Manhattan Contracts: Formidable townhouse once owned by Harry Macklowe prevails; $55M in contracts signed at 111 West 57th Street

By CityRealty Staff | From Future New York Wednesday, May 29, 2024

53 East 77th Street, #TH (Nest Seekers LLC)

Memorial Day weekend marks the traditional start of summer, a time when the Manhattan market traditionally cools. But for the week of May 20-26, 2024, leading up to the holiday, the ultra-luxury market seemed to be on a hot streak: CityRealty data shows that several units priced over $10 million went into contract, which couldn't help but drive up the aggregate total by last asking price. Moreover, while townhouses make frequent appearances among Manhattan's top ten luxury contracts, last week makes the first time in 2024 that one has had the highest asking price.

53 East 77th Street had the week’s most expensive contract with an asking price of $26,000,000, more than 25% down from the $35 million it was initially listed for in fall 2019. The buyer and their plans for the house have not been identified, but an extensive and colorful history shows that anything is possible for this house.

53 East 77th Street dates back to 1901, when publisher/best-selling author Paul Ford designed it with architect Henry Rutgers Marshall for himself and his new wife, the daughter of a prominent Brooklyn family (h/t The New York Times). However, they were not able to enjoy it for long: Shortly after it was completed, Paul’s brother Malcolm Ford shot Paul and himself in the house over a dispute about their father’s will, and Paul's widow moved out a short time later.

In the 1920s, when banker/diplomat Joseph Kerrigan bought the Georgian-style house, he gave it a new brick front in the Spanish medieval style. His wife, Slater Mill heiress Esther Slater Welles, embarked on a massive interior renovation that included a custom wrought iron staircase; however, few of these features remain intact after former tenant Cello Music and Film System ("Cello") embarked on a gut renovation of the space in the mid-1980s.

The Kerrigans moved out in the 1940s following their divorce, and it was used as commercial offices ever since. In addition to Cello, previous tenants have included the Palestinian Resistance Fund, publisher Funk & Wagnalls, and the Standard Reference Works Publishing Company (h/t Daytonian in Manhattan). It also served as the Kips Bay Show House in 1987. Developer Harry Macklowe bought the house for $15.75 million in March 2006, but did not hold onto it for long – public records show that he sold it to antique furniture firm Dalva Brothers for $17,350,000.

Living room with coffered ceiling and terrace access

A unit at 515 Park Avenue took the week's top apartment contract (Sotheby's International Realty)

The townhouse’s listing touts its proximity to Central Park, The Carlyle, and Madison Avenue, and the vast majority of the top apartment contracts took place in similarly rarefied areas. The top apartment contract and second-highest of the week, which was not far behind at $25,000,000, was for duplex unit #15/16 at Upper East Side condominium 515 Park Avenue.

The 6,514-square-foot home features an eat-in kitchen with breakfast room, a library/billiards room, a home theater, a dramatic staircase connecting both levels, and approximately 2,000 square feet of private terrace space overlooking Park Avenue. Moreover, the price includes a separate studio apartment on the third floor and a wine storage unit. Public records indicate that the unidentified sellers paid $21 million for it in spring 2006.

Almost directly to the west, a total of $54.75 million in contracts was signed across three full-floor units at super-skinny supertall 111 West 57th Street. The developers might have hoped for that price for one unit at one point, and a penthouse in the building is listed for $56 million, but competition has increased on Billionaires’ Row and throughout the city to the extent where several sponsor units experienced price reductions earlier this year. However, all three units still ranked comfortably among Manhattan's most expensive contracts.

378 West End Avenue

Also of note last week, Residence #7D at 378 West End Avenue entered contract with an asking price of $5,995,000. While well short of the week's top ten sales, it represents one of the final sponsor units at a well-appointed, amenity-rich condominium that rose to prominence thanks to such health-conscious features as advanced air and water filtration, direct elevator entry, and copper alloy door handles in common areas. With this contract, the building is 98% sold and the one sponsor unit remaining is a four-bedroom home asking $7,925,000.

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#10. 1289 Lexington Avenue, #15A
Last Ask: $10,750,000

Carnegie Hill | Condominium | 5 Bedrooms, 5.5 Baths | 4,236 ft²

1289 Lexington Avenue, #15A (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Welcome to the Meridian Collection at 1289 Lexington on the Upper East Side. These expansive four- and five-bedroom homes offer all the space you need to stretch out, move, breathe, and entertain. Residence #15A, a sprawling residence with grand rooms, soaring ceilings, and a fabulous setback terrace was carefully designed to cater to the most discerning buyer. With over 4,200 square feet, this generous floor plan includes an impressive corner great room, open kitchen with den, four secondary bedrooms with ensuite baths, and an ultraluxe primary suite with five closets and a tranquil windowed five-fixture bathroom. See floor plan and full details here.

