Description

37 West 70th Street is a distinguished 20’ wide single family brownstone, rich in well-preserved historic detail, a half block west of Central Park. Imbued with a timeless allure and outfitted with modern amenities, this residence stands as a testament to enduring elegance and impeccable craftsmanship.

Originally built 1891 by Gilbert Schellenger, No. 37 has been lovingly maintained as an exemplary model of late 19th century Renaissance Revival architecture. Notably, the house was previously owned by Perry Ellis, the American fashion designer, who purchased the home in 1982. Under his direction, the house underwent a thorough and thoughtful restoration that included installing salvaged Art Deco bathroom fixtures from the fabulous Savoy Hotel in London and adding the remarkable, floor-to-ceiling French doors on the parlor level overlooking 70th street– A detail unique to No. 37. In 1987, it was purchased by Jann & Jane Wenner, the founders of Rolling Stone Magazine. The Wenner family embarked on further renovations, guided by Ward Bennett, who helped bring the home into the 21st century. During their tenure, the UWS – CPW Historic District was approved and the area has been Landmarked since 1990.

Many original elements of this home remain untouched beyond restoration, including much of the wood paneling/ wainscoting, inlaid parquet floors, plantation shutters, and the timeless stained glass skylight above the stairwell. Contemporary upgrades have included updating the electric throughout, installing central air and implementing a modern video alarm system (among others). DOB & Landmarks approved plans have been filed to add an elevator and a roof deck.

Cellar Floor:
Below-grade, a full cellar houses the home’s utility/ mechanical room, laundry room, cedar closet, storage and climate-controlled wine storage.

Garden Floor:
Level with the front garden, the entrance below the front stoop opens to a sizable vestibule with adjacent street-facing storage. To the south is the first of seven bedrooms, complete with wood burning fireplace and ensuite bath.

To the rear is a French country-inspired eat-in kitchen, outfitted with an eight burner Viking range, stainless steel Sub-Zero refrigerator, dual sink center island, and a brick wood-burning fireplace. Off the kitchen is a powder room, a convenient butlers pantry and a charming breakfast room with casement windows that open up to the private, landscaped backyard.

Parlor Floor:
At stoop-level is a handsome, wood-paneled vestibule with a coffered ceiling that introduces visitors to the many original details of this historic home. In the front parlor are the unique floor-to-ceiling french doors of Perry Ellis’s vision, complete with Juliet balconies, offering terrific southern light. Through the wet bar and original pocket doors is the rear parlor, spanning the entire 20’ width of the house. Each room boasts a fireplace adorned with French limestone mantelpieces, 11’8” ceilings and original inlaid parquet floors. Off the rear parlor is an intimate study, enveloped by floor-to-ceiling French doors overlooking the garden.

Primary Floor:
Above the parlor floor, is the full-floor primary suite. This luxurious retreat comprises a sunlit sitting room overlooking tree-lined 70th street, dual dressing rooms, convenient kitchenette, a generous bedroom with garden views and an opulent ensuite five fixture bathroom from the Savoy Hotel. Both main rooms span the full-width of the residence and have original inlaid parquet floors, wood-burning fireplaces and 10’6” ceilings.

Floors 4 & 5:
The fourth floor is laid out with three additional bedrooms (one with a garden-facing terrace) that share another Art Deco full bathroom. The fifth floor comprises the final two bedrooms (one with a fireplace), a shared bathroom with a sauna, and an additional washer / dryer.

This is a Co-Exclusive listing with Adam Widener of Douglas Elliman Listing courtesy of Compass ...
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