Fred Leighton Building, 45 East 66th Street - Upper East Side
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The Fred Leighton Building at 45 East 66th Street, completed in 1908, stands as one of three remarkable buildings designed by architects Harde & Short in early 20th century New York. The 33-unit structure was landmarked in 1977 and converted to cooperative apartments in 1987, maintaining its distinctive architectural character that architectural critic Paul Goldberger deemed "the best gingerbread in town."
The building's most striking feature is its red masonry and terra cotta façade, which showcases an eclectic blend of French Renaissance, Elizabethan, and Flemish Gothic details. Notable elements include a distinctive rounded corner (which originally housed the entrance before its 1929 relocation), characteristic 12-over-12 double-hung windows, and a stylish cornice that resembles a French beret. The detailed ornamentation provides depth and shadow while maintaining architectural restraint.
Situated one block from Central Park and along Madison Avenue's prestigious retail corridor, the building offers full-service amenities including a 24-hour doorman and live-in superintendent. The cooperative allows pets and considers pied-à-terre purchases on a case-by-case basis, with financing permitted up to 50% of the purchase price.
The building's apartments feature generous proportions and pre-war details, with some units boasting wood paneling, leaded glass windows, and impressive room dimensions. Many residences have been thoughtfully renovated while preserving original architectural elements.
In August 2025, after years on the market and several price reductions, former New York City mayor turned disbarred lawyer Rudy Giuliani has sold his Upper East Side penthouse for $4.95 million. At one point, he was supposed to turn over the keys to two Georgia election workers in the wake of a defamation lawsuit, but they reached a settlement that allowed him to keep the apartment. His lawyer told Crain's New York Business that he has bought his ex-wife out of the apartment, and now plans to live in Florida full-time.
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For some co-ops, instead of price per square foot, we use an estimate of the number of rooms for each sold apartment to chart price changes over time. This is because many co-op listings do not include square footage information, and this makes it challenging to calculate accurate square-foot averages.
By displaying the price per estimated room count, we are able to provide a more reliable and consistent metric for comparing sales in the building. While we hope that this gives you a clearer sense of price trends in the building, all data should be independently verified. All data provided are only estimates and should not be used to make any purchase or sale decision.
Notable past and present residents at Fred Leighton Building
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