While there’s little question that a rich history can generate interest in a building, that may not necessarily translate to quick sales or at the hoped-for price. A case in point may be found at 973 Fifth Avenue: The Italian Renaissance Palazzo-style mansion dates back to the early 20th century, when it was built by McKim, Mead & White for Henry Cook, the owner of the entire block who wrote into the deeds that none of the buildings on it could be higher than six stories. Mr. Cook did not live to see 973 Fifth Avenue completed and left it to his daughter, but she reportedly rarely used it. It changed hands multiple times, including to the Mormon Church at one point.
The mansion’s most recent owners were Alexia Leuschen, interior designer and daughter of architect Costas Kondylis, and then-husband David Leuschen, a former Goldman Sachs partner and energy investment firm founder. They bought it for $42 million in 2012 and proceeded to modernize it while preserving original details, but listed it for $80 million in summer 2021 in the wake of their divorce. It would have set a new record if it had sold for that asking price, but went off the market a short time later, returning for $72.5 million in May 2023. Its most recent price reduction brings it down to $58 million, well shy of the record but still out of reach to all but New York's wealthiest.
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A borough away, and at a drastically different price point, a similar tale is playing out at The Williamsburg Firehouse Lofts, where it may be possible to trace the history of the neighborhood through that one building: 1196 Metropolitan Avenue was constructed as a firehouse in the early 20th century; it was turned into an underground music venue and artists’ lofts decades later, and was most recently converted to a six-unit boutique condominium.
The interiors combine original architectural details with modern appliances and infrastructure, but may not be enough to compensate for its address on a busy street a good distance away from the heart of Williamsburg. Two units have entered contract since sales launched in late 2023, but the sponsor has reduced prices on the four remaining availabilities.
The interiors combine original architectural details with modern appliances and infrastructure, but may not be enough to compensate for its address on a busy street a good distance away from the heart of Williamsburg. Two units have entered contract since sales launched in late 2023, but the sponsor has reduced prices on the four remaining availabilities.
973 Fifth Avenue and the remaining stock at The Williamsburg Firehouse Lofts were among the nearly 250 units throughout New York City that experienced price reductions from February 28 through March 4. A selection of notable listings, as well as a full chart of reductions, may be seen below. Please be advised that all quoted figures reflect cumulative price cuts as opposed to the most recent reductions.
From the Listing: Bursting with history, charm and emanating the spirit of Brooklyn, this quintessential conversion offers a truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of New York City history, and to make it your dream home. Extra-tall windows, many offering Brooklyn and Manhattan views, and large skylights let sunlight stream in all day long. While many original features have been preserved creating warmth, charm, and a sense of history throughout the building, the apartments are move in ready with renovated kitchens and bathrooms featuring modern cabinetry, fixtures and finishes, as well as new appliances. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: As you step off the semi-private elevator landing and into the elegant foyer, you will feel the grand scale of the sun-flooded living room, with its arched doorways, beamed ceilings, and city and side river views. The banquet in the windowed kitchen offers seating for eight, and there are glass pass-through cabinets, dishwasher, self-venting hood, washer/dryer, and pull-out pantries. Additional features of this elegant pre-war home are custom bookshelves and built-ins, a second beautifully renovated bathroom with stall shower, and through-wall air conditioners in two rooms. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: Enter this gracious apartment through a spacious entrance foyer and walk into the main living space to be greeted with beautiful southern light and large oversized windows. The open kitchen is perfect for preparing meals and the combination living room and dining room is great for having family and friends over or just staying in. There’s a balcony off of the living room which has wonderful skyline views. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: Have the best of both worlds - a townhouse in a full service co-op! This two level maisonette can be accessed from the street or the spectacular lobby. On the first floor is a well appointed chef's kitchen with a stovetop island, a large pantry, a bedroom that can be used as a housekeeper's suite, a large living room, and adjacent formal dining room. The second level houses the primary bedroom and bath, an additional two bedrooms and two full baths, and an exercise room. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: Rarely available along with unlimited subletting, this beautiful studio is located in the heart of the Upper East Side! Separate kitchen, renovated bathroom, and laundry room in basement. Excellent Upper East Side location near Central Park, all transportation, restaurants, Carl Schurz Park, and the Upper West Side! See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: Welcome to a majestic floor-through home within a charming brick-clad building! Upon arrival, an elegant entry foyer and gallery lead to a 70-foot-wide great room with beautiful picture windows. Southern exposure floods the expansive room with light, and the western exposure provides partial river views. Up a stairwell from the gallery entrance, a private paradise awaits—a 1,100-square-foot roof deck, complete with pristine landscaping, multiple lounging and dining options as well as magnificent open views. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: Enter via private keyed elevator to your own full floor, 2,300-square-foot 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom home with beautiful open views with north, south, and eastern exposures presenting cinematic city views of the High Line, Hudson Yards, and Manhattan skyline. The grand living room is flooded with constant sunlight and perfect for entertaining or relaxing. The exquisite kitchen is a culinary retreat and features Miele appliances, a Sub-Zero fridge, a wine cooler, abundant storage, Corian countertops, and a large island /breakfast bar comfortable enough to accommodate five. See floor plan and full details here.
