Home renovations are never fun, but have become especially fraught over the past few years between continued supply chain woes and price increases. There have been numerous anecdotes about the difference in price between renovated and unrenovated apartments, and new data emerged to back that up—new data from UrbanDigs found a $400K price difference between the two, a record high. Buyers appreciate renovated apartments because they can trust that the appliances and infrastructure are in working order.
When money is no object, owners can customize their homes to exactly their taste and lifestyle. Sometimes this involves bringing the homes in line with the needs and wants of today’s buyer while including a few personal touches. However, some renovations lead to a home for perhaps too specific a taste or lifestyle, which can result in these listings staying on the market for longer than sellers might prefer. We take a look at a dozen of the most notable celebrity-linked listings of May 2022, a number of which feature renovations.
In this article:
Reed Krakoff — Listed for $42,000,000
54 East 64th Street, #TH (Sotheby's International Realty)
As designer Reed Krakoff made a name for himself at Coach, his eponymous line, and Tiffany, it is quite fitting that he and his wife Delphine bought and renovated a townhouse a stone’s throw from some of New York’s glitziest designer shopping. They originally listed it for $48 million in November 2021 and relisted it with a small discount. Their next move is not clear, but The Real Deal notes that their real estate holdings include a Connecticut mansion owned by Huguette Clark and the East Hampton mansion where Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis spent summers as a child. (P.S. This Upper East Side townhouse is up the street from one previously owned by Gianni Versace.)
From the Listing:
The Internationally known designer couple who own this house have spent decades creating several masterpiece homes, in both country and urban settings. The original architects, Flagg and Chambers, created a mansion built to grand proportions with beautiful large-scale, high-ceilinged rooms. The current owners have undertaken a gut renovation with the latest mechanical systems artfully hidden, and the massive wide windows afford exceptionally bright sunny interiors. This serene, light-filled environment now contains a collection of furnishings and art that are chronicled in a Rizzoli art book by an internationally acclaimed photographer.
From the Listing:
The Internationally known designer couple who own this house have spent decades creating several masterpiece homes, in both country and urban settings. The original architects, Flagg and Chambers, created a mansion built to grand proportions with beautiful large-scale, high-ceilinged rooms. The current owners have undertaken a gut renovation with the latest mechanical systems artfully hidden, and the massive wide windows afford exceptionally bright sunny interiors. This serene, light-filled environment now contains a collection of furnishings and art that are chronicled in a Rizzoli art book by an internationally acclaimed photographer.
Mike D. — Listed for $19,500,000
The Eldorado, #19D (Rise Media)
When Michael Diamond (also known as Mike D. of the Beastie Boys) and his brother David listed their childhood home at The Eldorado in the wake of their mother Hester’s death, they shared memories of playing in Central Park, growing up surrounded by Mrs. Diamond’s extensive art collection, and the apartment’s many configurations and expansions with The New York Times. The art has been sold or divided among surviving family members, but the apartment is still on the market.
From the Listing:
A truly one-of-a-kind opportunity to own a sprawling duplex residence at the famed El Dorado, 300 Central Park West. Apartment 19D is perched high above Central Park and the Reservoir boasting unrivaled views of the Park, Reservoir, Fifth Avenue and the Midtown skyline and beyond. This expansive residence features 6,300 square feet of living space and over 800 feet of glorious terraces. These avid art collectors pursued their vision to showcase not only their collections but New York City itself creating a residence like no other in New York City.
From the Listing:
A truly one-of-a-kind opportunity to own a sprawling duplex residence at the famed El Dorado, 300 Central Park West. Apartment 19D is perched high above Central Park and the Reservoir boasting unrivaled views of the Park, Reservoir, Fifth Avenue and the Midtown skyline and beyond. This expansive residence features 6,300 square feet of living space and over 800 feet of glorious terraces. These avid art collectors pursued their vision to showcase not only their collections but New York City itself creating a residence like no other in New York City.
The Eldorado has 8 available listings from $795K.
Bernie Madoff — Listed for $18,500,000
After Bernie Madoff’s arrest in 2008, his Upper East Side penthouse was among the assets seized to help compensate the victims of his financial fraud. Since then, the apartment has changed hands, been redecorated, and just re-listed with a new apartment name. Crain’s New York Business notes that its current owner, real estate investor Lawrence Berenson, purchased the penthouse for $14.5 million in 2014 and bought an adjacent unit for $4 million in 2016; therefore, even if sold at full asking price, he would make zero profit on it. There is also the option to buy just the penthouse for $15 million.
