Manhattan Contracts: Nearly $400M in deals led by Tampa Bay Rays owner's Chelsea penthouse and power couple's UES home

By CityRealty Staff | From Great Listings Monday, July 15, 2024

A fairy-tale view of Central Park from the private terrace of #PH1A at The Laureate

The first week of July 2024 got off to a somewhat quiet start owing to the July 4 holiday. But thanks in part to the full business week, and in part to a number of high-priced contracts at high-profile townhouses and apartments throughout the city, the market was looking more robust from July 7-14, 2024.

As usual, penthouses and townhouses gilded the highest end of the market. Notably, a penthouse atop The Laureate on the Upper West Side went into contract after being on and off the market since 2017. During the high-flying days of pre-pandemic, foreign-buyer-loving, low-interest-rate Manhattan, the aerie was listed for up to $23 million. The five-bedroom spread entered contract last week with a sticker price of $15.5 million, slightly less than what the seller bought it for from the sponsor in 2012. Such a pity.

Living/dining room with Empire State Building views

Walker Tower, #PH8, top apartment contract (Bespoke Real Estate LLC)

Penthouse #8 at Walker Tower had the top apartment contract and second-highest overall with a $15,995,000 asking price. It is located on the uppermost floors of the Ralph Walker-designed telephone switching building turned luxury condominium. Few details are available about the penthouse, but listing photos show a well-thought floor plan with entertaining rooms on one level, bedrooms on another, and a private terrace off the living room.

Crain's New York Business identified the seller as Randy Frankel, investor and co-owner of the Tampa Bay Rays. Public records indicate that he bought it from the sponsor for $12,219,000 in December 2013; as such, he stands to make a profit if it sells for the ask.

Indeed, Chelsea condos proved popular among luxury buyers in the second week of July 2024. The penthouse at 455 West 20th Street, the condominium on top of the General Theological Seminary, had the fifth-highest contract with a $12,500,000 asking price. Residence #27 at the Dame Zaha Hadid-designed 520 West 28th Street had the ninth-highest contract with a $9,380,000 ask, and a sponsor unit in the East Tower of One High Line also entered contract during this time.

83 Horatio Street

The highest-priced contract was for the Greek Revival townhouse at 83 Horatio Street, which was asking $22,950,000. The house’s contract comes nearly 100 years after Alice Trumbull Mason, an ancestor of "painter of the Revolution" John Trumbull and an acclaimed artist in her own right, rented a room there in its capacity as a boarding house. In 1959, artist Marjorie Colt and her husband bought the house for $37,000 and they turned it into a single-family dwelling. Public records indicate that the house sold for $10.05 million in February 2015, and a Landmarks Preservation Commission-approved renovation commenced soon after (h/t Daytonian in Manhattan).

Further uptown, the Upper East Side home of music magnate Ahmet Ertegun and his wife, interior design powerhouse Mica Ertegun, entered contract with an asking price of $12,995,000, in the week's second-highest townhouse contract and fourth-highest overall. The couple, whom Vanity Fair described as "the virtual definition of sophistication," bought 121 East 81st Street in 1966; 125 East 81st Street a decade later, and combined them into one magnificent home. The townhouse hit the market in April 2024 (h/t Curbed) following Mrs. Ertegun's death in December 2023.

520 Fifth Avenue, home of three luxury contracts

520 Fifth Avenue (Corcoran Sunshine Marketing Group)

Also of note last week, three contracts were signed at 520 Fifth Avenue. The sales office has reported 15 sales in the 98-unit mixed-use supertall tower. The tower is still on the ascent and its magnificent arched windows are making their way up the structural frame. Upon completion, occupants will enjoy expansive views, thoughtful interiors, exclusive amenities, and a prime address close to Bryant Park, Grand Central Terminal, and the Theater District.

Just east of 520 Fifth Avenue, four deals with a cumulative ask of $5.99 million were signed at Monogram. The building’s initial certificate of occupancy was recently issued, and residents will benefit from a central location, tranquil interiors, attentive concierge service, and extensive wellness and social amenity offerings.

Further uptown, three deals coming to a total of $5.615 million were signed at Claremont Hall. Not only is it the tallest building in Morningside Heights, but its address in the heart of Union Theological Seminary and near Columbia University, Barnard College, and Manhattan School of Music puts it among CityRealty’s picks as best investment condos for university students.

