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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?
It must certainly be one of the largest living spaces in Manhattan. However, the suggested designs were not at all appealing, unless one enjoys living in a sterile hospital or office building environment. Not very welcoming. Especially considering what must have once been there that has been stripped away. What a pity..
ReplyDeleteCynthia, I think this is just a suggestion in the most general way. The finished product could be much, much better -- or worse. I have worked in the building just once and did not have the opportunity to start from 'scratch' as offered here. I would welcome the commission, however!
DeleteI'm not sure if this is relevant, but I think in our New age of Billionaires this is quite plausible. Yachts are now reaching half a bil...but yet, the cozy building on the other side seems so much more me...The Campanile! Although the area is void of HIP, I think that is a plus...perhaps the beginning of New Old NYC! Tattooed need not apply!
ReplyDeleteI was told it was being marketed as an ambassador's residence, thinking that would be acceptable to the residents of the co-op. But that was met with an uproar instead, fearing lines on the sidewalk of those seeking visas or trade concessions.
DeleteSo does this mean that the River Club has gone out of business? Or do they still maintain part of the premises? What about the ballroom? Is that part of this new residence? If so, it looks like it was torn out? Sorry for all the questions but I thought maybe you could shed some light on the backstory here. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteChip
Chip, there is not a definite answer to your questions at this time, according to the information provided by my friend who is a shareholder in the co-op and a member of the club. My guess, and it is just that, is that the club will continue as a dining facility (which delivers to members who live in the building).
DeleteJohn, Wow! What an interesting post, on TDC. I'd bet, if the proposed new residence ever goes through, that the new owners will rarely use it. But, what a fantastic venue for private fundraisers...Billy and I just met a gent from NYC, who just sold his 2,200 square foot apartment at 72 and 2nd for over 4 million- he said the new 2nd Ave subway line made the location even more desirable- he only paid 162,000 for it many years ago, when nobody even wanted real estate in Manhattan- of course, imagine the taxes on $130 million! Yikes! Maybe the ideal outcome would be 31,000 feet for the River Club, and the other half for the new proposed billionaire's delight? Just sayin' ! Enjoyed your post greatly-
ReplyDeleteDean Farris
Dean, you may be correct in your wager that it would not be a primary residence; the real estate listing states that a pied a terre is allowed. It will be interesting to see how it is eventually realized.
DeleteWow--I fully comprehend the difficulty of developing 62,000 square feet into a plausible residence, as so much space utterly vanquishes efforts at organizing it into anything remotely domestic. But still...those floor plans are amateurish at best.
ReplyDeleteSo the residents of River House would be aghast at the possibility of a line of common souls lined up outside an embassy in seek of diplomatic assistance, but they'd be okay with some Nan Kempner type hosting huge, garish fundraisers, drawing crowds of attendees, traffic, press, photographers, etc.?
Hoyt, I assume that these plans are merely a suggestion to show a possibility of how the big space, much of it without natural light, could be used as a luxurious residence. It is not a situation where the price includes construction drawings, as sometimes done for London properties (or another NYC property to be featured in a few weeks). Certainly it will take an accomplished designer to produce plans that are sophisticated enough to be worthy of the expense involved. One is reminded of the recent Donald Trump speculative project in Palm Beach that was so sold as a 'tear down.'
DeleteAnd no, the building's residents are not enthusiastic about any function that might call attention to the address, despite the beneficiary of the function. (Although fund-raisers are held in tony apartments, to be sure, the big anyone-with-the-money-to-buy-a-ticket functions are held at clubs or hotels).
DeleteIsn't the big problem that being on the bottom floors, most of the windows in this unit will look out directly on 52nd St and FDR Drive?
ReplyDeleteThe windows -- and the lack of them -- are the big challenge.
ReplyDelete