From the Listing:
This exceptional 14 room prewar penthouse duplex with spectacular landscaped terraces is situated high atop one of Manhattan’s finest prewar cooperatives. The building is perfectly located on East 64th Street, on one of the most beautiful tree-lined blocks in the Upper East Side Historic District.
A private elevator landing opens onto an impressive south-facing center gallery bathed in natural light throughout the day. The adjacent spectacular and massive 27 x 23 living room with a wood-burning fireplace has three exposures, soaring ceilings, and commands wonderful open views through floor-to-ceiling Palladian windows. Stunning landscaped terraces surround the living room on all three sides, and views as far as Central Park can be seen in the distance.
From the Listing:
This exceptional 14 room prewar penthouse duplex with spectacular landscaped terraces is situated high atop one of Manhattan’s finest prewar cooperatives. The building is perfectly located on East 64th Street, on one of the most beautiful tree-lined blocks in the Upper East Side Historic District.
A private elevator landing opens onto an impressive south-facing center gallery bathed in natural light throughout the day. The adjacent spectacular and massive 27 x 23 living room with a wood-burning fireplace has three exposures, soaring ceilings, and commands wonderful open views through floor-to-ceiling Palladian windows. Stunning landscaped terraces surround the living room on all three sides, and views as far as Central Park can be seen in the distance.
133 East 64th Street has 2 available listings from $15M.
Edward Minskoff — Listed for $15,250,000
730 Park Avenue, #8C (Douglas Elliman)
In the 1980s, Edward Minskoff purchased a Park Avenue cooperative for $210,000. Since then, his eponymous real estate firm’s portfolio has expanded to include 101 Warren Street in Tribeca, 37 East 12th Street in the Village, and 17 Jane Street in the West Village—a building he liked so much that he told The Wall Street Journal that he has reserved a duplex there for his own use. In preparation to move there, he listed his Upper East Side apartment for $17.7 million. The apartment had its price reduced by $2.45 million earlier this month, but is nevertheless approximately 73 times what he paid for it.
From the Listing:
Live your dream in this tailor-made, grand scale home that accommodates gracious living and entertaining while offering an abundance of wall space for art. This private floor located in one of Park Avenue’s most distinguished and sought-after buildings is pristinely maintained and offers many fine original architectural details. Your private elevator vestibule opens into a massive gallery clad in marble that leads to all formal / entertaining rooms.
From the Listing:
Live your dream in this tailor-made, grand scale home that accommodates gracious living and entertaining while offering an abundance of wall space for art. This private floor located in one of Park Avenue’s most distinguished and sought-after buildings is pristinely maintained and offers many fine original architectural details. Your private elevator vestibule opens into a massive gallery clad in marble that leads to all formal / entertaining rooms.
730 Park Avenue has 5 available listings from $2.5M.
Amy Schumer — Listed for $15,000,000
190 Riverside Drive (CityRealty)
190 Riverside Drive, #PH (Edward Menashy/Evan Joseph Studios) By Photograph by Mario Santor, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17428696
Actress/writer Amy Schumer freely admits that when she purchased her “Manhattan dream apartment” on the Upper West Side, “I couldn’t have made an offer fast enough…I showed all my cards. I was terrible.” Now that she has listed the redecorated apartment, it remains to be seen whether the same will come to pass with the next buyer. The Wall Street Journal announced the listing and noted that she paid $12.15 million for it in 2016.
From the Listing:
Bathed in natural light, and sprawling over 4,500 square feet, this full-floor, contemporary glass-enclosed penthouse offers 360° views coupled with meticulous design and the highest quality finishes, and a private parking space. Conceived by renowned firm Spivak Architects, this one-of-a-kind masterpiece features 5 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms and 3,000 square feet of outdoor space over two levels. Perched atop the landmarked Beaux-Arts building at 190 Riverside Drive, this home was designed with bi-fold glass walls that open and extend out to a wrap-around terrace with panoramic views of the Hudson River, George Washington Bridge, and New York City.