1289 Lexington Avenue has 8 public availabilities from $3,700,000.

#9. 49 Greene Street, #2
Last Ask: $11,500,000 (-8%)

SoHo | Condominium | 4 Bedrooms, 5 Baths | 3,834 ft²

49 Greene Street, #2 (OFFICIAL)

From the Listing: Crafted to perfection, this exceptional residence seamlessly merges contemporary luxury with the majestic grandeur of pre-war architecture, epitomizing the essence of sought-after SoHo lofts. The plan was arranged for the privacy of people’s lives (bedrooms and bathrooms) towards the back of the floor while keeping the front more fluid and open to provide the freedom to play with the space in numerous ways. Upon entering via a private elevator, guests are greeted by a foyer adorned with lofty 13-foot ceilings, leading into a sun-drenched great room illuminated by six east-facing windows spanning an unparalleled 50 feet along Greene Street. Option to purchase fully furnished. See floor plan and full details here.

49 Greene Street has no public availabilities.

#8. 336 De Graw Street, #TH
Last Ask: $12,000,000

Carroll Gardens | Townhouse | 6+ Bedrooms, 5.5 Baths | 6,500 ft²

336 De Graw Street, # (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Discover the epitome of modern elegance in this impeccably renovated 25-foot wide brownstone in sought-after Carroll Gardens/Cobble Hill, nestled perfectly between Court and Smith Streets. Marrying timeless allure with contemporary sophistication across generous living quarters of over 6,500 square feet, complete with an elevator, extremely rare VS600 European window package, and several outdoor havens. See floor plan and full details here.

#7. 111 West 57th Street, #30
Last Ask: $13,750,000

Midtown West | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 4,492 ft²

111 West 57th Street, #30 (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Direct elevator entry leads into a sprawling full-floor, three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom Tower Residence that encompasses 4,492 square feet of space on the 30th floor of 111 West 57th Street. The richly detailed finishes are conceived throughout by Studio Sofield and demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to craftsmanship and quality. The formal entry gallery is finished with white macauba stone floors and a dramatic north to south view gallery which leads into the expansive great room highlighted by intricately patterned floors in custom smoke-gray solid oak, 14-foot ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows through which to enjoy the views of Central Park. See floor plan and full details here.

111 West 57th Street has 8 public availabilities from $6,895,000.

#6. 432 Park Avenue, #36A
Last Ask: $14,750,000

Midtown East | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 4.5 Baths | 4,003 ft²

432 Park Avenue, #36A (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: This grand 4,003-square-foot, three-bedroom residence with library and four and a half baths offers generous proportions and abundant light throughout. Interior features include a private elevator landing, solid oak flooring, 12'-6 ceilings, and expansive 10' x10' windows. An elegant gallery leads to a gracious corner living room and dining room with views of Central Park to the north and the Manhattan skyline to the east. The windowed eat-in chef's kitchen also offers Central Park views and includes a center-island, marble floors and countertops, white lacquer and natural oak cabinetry, Miele stainless steel appliances and Dornbracht polished chrome fixtures. See floor plan and full details here.

432 Park Avenue has 17 public availabilities from $5,750,000.

#5. 135 East 15th Street, #NA
Last Ask: $14,800,000

Gramercy Park | Townhouse | 6+ Bedrooms, 6+ Baths | 8,524 ft²

135 East 15th Street, #NA (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Designed for luxurious living and the highest caliber entertaining, the five story residence sprawls over 8,524 square feet and features an additional outdoor space plus a roof terrace. There are five bedrooms suites, two maid's room, a guest room, 8 full bathrooms, and two powder rooms. The house entertaining spaces are grand and gracious featuring an exquisite living room with fireplace and patio leading to the private garden, a large dining room with space to host the most lavish dinners, a library, a chef's kitchen with breakfast area, a family room with direct access to the garden, a playroom, a reading alcove and media rooms. Filled with original historical details, there are 5 wood burning fireplaces, 2 gas fireplaces, plaster moldings, an elevator servicing all the floors, new mechanicals and a humidification system in the HVAC. See floor plan and full details here.

