NYC Upper East Side’s First Modern Townhouse

The 1930s was a time of great upheaval, not just in world politics but also in architecture. Inspired by the cataclysm of World War I, architecture’s International Style is characterized by a reliance on mass-produced materials, including steel, glass, and concrete, a lack of adornment, and an extreme blurring of indoor and outdoor space. Rather than a cold or impersonal aesthetic, the expansive spaces of International Style buildings offer a light-and-airy feel. Founded in Europe, the upheaval of the 1930s sent many of its proponents to the United States, where the International Style found a new home, particularly in skyscraper construction.  Swiss-born William Lescaze was one of the movement's pioneers, best known for his Philadelphia Savings Fund Society Building, which introduced the style to the US. In 1935, the architect built the first modern townhouse on New York’s Upper East Side. 

Called the Raymond C. and Mildred Kramer House, the historic building has been listed for sale at $15 million. It features Lescaze's signature glass blocks, frosted glass casement windows, steel panels, and a curved front entrance. It bears a striking resemblance to the architect’s own home, the Lescaze Home, which is on the United States’ National Register of Historic Places. Meticulously renovated from top to bottom, including the addition of a large elevator, the residence harmoniously blends the original mid-century design with contemporary luxuries.

The townhouse spans over 7,000 square feet with eight bedrooms, seven bathrooms, two powder rooms, and six outdoor spaces, including a private garden and an exquisite roof terrace ideal for entertaining. Stunning parquet hardwood floors and lots of big windows create the signature light-filled spaces for which the International Style is famous.  The residence is currently configured as three individual apartments but could be reconfigured as a single-family mansion or customized in numerous ways. Each elegant apartment includes high-end kitchens featuring Viking appliances, private outdoor spaces, in-unit washers and dryers, Sonos sound systems, central air conditioning, a central vacuum, and private keyed elevator access. 

East 74th Street is a picturesque, tree-lined block on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, one of New York’s most coveted neighborhoods. The home is moments from D'Agostino's and Citarella markets, and two minutes from Central Park, the Guggenheim Museum, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. World-class dining options abound, including Antonucci, Uva, BLT Prime, Casa Tua, Kappo Masa, and Sistina. The home is close to public transit and P.S. 6, considered one of the city’s best schools.  One of the wealthiest neighborhoods in the country, the Upper East Side is known for its classic brownstones, designer shops, and exclusive restaurants. Popular with the rich and famous, just a few of the home’s notable neighbors include Madonna, Ricky Gervais, Martin Scorsese, and Mariah Carey. 

The listing is held by Jacky Teplitzky, Joseph Chaplin and Barak Dunayer of Douglas Elliman.

Photo Credit: Anton Brookes of H5 Property.

Source: www.elliman.com