Record Deal for Upper West Side Townhouse? Stay Tuned

Record hunting seems to have become the latest craze in New York City’s real estate market. And the newest candidate is the owner of the townhouse at 247 Central Park West. This Upper West Side townhouse—OK, let’s call it a mansion—was just put on the market for $37 million. That’s an Upper West Side townhouse record! 

Let’s take a look at this precious property. The raw data reveals five bedrooms, eight bathrooms, 12,000 square feet of living space, real estate taxes of $44,000 per month—and it was built in 1887! The façade stands out with its detailed, classical pre–World War I design, and a look inside clearly shows that the home has been overhauled with some serious renovations. Futuristic glass stairs, modern lighting throughout, and modern art emphasize the previous owner’s taste for modern living. 

In contrast, another record-breaking listing just recently found its way to the market, the penthouse of the Pierre Hotel—and it lists for $125 million. It was built more than 50 years after the UWS townhouse yet, in fact, it seems older by centuries. If the Pierre Hotel penthouse could be considered a classical piece of art, 247 Central Park West should be considered a work of modern art. One of its highlights is a wonderful staircase crowned by a domed skylight.

A little history: Almost eight years ago the UWS mansion was sold for $16.5 million. Then, the owner put it back on the market only four years later for $32 million. It was on the market for over a year before it sold again, this time for only $22,375 million, almost $10 million less. The broker of choice every time was an agent of Sotheby’s International Realty, and this time is no different. Sotheby’s Vannessa Kaufman is the agent and she’s trying to accomplish what hasn’t yet been possible—a price above $30 million. Will she succeed? It’s hard to tell. It’s indeed a beautiful home, and it’s in a neighborhood that has attracted celebrities like Bruce Willis and David Duchovny, both of whom just recently bought an apartment within a few blocks.