News Summary
A historic townhouse near Gramercy Park has been listed for sale at $11.5 million as owners Alan and Helene Boss face a foreclosure lawsuit linked to their ongoing divorce. The 4,200 square-foot property, featuring six bedrooms and rich historical roots, is being sold to help address financial obligations stemming from a $3.2 million mortgage dispute that has grown to $3.9 million. The couple gained fame for their vintage flea markets, but their personal and legal troubles have complicated their real estate situation.
New York City – A historic townhouse located on East 19th Street near Gramercy Park is now on the market for $11.5 million as Alan and Helene Boss prepare to settle a foreclosure case amid ongoing divorce proceedings. The circa-1850s property spans 4,200 square feet and includes six bedrooms, six and a half bathrooms, and four floors, in addition to a cellar.
The Bosses, who are well-known for their involvement in vintage flea markets, were sued for foreclosure by TD Bank in spring 2024. The lawsuit aims to recover funds from a $3.2 million mortgage that has escalated to a total debt of $3.9 million, including interest and fees. Listing their property for sale has been deemed a necessary step for the couple to address the financial obligations involved in the foreclosure case.
Alan and Helene Boss have been embroiled in a divorce battle since 2020, which has complicated the foreclosure proceedings. A significant point of contention in this dispute is Helene’s accusation that Alan forged her name on mortgage documents, a claim that Alan has denied. Both parties have their names listed on the mortgage documents and the townhouse deed.
The townhouse’s façade has an interesting history, as it was previously owned by actress Uma Thurman. The Bosses purchased the property in 2005 for $5 million from Thurman, who owned it for just a year before selling. Thurman acquired the townhouse from Lynn Wagenknecht, a notable figure who bought it in 1994 after her own divorce from restaurateur Keith McNally.
Alan and Helene Boss gained recognition for establishing vintage flea markets, including their popular Annex Antiques Fair and Flea Market, which premiered in 1976. Over the years, they hosted markets at various locations until closing their last market in 2019.
The townhouse features a variety of appealing amenities, such as a den with a fireplace, a kitchen that opens to a terrace, and an elegant primary suite that also includes its own fireplace. The spacious layout and rich historical roots of the property make it an attractive option for potential buyers in the luxury real estate market.
As the Bosses work through the complexities of their situation, both Alan’s lawyer and Helene’s attorney have remained tight-lipped regarding the ongoing foreclosure case and divorce proceedings, as divorce records are typically sealed from public view. The outcome of these legal matters and the fate of the townhouse will continue to unfold in the coming months.
This significant listing is part of a broader trend in New York City’s luxury real estate market, where high-profile properties frequently change hands amid financial disputes, personal challenges, or market fluctuations. The Bosses’ story underscores the personal and financial complexities that can arise in high-stakes real estate transactions, particularly in a city where history and modernity often collide.
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Additional Resources
- Crain’s New York: Alan and Helene Boss List Gramercy Townhouse
- 6sqft: For $32.5K/Month, Rent a Five-Story Designer Townhouse in Gramercy
- The Spaces: Fashion Designer Oleg Cassini’s Former Gramercy Park Townhouse Asks for $13.95M
- 6sqft: For $5.1M, This Pretty Gramercy Condo Comes With a Key to the Private Park
- New York Post: Oleg Cassini’s Former NYC Home Now Asks $7.99M
- Wikipedia: New York City
- Google Search: Gramercy Park real estate
- Google Scholar: real estate market New York City
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gramercy Park
- Google News: New York real estate
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK 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.