From the Listing:
Bathed in natural light, and sprawling over 4,500 square feet, this full-floor, contemporary glass-enclosed penthouse offers 360° views coupled with meticulous design and the highest quality finishes, and a private parking space. Conceived by renowned firm Spivak Architects, this one-of-a-kind masterpiece features 5 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms and 3,000 square feet of outdoor space over two levels. Perched atop the landmarked Beaux-Arts building at 190 Riverside Drive, this home was designed with bi-fold glass walls that open and extend out to a wrap-around terrace with panoramic views of the Hudson River, George Washington Bridge, and New York City.
190 Riverside Drive has 2 available listings from $2.995M.
Cara Delevingne — Purchased from Jimmy Fallon with $15,000,000 ask
The Gramercy, #PHB (Evan Joseph for Sotheby's International Realty)
In the years since he purchased his first apartment at 34 Gramercy Park East for $850K, comedian/Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon has expanded it into a triplex for his growing family and added such unique features as custom-built furniture and wall coverings, a “saloon room,” and a secret playroom under the stairs. Over a year after it was listed, Gimme Shelter revealed that model/actress Cara Delevingne bought the apartment in an off-market deal for “a few million less” than the listing price of $15 million.
From the Listing:
Celebrating the bones and architecture of the famed 34 Gramercy Park East, while transforming the space into a singularly enhancing home, this jewel box is perched atop the southwest corner of the historic landmark. Features of the approximately 4,950-square-foot home include original, restored window frames and casings throughout, original, restored hardwood floors throughout, and the highest quality fixtures and finishes combined with a curated collection of treasured vintage and antique finds from around the world. Off the entry is an elegantly proportioned living room, papered in rare vintage wallpaper from the 1940's and paneled in skewed wood-planking designed by Bednark.
From the Listing:
Celebrating the bones and architecture of the famed 34 Gramercy Park East, while transforming the space into a singularly enhancing home, this jewel box is perched atop the southwest corner of the historic landmark. Features of the approximately 4,950-square-foot home include original, restored window frames and casings throughout, original, restored hardwood floors throughout, and the highest quality fixtures and finishes combined with a curated collection of treasured vintage and antique finds from around the world. Off the entry is an elegantly proportioned living room, papered in rare vintage wallpaper from the 1940's and paneled in skewed wood-planking designed by Bednark.
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Paul Taylor — Entered contract with $14,995,000 ask
27 Vandam Street, #TH (Compass)
When celebrated choreographer Paul Taylor lived in his Soho townhouse, he used the top floor as a personal dance studio and created such acclaimed ballets as Esplanade and Promethean Fire there. This floor was turned to bedrooms during a three-year gut renovation that took place following Mr. Taylor’s death in 2018. However, the lower-level recreation room with skylights and 11-foot ceilings could very well serve as a dance studio for the new buyers.
From the Listing:
Located in the National Register of Historic Places section of the South Village and landmarked by the New York City Landmarks Commission, 27 Vandam Street is part of a rare row of exceptional Federal-styled townhomes. Together with the vision of Erica Goetz, formerly of Matthew Baird Architects, the current owners meticulously gut renovated the entire home, retaining much of the original masonry and details, such as the high parlor ceilings, the original staircase railing and factually replicated crown moulding while implementing every modern necessity and luxury. Ideally situated on the cusp of the West Village and Soho, this exceptional turnkey single-family townhome offers 5,100 square feet of interior living space, generously proportioned over 4 stories plus skylit lower level. There are 5 bedrooms, 4 full bathrooms, 2 powder rooms and nearly 1,200 square feet of private outdoor space, including a manicured, 60-foot deep Bluestone garden.
From the Listing:
Located in the National Register of Historic Places section of the South Village and landmarked by the New York City Landmarks Commission, 27 Vandam Street is part of a rare row of exceptional Federal-styled townhomes. Together with the vision of Erica Goetz, formerly of Matthew Baird Architects, the current owners meticulously gut renovated the entire home, retaining much of the original masonry and details, such as the high parlor ceilings, the original staircase railing and factually replicated crown moulding while implementing every modern necessity and luxury. Ideally situated on the cusp of the West Village and Soho, this exceptional turnkey single-family townhome offers 5,100 square feet of interior living space, generously proportioned over 4 stories plus skylit lower level. There are 5 bedrooms, 4 full bathrooms, 2 powder rooms and nearly 1,200 square feet of private outdoor space, including a manicured, 60-foot deep Bluestone garden.
