The penthouse on top of one of New York City’s oldest skyscrapers has become available. Located in a historic Lower Manhattan building, the unit is available for $2 million.
Billed as one of New York City’s “crown jewels,” the full-floor penthouse in the landmarked Liberty Tower offers an unusual aerie, where the owner is at eye level with the ornamental decorations that adorn the exterior.
Upon its completion in 1979, the notable building was “one of only a handful of skyscrapers,” according to the New York Times. “Its striking Gothic style, the centuries-old inspiration for cathedral spires that reach into the sky to approach the divine, is central to the tower’s romantic appeal.”
Now known as Liberty Tower, the Gothic Revival-style building designed by Henry Ives Cobb initially opened as office space. The law office of Franklin D. Roosevelt was one of the first tenants of the 33-floor tower in 1910. (FDR later served as president, from 1933 to 1945.)
Soon after World War I, Sinclair Oil acquired the building, and in 1979, the structure was converted into residential apartments.
Unlike many sleek monoliths of the modern era, this historic tower, with its terra-cotta facade and ornate design, has more of a Notre Dame Cathedral vibe than a typical New York City skyscraper. The exterior is decorated with birds, alligators, flowers, and gargoyles.
Designated a city landmark in 1982 and added the following year to the National Register of Historic Places, the building also received a preservation award from the New York Landmarks Conservancy in 2010.
Last sold in 2005 for $958,000, the apartment could bring quite a windfall if it sells close to its asking price. Still, as penthouses in Manhattan go, the price could be considered a relative deal. Especially from that perch overlooking the city.
“Views of the Hudson and East rivers and the Wall Street Canyon are spectacular,” says the listing agent, Richard N. Rothbloom with Brown Harris Stevens. “And at eye level, right outside each window, are large sculptures of falcons, lions, and fleurs-de-lis that decorate the top of the building.”
The top-floor unit, with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, spans the entire 32nd floor, a total of 1,700 square feet. The living space boasts a dozen windows with southern, western, and eastern exposures, under 11-foot vaulted ceilings in rooms that have the “dramatic slopes of a garret,” as the listing description puts it.
And we know why. Rothbloom notes that the top floor was “formerly the attic of landmark Liberty Tower.” That’s one fancy crawl space!
The foyer opens onto an expansive living room, featuring a wood-burning fireplace, nooks, office, and home theater. The kitchen looks out to a dining room, which can serve both for daily meals and to hold formal gatherings.
The primary bedroom includes a closet system and a double-vanity bathroom with a combination tub and shower.
A second bedroom, currently used as a library, also comes with a bathroom with a glass-enclosed shower.
Other details include hardwood and marble flooring that runs throughout the home. The space also features a central HVAC system, as well as a washer and dryer.
The pet-friendly building is staffed with 24-hour door attendants, porters, and a live-in superintendent.
The location is convenient to dining and shopping at the Oculus, Eataly, and the redesigned South Street Seaport.
For those with offices in the Financial District, that’s in the neighborhood, too. Subway lines converge at Fulton Center, and there’s also quick access to Citi Bike, and the PATH train at the World Trade Center station.
Origination: https://www.realtor.com/news/unique-homes/penthouse-on-one-of-nycs-oldest-skyscrapers-on-the-market-for-2m/