#4. 111 West 57th Street, #65
Last Ask: $19,500,000 (-14.3%)

Midtown West | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 3,873 ft²

111 West 57th Street, #65 (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Live in a modern masterpiece, perfectly centered on Central Park and New York City. Direct elevator entry leads into a sprawling full-floor, three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom residence that encompasses 3,873 square feet of space on the 65th floor of 111 West 57th Street. Dramatic double doors lead into the expansive 50-foot great room highlighted by ceiling heights up to 14 feet, intricately patterned floors in custom smoke-gray solid oak, and floor-to-ceiling windows through which to enjoy the views. The impressively designed open kitchen features views of Central Park, custom cabinetry in a light hand-rubbed finish, stepped crystallo white quartzite countertops and backsplash, and full suite of Gaggenau appliances. See floor plan and full details here.

111 West 57th Street has 8 public availabilities from $6,895,000.

#3. 111 West 57th Street, #56
Last Ask: $21,500,000 (-14%)

Midtown West | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 4,183 ft²

111 West 57th Street, #56 (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: This full-floor 4,183 square foot Tower Residence with three bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms is designed for elegant living on a grand scale. Direct elevator entry leads to the formal entry gallery finished with white macauba stone floors and a dramatic north to south viewing gallery with unobstructed Central Park views to the north and sweeping skyline views to the south, including the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building and more. The expansive great room is highlighted by intricately patterned floors in custom smoke-gray solid oak, up to 14-foot ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows through which to enjoy the unobstructed views of Central Park. A corner south-facing kitchen features a breakfast area, custom cabinetry in a light hand-rubbed finish, stepped crystallo white quartzite countertops and backsplash, and a full suite of Gaggenau appliances. See floor plan and full details here.

111 West 57th Street has 8 public availabilities from $6,895,000.

#2. 515 Park Avenue, #15/16
Last Ask: $25,000,000 (-16.5%)

Park/Fifth Ave. to 79th St. | Condominium | 6+ Bedrooms, 6+ Baths | 6,514 ft²

515 Park Avenue, #15/16 (Sothebys International Realty)

From the Listing: This “mansion in the sky” enjoys 2,000 square feet of spectacular terraces overlooking Park Avenue along with 6,000 square feet of magnificent interiors in this enormous mint-condition duplex in a premier full-service condominium building. Enter by a private elevator landing to an impressive gallery which leads to a grand corner living room with a fireplace and French doors opening onto the terraces. Immediately adjacent is a large and elegant formal dining room, and a handsome billiards room/library. Included in this offering is a separate studio apartment on the third floor, perfect for staff or guests or as a private home office, and there is also included an individual wine storage unit. See floor plan and full details here.

515 Park Avenue has 4 public availabilities from $8,000,000.

#1. 53 East 77th Street, #TH
Last Ask: $26,000,000

Park/Fifth Ave. to 79th St. | Townhouse | 6+ Bedrooms | 14,500 ft²

53 East 77th Street, #NA (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: 53 East 77th Street has gone through many permutations as a single-family mansion, Funk and Wagnall's library, Cello restaurant, a recording studio, and currently is used to market museum-quality furniture. The building has great bones and proportions with windows on the north, south, and west. Phenomenal location, as it is right off Madison Avenue across from The Carlyle and The Mark Hotel. The property is commercially zoned and ideal for an art gallery, school, private club, office, diplomatic residence, institution, and retail mixed building with residential space above office/commercial floors .A buyer could convert this 14,500 sq ft+ building into a grand mansion. Co-Exclusive. See floor plan and full details here.

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#10. 1289 Lexington Avenue, #15A
Last Ask: $10,750,000

1289 Lexington Avenue has 8 public availabilities from $3,700,000.

#9. 49 Greene Street, #2
Last Ask: $11,500,000 (-8%)

49 Greene Street has no public availabilities.

#8. 336 De Graw Street, #TH
Last Ask: $12,000,000

#7. 111 West 57th Street, #30
Last Ask: $13,750,000

111 West 57th Street has 8 public availabilities from $6,895,000.

#6. 432 Park Avenue, #36A
Last Ask: $14,750,000

432 Park Avenue has 17 public availabilities from $5,750,000.

#5. 135 East 15th Street, #NA
Last Ask: $14,800,000

#4. 111 West 57th Street, #65
Last Ask: $19,500,000 (-14.3%)

111 West 57th Street has 8 public availabilities from $6,895,000.

#3. 111 West 57th Street, #56
Last Ask: $21,500,000 (-14%)

111 West 57th Street has 8 public availabilities from $6,895,000.

#2. 515 Park Avenue, #15/16
Last Ask: $25,000,000 (-16.5%)

515 Park Avenue has 4 public availabilities from $8,000,000.

#1. 53 East 77th Street, #TH
Last Ask: $26,000,000

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