Janet Jackson — Entered contract with $8,995,000 ask
That was quick! A few short weeks after Janet Jackson listed the Central Park West condo she owned for more than 20 years, the apartment entered contract. She may not be singing “Miss You Much” over this, though—when she listed it, she told The Wall Street Journal, “It’s time for someone else to enjoy it and make new memories.”
From the Listing:
Sweeping views of Central Park and the iconic city skyline are the centerpiece of this enviable, corner 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath residence. One enters through a proper gallery into a series of stylish spaces including a large open living and dining room. The windowed kitchen is discretely positioned with two entrances making it an ideal configuration for both sophisticated living and entertaining. A perfectly placed powder room completes these more public spaces. The primary bedroom suite is truly a dream. Tucked away at the end of the gallery, it features multiple generous closets and a luxurious marble bath. Enjoy views of the sun rising over the Park and the sparkle of the city in the evening from your private oasis.
From the Listing:
Sweeping views of Central Park and the iconic city skyline are the centerpiece of this enviable, corner 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath residence. One enters through a proper gallery into a series of stylish spaces including a large open living and dining room. The windowed kitchen is discretely positioned with two entrances making it an ideal configuration for both sophisticated living and entertaining. A perfectly placed powder room completes these more public spaces. The primary bedroom suite is truly a dream. Tucked away at the end of the gallery, it features multiple generous closets and a luxurious marble bath. Enjoy views of the sun rising over the Park and the sparkle of the city in the evening from your private oasis.
Trump International has 18 available listings from $699K.
Chou Wen-Chung — Sold for $8,500,000
188 Sullivan Street, #TH (Sotheby's International Realty)
188 Sullivan Street offers a prime example of the artists and musicians that the landmarked MacDougal-Sullivan townhouses were built to attract: Composer Edgard Varese purchased the townhouse in 1923, and its most recent owner, Chou Wen-Chung, was Mr. Varese's protégé and one of the most celebrated Asian-American composers of the 20th century. The buyer was not identified, but we wouldn’t be surprised if it was a rock star—past residents of the townhouses include Bob Dylan and John Hammond Jr.
From the Listing:
The rare offering of this 1850 Greek Revival home provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to own one of only 22 homes that create the landmarked and coveted MacDougal-Sullivan Gardens. Home to some of the city’s most vibrant and interesting luminaries, the homes all share a private and secret park. 22.5’ wide with approximately 5,075 interior square footage including the basement, this home has had only two owners in the last 100 years.
From the Listing:
The rare offering of this 1850 Greek Revival home provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to own one of only 22 homes that create the landmarked and coveted MacDougal-Sullivan Gardens. Home to some of the city’s most vibrant and interesting luminaries, the homes all share a private and secret park. 22.5’ wide with approximately 5,075 interior square footage including the basement, this home has had only two owners in the last 100 years.
Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka — Entered contract with $7,235,000 ask
2036 Fifth Avenue, #TH (Compass)
When power couple Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka bought their prewar townhouse for $3.6 million in 2013, the purchase brought new attention and interest to Harlem. Since then, they have updated the house while respecting its original architectural details and featured the chef’s kitchen in Mr. Burtka’s cookbook. Gimme Shelter notes that the house was pulled off the market following water damage from a storm, but that brokers and buyers kept making offers. It is now in contract for a price that sets a new record for the neighborhood.
From the Listing:
A meticulous restoration led by award-winning architect, Jeffery Povero of Povero&Company, results in this immaculate 20’ wide, 5-bedroom, 6-bathroom single-family townhouse, featuring approximately 8,000 square feet of light-flooded interiors with gorgeously restored woodwork and custom details. Upon entering the home’s parlor floor you are greeted with soaring 12’ ceilings, original dark-wood wainscoting and a gracious central hallway that leads you to the back parlor lounge outfitted with one of three gas fireplaces throughout the home. The centerpiece of this room is a vintage bar that was sourced from an old hotel and restored with new appliances, plumbing and electrical including two running, built-in taps.
