Historic NYC Properties Once Owned by Artists Hit Market

News Summary

New York City’s real estate landscape is transforming as historic properties once owned by artists are put up for sale, notably a duplex previously owned by Françoise Gilot. This shift, driven by rising demand for office spaces, involves listings from Tishman Speyer and SL Green Realty Corp., showcasing prime Manhattan office buildings. Amidst these developments, importance is placed on the area’s cultural and artistic legacy, highlighted by architectural features and the history of its former residents.

New York City is witnessing a significant shift in the real estate landscape as historic properties once owned by renowned artists hit the market, responding to the growing demand for office spaces amid changing urban dynamics. Tishman Speyer, a known real estate investor and developer, is re-entering the New York market after a period of inactivity, aligning itself with the emerging trend driven by rising interest in office properties.

SL Green Realty Corp. is taking a proactive approach by marketing two prime Manhattan office buildings for sale. Located in key neighborhoods, the buildings include:

• 110 Greene St. – An office building in SoHo that features a Balenciaga store.
• 690 Madison Ave. – Situated near Central Park, this building is home to the jeweler Van Cleef & Arpels.

In an intriguing turn, Françoise Gilot’s former duplex apartment has also entered the market with a price tag of $4.3 million. This apartment, located on West 67th Street, is part of a historic artists’ district. Gilot, a celebrated French artist known for her contributions to watercolor and ceramics, utilized this duplex as a live-in studio for decades. The listing marks the first time since her passing in 2023 at the age of 101 that her three-bedroom residence has been offered for sale.

The duplex boasts remarkable features including:

• Barrel-vaulted ceilings exceeding 17 feet in height.
• A cozy wood-burning fireplace.
• Oversized north-facing windows that flood the space with natural light.
• A flexible layout accommodating three to four bedrooms.

In addition to the main duplex, Gilot’s estate is selling a second two-bedroom unit for $2.5 million, which she used as a guest apartment. Interestingly, the building at 27 W. 67th St. is offering three listings all stemming from estate sales, a rarity, given that properties in this area typically do not frequently reach the market.

The West 67th Street Artists’ Colony Historic District, where these properties are located, is renowned for its high concentration of artist apartments. This area has long been associated with creatives, including famous names like Marcel Duchamp and Norman Rockwell.

Further contributing to the notable listings, a three-bedroom, three-bathroom duplex is now available in Clinton Court, off West 46th Street, listed for $3.75 million. This property carries historic charm with features such as:

• Granite stairs.
• Stained glass details.
• Original wood floors.
• Wood-burning fireplaces.
• A roof terrace for outdoor enjoyment.

This Clinton Court duplex has made appearances in various films, including Woody Allen’s “Bullets Over Broadway,” highlighting its cultural significance. It offers a unique level of privacy uncommon in Manhattan, with windows on all four sides, attracting attention from potential buyers.

Originally built in the 1850s and designed to stable horses, the building had remained relatively under the radar in the real estate market. The current owners, comprising a commercial real estate broker and a life science executive, are now downsizing from the property. The cooperative fees for this unit are approximately $4,000 per month.

Historically, the structure has drawn a diverse group of artists, actors, and creatives, including celebrated playwright Neil Simon, making its listings all the more appealing to those seeking a connection to the cultural fabric of New York City.

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