently set up as a two bedroom with the option to create a third bedroom.

As you open the historic church doors to your entrance shared with just one other home, you are in the main living floor (this is the first floor of the building) with a receiving room with wood burning fireplace, 27-feet long living room, kitchen, separate dining room and half bathroom with side by side washer and dryer. The stairs lead you up to the home office open to below, two full bedrooms (master with en-suite bathroom) and second full bathroom. This home is the best value in Brooklyn Heights and needs renovations for the kitchen and bathrooms as they are perfectly livable yet dated. Both cooling and heating are central.

Notorious B.I.G.

226-Saint-James-Place-1 226 Saint James Place via Compass; Notorious B.I.G. via C-Dawg (CHN) - Flickr
When Notorious B.I.G. grew up in Clinton Hill, the New York Post notes that the “one-room shack” he rapped about was in a drug-plagued neighborhood. In the decades that have followed, the neighborhood has significantly gentrified and the residence has been fully renovated. What has not changed are the intricate moldings and historic details.

From the listing:

Amazing furnished three-bedroom home with additional den/office and separate dining room with best light is now available for rent in the desired neighborhood of Clinton Hill historic district. The limestone eight-unit condominium prewar building was recently renovated and maintains gorgeous pre-war details, like hardwood floors and high ceilings, The kitchen has been has granite countertops, stainless appliances and lots of storage. This home also features a windowed dining room and a spacious southeast facing living room with an additional office. The building offers laundry, bike storage, and a common garden with plantings and barbecue area.

Amy Schumer

555-West-End-Avenue-1 555 West End Avenue via Stribling; Amy Schumer via Geek News - Flickr
While several memorable scenes in Amy Schumer’s movie I Feel Pretty took place at an Upper West Side fitness studio, the comedian’s love for the neighborhood extends beyond one SoulCycle outpost. She has lived near the American Museum of Natural History and in a penthouse on Riverside Drive. Most recently, the New York Post reported that she toured a model apartment at Cary Tamarkin’s school-turned-luxury condominium at 555 West End Avenue.

From the listing:

"Flat" 4E has 5 bedrooms, 4 en suite baths, a powder room and private elevator landing and is one of 13 one-of-a-kind residences in Tamarkin Co.'s extraordinary conversion of this landmarked former school. The sunny eat-in kitchen has east-facing picture windows and is open (but closable with pocket doors) to the 29' corner Great Room.The kitchen has solid white fumed oak cabinets, crafted by Christopher Peacock, fluted glass cabinet fronts, Nanz hardware, honed Pietra Cardosa stone floors, polished Arabescato marble slab countertops & backsplash, vented Wolf 48" range, SubZero fridge & separate freezer, wine storage, microwave & warming drawers, 2 dishwashers, Lefroy Brooks faucets, garbage disposal, pot filler & a walk-in pantry. East light bathes the corner Great Room from 5 enormous windows.

North light is bright all day long with streetscape exposures. Two of the 5 bedrooms, including the master, are sun-flooded with east light; 2 additional bedrooms face west & a fifth bedroom faces north. The master features 12-ft ceilings, two walk-in closets, & a five fixture master bath with Calacatta gold marble slabs, custom white oak vanities by Christopher Peacock, double sinks with Lefroy Brooks fixtures, radiant-heat floors, towel warmers, steam shower & private Toto Neorest smart toilet.

Honorable Mention

Jon Corzine

1500-Washington-Street-1 Hudson Tea via Toll Brothers City Living; Jon Corzine via Wikipedia
When Hoboken was on the up and up, former New Jersey governor and senator Jon Corzine rented a penthouse in the converted Hudson Tea Building following his 2003 divorce. Sixteen years later, that same penthouse has set a new record price for a Hoboken condo by selling for $3.89 million. The New York Post notes that this beats the record previously held by New York Giant Eli Manning’s home in the same building.
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