News Summary
Torkil Gudnason, a renowned Danish fashion photographer, has sold his Ridgewood studio located at 1624 and 1632 George St. for $6.2 million. The buyer, a shell company connected to MAC Cosmetics executive Heloise Parker, purchased the property which the Gudnason family acquired in 2014 for $2.7 million. Since then, substantial improvements were made, including a stunning garden and modern design elements. The swift transaction indicates a burgeoning interest in Ridgewood’s real estate market.
Ridgewood, Queens – Torkil Gudnason, a renowned Danish fashion photographer noted for his contributions in Vogue and other major magazines, has sold his studio property located at 1624 and 1632 George St. in Ridgewood for $6.2 million. The sale was officially recorded in city deeds on Monday, revealing that the buyer is a shell company known as 1624-1632 George LLC, which is believed to be controlled by Heloise Parker, an executive with MAC Cosmetics.
The Gudnason family, including Torkil and his wife Jessica Tan, who is a model turned fine arts photographer, had acquired the property in 2014 for $2.7 million. Over the years, the couple has made substantial improvements to the premises, transforming it from its previous industrial use. The studio now features impressive design elements, including skylight-dotted ceilings that rise 16 feet high and heated concrete floors. The property also boasts two kitchens and occupies about half of the overall space, while the remaining area is dedicated to a 7,500 square feet lawn-lined garden.
Initially, the Gudnasons listed the property for $7.9 million during the winter months, but after some negotiations, they settled on a price approximately 20% lower. The studio is located near the border of Brooklyn, at the end of the block from Wyckoff Avenue and the Bushwick neighborhood. The previous industrial site had housed various businesses, including an ambulance company, a plastics manufacturer, and a metal shop since the 1960s.
Parker’s intentions for the studio site, which offers vehicle access, are currently unclear. Efforts to contact Parker at MAC Cosmetics, a division of Estee Lauder, regarding future plans for the property went unanswered before publication. The property was listed by the Ridgewood-based Knickerbocker Realty Group in March and came under contract by May, indicating a swift transaction.
Marketing materials described the property as an “ideal setting for studios, galleries, event spaces, [a] performance venue or a live/work sanctuary,” suggesting its versatility and potential for various uses. Although Vincent Lopez, one of the brokers at Knickerbocker Realty, declined to comment on the sale, the interest from Parker’s organization highlights the ongoing transformation and development in the Ridgewood area.
Torkil Gudnason’s photography is distinguished by themes featuring bewigged dogs, sharp-edged haircuts, and oversized body parts, with work published in prestigious magazines such as Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, and Esquire. Jessica Tan’s portfolio is celebrated for its colorful geometric patterns and striking portraits of Chinese opera singers. The couple, who have gained recognition in the art and photography communities, did not provide comments at the time of this report.
This sale reflects significant market interest in Ridgewood as the area continues to evolve, merging artistic spaces with residential developments. The sale price of $6.2 million and the profile of the new owner suggest that this trend is poised to continue as part of New York City’s broader real estate landscape.
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Additional Resources
- Crain’s New York Business
- Wikipedia: Ridgewood, Queens
- North Jersey
- Google Search: Ridgewood Queens
- The New York Times
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ridgewood
- NorthMarq
- Google News: Ridgewood real estate
- Jersey Digs
- Google Scholar: Ridgewood Queens real estate
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
NEW YORK STAFF WRITER The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