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From the Listing: Expansive ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows absorb the natural light throughout the thoughtfully designed beach residence. Enjoy exposures with direct views to the beach and city skyline. 6" European white oak flooring and abundant closet space accentuate the elegance and luxury of this thoughtfully designed residence. The open kitchen delivers stainless steel appliances by LG, custom and generous white and grey cabinetry, honed Carrara Quartz countertops, and glazed ceramic backsplashes ideal for entertaining. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: This duplex residence offers a sprawling floor-through layout spanning the nearly hundred foot length of the building. As you enter the loft, a foyer and dining room of grand proportions greet you. The kitchen is a chef-level kitchen in the truest sense of the phrase, featuring professional appliances including a Wolf stove, Sub-Zero double fridge, Miele dishwasher and salamander broiler. Through a hallway perfect for your art collection, one enters the well-scaled living room featuring a wall of windows and solarium ensuring abundant natural light. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: This singular, pre-eminent masterpiece sits facing Central Park and is the only renovated mansion on Fifth Avenue. The spectacular residence has remained true to the original floorplans, thanks to a painstaking restoration of many of the interior details, including moldings, fireplaces, windows and paneling. Beneath its stately surface, it has been given a thorough reconstruction and completely modernized with the highest caliber electrical, plumbing, HVAC, elevator and security systems. All modern conveniences have been added, and each system upgraded and thoughtfully integrated while honoring the heritage of this impressive townhouse. A rooftop garden and landscaped patio offer iconic 360° skyline and park views. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: One of the final sponsor sales at 432 Park Avenue! From a private elevator vestibule, one enters a tasteful gallery perfect for welcoming guests and displaying art. The grand foyer gallery leads to a gracious living/dining room, spanning nearly 30’ x 30’ with gorgeous views of Central Park to the north and the city skyline to the west, showcasing radiant light and majestic sunsets year-round. The chef’s kitchen is outfitted with Miele appliances, white lacquer and oak cabinetry, a Bianco Scintillante marble center island with deep storage, Blue de Savoie marble floors and countertops, and Dornbracht polished chrome fixtures. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: This prestigious home is completely unique to Manhattan living. As you enter the spacious foyer, the 9-foot beamed ceilings will take your breath away as light pours in from the oversized windows in the gracious living and dining areas. The galley windowed kitchen provides more than enough space to whip up your favorite meal when hosting parties or holidays. With two spacious bedrooms each with its own ensuite, there is ample amount of space to retreat from the hustle and bustle of New York City. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: Freshly renovated and re-imagined, this north-facing two-bedroom, two-bathroom home on the first floor of a beautifully maintained, pet-friendly full-service co-op is a truly special slice of the Upper East Side. Just beyond the entry foyer is the dining area that leads into the sprawling open living room looking out on East 84th Street. The renovated kitchen is separate with stainless steel appliances including a KitchenAid dishwasher, Sub-Zero refrigerator, and ample cabinet space that is ceiling height. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: Designed by the internationally renowned architecture and design firm Messana O’Rorke, 130 Charles Street is one of the most exceptionally crafted townhouses in all of the West Village. Originally constructed in 1853, its historically preserved 28-foot wide Greek Revival facade belies the decidedly contemporary interiors that lie behind. Ascending to the fourth floor, you are met by a wet bar opening through glass onto the landscaped roof garden, lushly planted with views down Charles Street towards the Hudson River. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: The expansive 1,876-square-foot home boasts a spacious layout with solid oak hardwood floors, classic crown moldings, and high beamed ceilings. Enter through the foyer and immediately notice a large living room connecting to the open dining room, creating a perfect flow for entertaining. Adjoining is a modern kitchen featuring abundant cabinetry and top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances. The primary bedroom suite sits privately away from the other three bedrooms, affording a quiet retreat complete with a walk-in closet and en-suite bath. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: Bring your architect and accountant to reimagine this +/- 1,950 square feet into the ultimate live/work/rental at the legendary Sherry-Netherland Hotel. All three units are in the hotel rental pool and may be rented individually or combined. The rare staff room is contiguous to one of the units and may be combined or remain with separate entrance. The Sherry’s full hotel services include daily housekeeping with evening turn-down service, 24 hour doorman, concierge, elevator attendant, fitness center and room service from Harry Cipriani. Utilities included in maintenance. See full details here.
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?