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#10. One Central Park, #67C
Last Ask: $8,850,000

Central Park West | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 2,416 ft²

One Central Park, #67C (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Perched on the 67th floor of The Deutsche Bank Center (formerly known Time Warner Condominium), at the southwest corner of Central Park, a stunning and spacious 2,400-square-foot residence is now on the market. A large foyer and entrance gallery lead you to a 27-foot expansive and light filled great room. The 10-foot floor-to-ceiling windows display panoramic Central Park views. Also off the main gallery is a chef's kitchen complete with Statuario marble countertops and backsplash, Varenna cabinetry, and appliances by Miele and Sub-Zero. High above Central Park, this home is the perfect retreat. See floor plan and full details here.

One Central Park has 9 public availabilities from $3,780,000.

#9. 520 West 28th Street, #27
Last Ask: $9,380,000

Chelsea | Condominium | 4 Bedrooms, 4.5 Baths | 3,840 ft²

520 West 28th Street, #27 (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Residence #27 is a rare opportunity to reside in one of the city's most iconic buildings, designed by Dame Zaha Hadid. This four-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bath home at 520 West 28th Street is a loft-style residence offering beautiful and effortless modern design, luxurious finishes, and private outdoor space in one of downtown's most desired cultural locations with open yet private exposures. Welcomed by a sweeping great room measuring 42 feet in length, this residence has no shortage of formal entertaining space, comprised of oversized floor-to-ceiling windows and direct access to private outdoor space, all serviced by a modernly concealed wet bar. The private outdoor space overlooks a sculpture garden, The Highline, and the downtown skyline. Private parking and storage unit included. See floor plan and full details here.

520 West 28th Street has 1 public availability asking $3,850,000.

#8. 20 East End Avenue, #MAISONETTE
Last Ask: $9,500,000

Yorkville | Condominium | 5 Bedrooms, 5 Baths | 4,737 ft²

20 East End Avenue, #MAISONETTE (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Designed in the style of classic pre-war apartment houses, this palatial home features soaring ceilings, expansive casement windows, custom designed moldings, and Appalachian oak flooring with a walnut stain. The Maisonette offers a gracious entry gallery with a grand staircase that connects entertaining and living spaces to the home's private quarters above. This residence is washed with natural light throughout and features a substantial chef's kitchen with Gaggenau 400 series appliances and millwork custom designed by Stern. See floor plan and full details here.

20 East End Avenue has no public availabilities.

#7. 882 Carroll Street, #TH
Last Ask: $9,750,000

Park Slope | Townhouse | 6+ Bedrooms, 5.5 Baths

882 Carroll Street, Park Slope townhouse

882 Carroll Street, #TH (Douglas Elliman)

From the Listing:
Nestled on a coveted tree-lined block steps from Prospect Park, this extraordinary barrel-fronted limestone and Roman brick house was built in 1894. In 2018, the owners completed a multiyear painstaking gut-renovation, creating a massive two-family home with exceptional finishes, tasteful and practical design, historic grandeur, and four levels of private outdoor space. Featuring a five-bedroom owner’s five-plex and a two-bedroom, one-bathroom flat at the garden level, this landmarked residence is ideal for discerning buyers seeking the epitome of turn-key Brooklyn townhouse living. Impeccably renovated by Annie Leslau Design and Baxt Ingui architects, the home has been featured in the likes of Architectural Digest Italia & Espana, Elle Nederland, Home World Design, and Design Addicts Australia. See floor plan and full details here.

#6. 12 East 13th Street, #3
Last Ask: $10,995,000 (-8.3%)

Greenwich Village | Condominium | 4 Bedrooms, 4.5 Baths | 4,816 ft²

12 East 13th Street, #3 (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: This expansive home's interior design showcases impeccable craftsmanship, with carefully curated living spaces and meticulous attention to detail in the choice of materials and finishes. Accessed through a private elevator landing, you'll be greeted by a grand entry foyer. As you step inside, industrial glass doors reveal a captivating living and entertainment area bathed in natural light from oversized north-facing windows overlooking 13th Street. The impressive ceiling heights, complemented by hardwood floors, create an atmosphere of spaciousness. Moreover, the residence boasts a private outdoor terrace spanning 807 square feet, complete with an outdoor grill, providing an elevated living experience for enjoyable al fresco cooking and dining. See floor plan and full details here.

12 East 13th Street has 1 public availability asking $7,495,000.

#5. 455 West 20th Street, #PH
Last Ask: $12,500,000 (-16.7%)

Chelsea | Condominium | 4 Bedrooms, 4 Baths | 3,791 ft²

455 West 20th Street, #PH (Compass)

From the Listing: Situated atop a boutique, 20-residence building, and occupying the entire top floors, the penthouse is a story of scale, space, privacy, light, and charm. It spans nearly 4,000 square feet inside with more than 900 square feet of highly usable terrace space across two terraces. And, as it sits above the landmarked townhomes of 20th Street and exposes into the private, tree-filled courtyard of the seminary, light abounds. The home was fully built by the current owners with the help of Alan Wanzenberg and Lewis Miller, with a fully custom layout and finish palette. It now has four bedrooms, an office (or fifth bedroom), a stunning sunroom, and four full baths. Enter into a gracious foyer and spill into the large, triple-exposure living room, surrounded by a wraparound terrace. Two large storage units transfer with the sale of the penthouse. See floor plan and full details here.

