Charles Esther
One of the last remaining Gilded Age mansions in New York City has been sold for $46 million.
Located along prestigious Fifth Avenue, this 16,000-square-foot architectural marvel was designed by renowned architect Stanford White and overlooks Central Park and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Originally listed for $80 million in 2021, the mansion underwent several price reductions before being relisted by the Corcoran Group for $49.9 million.
It was eventually purchased earlier this month, according to city records.
A Masterpiece of Beaux-Arts Design
This seven-level mansion was built between 1902 and 1907 by Henry H. Cook and features signature elements of Beaux-Arts architecture.
From intricate crown moldings to a symmetrical façade, the mansion showcases ornate classical details reminiscent of European design from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
It’s one of only a handful of Beaux-Arts mansions that remain standing in Manhattan today.
Designed by Stanford White, Marked by Scandal
The architect behind the mansion, Stanford White, is widely regarded as one of America’s most influential architects of the Gilded Age.
He was famous for his Italian Renaissance-inspired style, but his life ended in scandal.
In 1906, White was shot and killed by millionaire Harry Thaw over a prior relationship with Thaw’s wife, Evelyn Nesbit.
Despite the controversy, White’s architectural legacy continues to endure.
The Only Fully Restored Stanford White Mansion on Fifth Avenue
This home is now the only fully restored Stanford White-designed mansion on Fifth Avenue.
It features original limestone flooring, grand staircases with wrought-iron railings, and nine fully restored wood-burning fireplaces.
The restoration preserved historical elements while making key upgrades for 21st-century living.
Modern Comforts Meet Historic Grandeur
Following a $15 million renovation by its previous owners in 2012, an additional $300,000 in updates was completed before the latest sale.
Among the enhancements are a modernized elevator, a Carrara marble waterfall kitchen island, and a new HVAC system with individual zones across all seven floors.
The home also includes a humidifier and water purification system for added comfort.
An Entertainer’s Dream with Five Kitchens
The mansion was transformed into a luxurious space perfect for entertaining.
It includes five distinct kitchens: a family kitchen, a chef’s kitchen, a butler’s pantry, a staff kitchen, and a serving kitchen.
Dumbwaiters in the butler’s pantry and scullery add functionality across the floors.
Elegant Living Spaces and Bedrooms
The home boasts 11 bedrooms, seven full bathrooms, and three half-baths.
Double grand parlors feature 16-foot ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, hand-carved marble fireplaces, and intricate wooden beams.
The primary suites offer dressing rooms and spa-style en-suites, ensuring maximum comfort.
Versatile Use and Central Park Views
Though currently used as a single-family residence, the home could be converted into an embassy, nonprofit foundation, or even a non-commercial art gallery.
Its prime location offers uninterrupted views of Central Park and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, thanks to Cook Block zoning that restricts nearby buildings to six stories.
An Urban Oasis with a Private Courtyard
Adding to the home’s appeal is a private courtyard that provides a peaceful retreat in the heart of Manhattan.
With sweeping city views, top-tier amenities, and unmatched architectural significance, this Fifth Avenue mansion represents a rare blend of history and modernity.
An Irreplaceable New York Masterpiece
As Corcoran’s listing put it, “973 Fifth Avenue is an irreplaceable masterpiece, fully restored to its original grandeur while discreetly integrating modern luxury at the highest standard.”
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