From the Listing:
A meticulous restoration led by award-winning architect, Jeffery Povero of Povero&Company, results in this immaculate 20’ wide, 5-bedroom, 6-bathroom single-family townhouse, featuring approximately 8,000 square feet of light-flooded interiors with gorgeously restored woodwork and custom details. Upon entering the home’s parlor floor you are greeted with soaring 12’ ceilings, original dark-wood wainscoting and a gracious central hallway that leads you to the back parlor lounge outfitted with one of three gas fireplaces throughout the home. The centerpiece of this room is a vintage bar that was sourced from an old hotel and restored with new appliances, plumbing and electrical including two running, built-in taps.
Jenna Bush Hager — Listed for $5,375,000
Reade Chambers, #5B (Sotheby's International Realty) By Sidewalks Entertainment, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=74900292
Jenna Bush Hager can be seen broadcasting from the TODAY Plaza in Rockefeller Center, but has made a Tribeca condo her home off the set with husband Henry Hager. (Appropriately enough for the creator of the Read With Jenna book club, the apartment’s custom designs include a wall of bookcases with a sliding library ladder.) The couple bought the home for about $4.58 million in 2015, and a source told The Wall Street Journal that they are relocating to Fairfield County in Connecticut.
From the Listing:
Located in a coveted and luxurious full service condominium built in 2015 and designed by renowned Annabelle Selldorf Architects, this impeccable, sun-filled 4-bedroom is a must see. Step off the elevator to your private vestibule and enter into your full floor 2,545-square-foot apartment. A wall of windows adorn the oversized combination living/dining room, with prime southern exposure. This stunning apartment has every convenience, and upgrade, one can think of including a Central HVAC system, full size vented washer dryer, hardwood floors, motorized shades throughout and 9 ft 9" ceilings.
From the Listing:
Located in a coveted and luxurious full service condominium built in 2015 and designed by renowned Annabelle Selldorf Architects, this impeccable, sun-filled 4-bedroom is a must see. Step off the elevator to your private vestibule and enter into your full floor 2,545-square-foot apartment. A wall of windows adorn the oversized combination living/dining room, with prime southern exposure. This stunning apartment has every convenience, and upgrade, one can think of including a Central HVAC system, full size vented washer dryer, hardwood floors, motorized shades throughout and 9 ft 9" ceilings.
Reade Chambers has 4 available listings from $1.699M.
Alexander Skarsgård — Listed for $2,599,000
109-119 East 10th Street, #4 (Compass)
The summer after Big Little Lies premiered, lead actor Alexander Skarsgård bought a top-floor co-op in the East Village for $2.3 million. Since then, he won an Emmy for his role on the show and his acting career has taken him all over the world to a point where he might not have the chance to enjoy his New York apartment. The New York Post announced that he listed it and notes that roof rights are included with the sale.
From the Listing:
This stunning top floor home is a masterful blend of 19th century townhouse architecture and a thoughtful, modern renovation. With exposed brick and wood-beamed ceilings ranging in height from 10-12 feet, the living space takes on loft-like proportions. Pre-war details are plentiful and include a wood-burning marble fireplace and original pocket shutters. The natural light in this home is unmatched, with five skylights in addition to three southern-facing windows and a large casement window overlooking the tranquil common garden to the north.
From the Listing:
This stunning top floor home is a masterful blend of 19th century townhouse architecture and a thoughtful, modern renovation. With exposed brick and wood-beamed ceilings ranging in height from 10-12 feet, the living space takes on loft-like proportions. Pre-war details are plentiful and include a wood-burning marble fireplace and original pocket shutters. The natural light in this home is unmatched, with five skylights in addition to three southern-facing windows and a large casement window overlooking the tranquil common garden to the north.
109-119 East 10th Street has 3 available listings from $760K.
Bjarke Ingels — Purchased for $2,163,525
St. George Tower's common roof deck
Mock up of penthouse and bulkhead changes (via Landmarks Preservation Commission)
View northwest from roof deck of St. George Tower
Celebrity architect Bjarke Ingels has ushered in a new age of Far West Side architecture with Via 57 West, brought new luxury to East Harlem with The Smile, and spiced up West Chelsea with The XI (where work has resumed). He brings similarly grand ambitions to the Brooklyn Heights penthouse he just purchased—when the New York Post announced the sale, it reported that in 2019, he appeared before Landmarks with plans for a rooftop addition with a raised deck, a new pool, and a fake water tower to hold a new elevator shaft. Brownstoner reported that these plans were approved.
St. George Tower has 2 available listings from $850K.
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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