455 West 20th Street has no public availabilities.

#4. 121 East 81st Street, #TH
Last Ask: $12,995,000

Carnegie Hill | Townhouse | 5 Bedrooms, 6+ Baths | 9,400 ft²

121 East 81st Street, #TH (Leslie J Garfield & Co Inc)

From the Listing: Situated in the heart of the Upper East Side on a lovely townhouse block just off Park Avenue sit two contiguous townhouses located at 121-125 East 81st Street. This very unique and seldom found 37' x 102’ lot that spans both townhouses and encompasses roughly 9,400 square feet above grade is and for sale for the first time in many decades. Originally constructed in 1899, this remarkable five story property was the private residence and office of a very famous designer and music entrepreneur who lived in both as a primary residence and personal office. See floor plan and full details here.

#3. Laureate, #PENTHOUSEA
Last Ask: $15,500,000 (-6.1%)

Broadway Corridor | Condominium | 5 Bedrooms, 4.5 Baths | 4,105 ft²

Laureate, #PENTHOUSEA (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: This well-appointed and sophisticated Penthouse offers five bedrooms with four-and-one-half bathrooms spanning over 4,100 square feet and includes a 2,250-square-foot landscaped private roof deck. Upon entry you are welcomed with oversized windows offering a picturesque view of Central Park, Fifth Avenue, and the iconic Manhattan skyline. Enjoy modern living at its finest; with a grand sense of scale in the living and dining rooms with 10' ceilings, making it ideal for entertaining or spending a quiet evening reading at home by the fire. Dine all day in the custom designed eat-in-kitchen that will suit any discerning buyer. See floor plan and full details here.

Laureate has 1 public availability asking $5,295,000.

#2. Walker Tower, #PH8
Last Ask: $15,995,000

Chelsea | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 4 Baths | 3,071 ft²

Walker Tower, #PH8 (Bespoke Real Estate LLC)

From the Listing: This luxurious duplex, situated on the northeast corner of the 20th and 21st levels of the prestigious Walker Tower, boasts 3 bedrooms, 4 full bathrooms, 3,071 square feet of interior space, 190 square feet of terrace space, and sweeping views of downtown Manhattan and the Hudson River. This impeccable residence in Walker Tower offers the best of both worlds, perfectly blending the charm of Art Deco design and the sophistication of modern living. With lavish amenities and sweeping views of Manhattan and Hudson River, this luxurious duplex is an ideal place to call home. See floor plan and full details here.

Walker Tower has no public availabilities.

#1. 83 Horatio Street, #TH
Last Ask: $22,950,000

West Village | Townhouse | 5 Bedrooms, 5.5 Baths | 6,220 ft²

83 Horatio Street, #TH (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Built over 170 years ago in 1852, this historic townhouse at 83 Horatio Street represents an incredible opportunity to own a meticulously renovated, 23' wide, never-been-lived-in house, on a picturesque West Village block .The nearly four-year-long painstaking renovation was championed by architect Norman Cox of Union Street Studios and involved an expansion of the home to over 6,200 square feet across seven livable floor-plates and three oversized outdoor spaces. See floor plan and full details here.

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#10. One Central Park, #67C
Last Ask: $8,850,000

One Central Park has 9 public availabilities from $3,780,000.

#9. 520 West 28th Street, #27
Last Ask: $9,380,000

520 West 28th Street has 1 public availability asking $3,850,000.

#8. 20 East End Avenue, #MAISONETTE
Last Ask: $9,500,000

20 East End Avenue has no public availabilities.

#7. 882 Carroll Street, #TH
Last Ask: $9,750,000

#6. 12 East 13th Street, #3
Last Ask: $10,995,000 (-8.3%)

12 East 13th Street has 1 public availability asking $7,495,000.

#5. 455 West 20th Street, #PH
Last Ask: $12,500,000 (-16.7%)

455 West 20th Street has no public availabilities.

#4. 121 East 81st Street, #TH
Last Ask: $12,995,000

#3. Laureate, #PENTHOUSEA
Last Ask: $15,500,000 (-6.1%)

Laureate has 1 public availability asking $5,295,000.

#2. Walker Tower, #PH8
Last Ask: $15,995,000

Walker Tower has no public availabilities.

#1. 83 Horatio Street, #TH
Last Ask: $22,950,000

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