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A vintage view of the former East River dock
at River House, New York City.
Image: nyc-architecture.com |
Devoted Readers know that the New York City cooperative apartment building River House (see the earlier post
here) is one of Manhattan's most desirable residential addresses. A separate feature of the building is the exclusive River Club which had its own entrance on East 52nd Street (although it could also be entered from the River House lobby, and until FDR Drive was built in 1934, it could be also be entering from a river landing). As a sign of rising expenses (including real estate taxes), part of that space is being offered for sale as a private residence.
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A partial view of the private entrance
on East 52nd Street.
Image: nyc-architecture.com |
With 62,000 square feet, the listed price of $130 million is not unrealistic, but the caveat is that the space is "as is" or "raw" in real estate terms. Design suggestions are included in the price, however, with computer renderings and possible floor plans created with the help of antiques dealer and interior designer
Tony Ingrao.
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Tony Ingrao at the opening of the
2003 Hampton Designer Showhouse.
Image: Greg Kessler for NYSD. |
East 52nd Street is a cul-de-sac, so traffic is not such an issue, but two of the most desirable features of River House are the off-street entrance court and the impressive lobby. In the suggested floor plan, the Kitchen opens to this court, but the only access to the lobby is through the service entrance.
The suggested Kitchen looks out towards the building's entrance court with the rendering showing exposed structural vaulting for the ceiling.
The main rooms could have ceilings twenty feet high, with views across the East River. The Living Room also has access to the building's terrace overlooking the river.
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A vintage view of the building's terrace.
Photo from nyc-architecture.com |
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A possible scheme for the Living Room.
Computer rendering: Tony Ingrao via businessinsider.com |
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A suggestion for the Library places it
at the desirable southeast corner
offering views down river.
Computer rendering: Tony Ingrao via businessinsider.com |
A Bedroom Level is 15,000 sq. ft. with a large area devoted to the Master Suite with a large sitting room plus large His and Her dressing rooms and bathrooms.
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The Bedroom Level.
Plan: Tony Ingrao via businessinder.com |
The Leisure Level is 27,500 sq. ft. and includes an indoor tennis court, wine cellar, spa, and a 62 feet long indoor swimming pool.
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The Leisure Level.
Plan: Tony Ingrao via businessinsider.com |
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A suggestion for an indoor pool with garden
access and views to the East River.
Computer rendering: Tony Ingrao via businessinsider.com |
The Entertainment Level (above the Leisure Level) features a Game Room and an IMAX screening room.
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The Entertainment Level.
Plan: Tony Ingrao via businessinsider.com |
The Staff Level (above the Entrance Level) has three staff rooms with their own baths plus a staff lounge & kitchen and an office with a bathroom.
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The Staff Level.
Plan: Tony Ingrao via businessinsider.com |
There is a bit of cryptic message in the
Brown Harris Stevens listing about special rules enacted for the "disposition, renovation, and utilization" which is presumed to mean that this apartment is not under the same strict control as the other shares in the building. In other words, it would probably be more independent like a townhouse than an apartment. It is truly a unique opportunity. We will see, hopefully, how it comes to be realized, if ever.
The real estate offering is a legitimate one, authorized by the building's co-op Board of Directors who have the power to do that, a shareholder told me. It came about after they hired Georgetown Co. to study the best use for the space if the River Club did not renew its long term lease. But the decision to market it (all or part) as an expensive single private residence is controversial among the shareholders; a special meeting of the shareholders (co-op owners) has been called to discuss the issue. It is the general consensus, The Devoted Classicist is told, that the River Club should survive in some fashion, at least, perhaps as a dining club without the guest and athletic facilities. The purpose of this post, in part, is to provide a record of the proposal when the offering has been withdrawn (for whatever reason). In any case, it is a fascinating study -- with pros and cons -- of adaptive use, is it not?
