News Summary
A landmark Gilded Age townhouse in New York City has sold for over $38.2 million, showcasing the continued interest in historic properties. Originally valued at $49.5 million, this 24,000-square-foot mansion reflects significant architectural heritage, with features from the era and modern amenities. The sale indicates resilience within the upscale real estate market, even amid recent price adjustments. Designed by the famous architectural firm McKim, Mead & White, the townhouse offers 22 bedrooms, luxurious bathrooms, and breathtaking views, solidifying its desire for future homeowners.
New York City – A historic Gilded Age townhouse has been sold for over $38.2 million, reflecting the enduring elegance of 19th-century architecture in one of the world’s most vibrant cities. This 24,000-square-foot mansion, built by J.P. Morgan’s cousin, James J. Goodwin, was originally listed for $49.5 million and sold in June, marking a significant transaction in the upscale real estate market.
The property was previously owned by real estate developer Orin Wilf, who had purchased it for $55 million in 2019. The substantial sale price, despite being lower than the original asking price, indicates continued interest in historically significant properties in New York, even amidst recent price adjustments in the area.
The mansion, constructed in 1896, carries considerable historical weight as it was built for a prominent figure of the Gilded Age, a time notorious for its great wealth and opulence. James J. Goodwin passed away in 1915, leaving an estate valued at $6.2 million, which would equate to approximately $197.3 million in today’s dollars when adjusted for inflation.
Architectural Significance
The townhouse was designed by the notable architectural firm McKim, Mead & White, which has crafted several landmark buildings in New York, including the Brooklyn Museum and the original Penn Station. This particular residence is recognized for its limestone and brick exterior and impressive views of the Museum of Modern Art’s sculpture garden.
The design showcases Neo-Georgian architecture, favoring simpler symmetry and elegance over more elaborate styles. Inside, the mansion boasts numerous historical features, including 12 fireplaces and intricate stained-glass windows, some of which are on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The interior layout includes 22 bedrooms, comprising 11 primary bedrooms and 11 staff bedrooms, in addition to 10 bathrooms. Key modern amenities are also present, such as an elevator, a dumbwaiter, and a contemporary kitchen equipped for chefs that includes five cooking spaces and a full catering kitchen, demonstrating a blend of modern conveniences alongside historical charm.
Additional Amenities
Enhancing the property’s appeal, the mansion features a glass conservatory overlooking a garden, a butler’s pantry adjoining the dining room, and a climate-controlled wine cellar. Luxurious bathrooms and expansive dressing areas add to the sophistication of the home. Outdoor features include a rooftop terrace offering breathtaking skyline views, making this residence not only significant but also desirable for potential buyers.
Although the sale price reflects a drop from previous asking amounts — it started at $80 million before settling closer to $46 million — this townhouse remains one of the few remaining Gilded Age homes still intact in the bustling metropolis of New York. The property has undergone extensive renovations that have preserved its historical elements, including original stained-glass windows and marble fireplaces.
Influences and Market Trends
The recent sale of properties like this townhouse has been influenced by cultural movements, particularly the HBO series “The Gilded Age,” which premiered in 2022 and centers around historical themes that resonate with New York’s wealthy past. The series features characters inspired by real historical figures, including the architect Stanford White, whose legacy remains significant in the realm of American architecture.
The sale of this townhouse at 973 Fifth Avenue highlights a continuing interest in historically preserved properties, as many historic mansions have succumbed to urban development over the decades. The preservation and sale of such homes not only reflects the continuing interest in New York’s architectural history but also serves as a reminder of the opulent lifestyle of its past residents.
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Additional Resources
- MSN: Historic Mansion on New York’s Gold Coast
- Business Insider: Gilded Age Townhouse in NYC
- Bowery Boys: Gilded Age Mansions of Fifth Avenue
- Elle Decor: Stanford White Mansion for Sale
- Realtor.com: Gilded Age Mansion Buyer
- Wikipedia: Gilded Age
- Google Search: Gilded Age architecture
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gilded Age
- Google News: Gilded Age Mansions
