Description

A design tour-de-force, the mansion at 973 Fifth Avenue, architected by Stanford White of McKim, Mead and White, spans more than 16,000 square feet over seven floors and features 10 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms with grand Italian Renaissance Palazzo style. This singular, pre-eminent masterpiece sits facing Central Park and is the only renovated mansion on Fifth Avenue.

The spectacular residence has remained true to the original floorplans, thanks to a painstaking restoration of many of the interior details, including moldings, fireplaces, windows and paneling. Beneath its stately surface, it has been given a thorough reconstruction and completely modernized with the highest caliber electrical, plumbing, HVAC, elevator and security systems. All modern conveniences have been added, and each system upgraded and thoughtfully integrated while honoring the heritage of this impressive townhouse.

Situated between the home of the Cultural Services of the French Embassy and the Ukrainian Institute of America, and across from Central Park and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this mansion boasts palatial entertaining rooms with 16-foot ceilings that allow for sweeping views over the treetops of Fifth Avenue. This residence sits amongst other stately, limestone mansions on the “Cook Block,” which is notable for the fact that none of the buildings on the block can be built above six stories, affording it a natural luminescence and an uncommon airiness. A rooftop garden and landscaped patio offer iconic 360° skyline and park views.

The extraordinary home operates as a set for grand entertaining and simultaneously a respite from the city in its serene, elegant private quarters. A limestone staircase with original leaded glass windows and iron handrail lead from the grand entry foyer to stately landings on each floor. The home boasts two grand parlors, with one featuring original details including a French stained-glass window, personally acquired by Stanford White, as well as a painted wood beamed ceiling and paneling, and a marble-mantled, wood-burning fireplace.

True to the era, the eat-in kitchen sits on the lower level and faithfully replicates the aesthetic of the times, but boasts top-of-the-line, restaurant-sized Wolf, Sub-Zero and Hobart appliances. An adjacent scullery has been restored to its original glory, and features a walk-in Master-Bilt refrigerator, a freezer chest, and a dumbwaiter, and opens to a large, service dining room built to service an estate. The laundry room features seven industrial-sized W/D and a deluxe Miele professional rotary iron.

Luxurious sleeping quarters follow a dedicated layout of expansive bedrooms, large dressing rooms and ensuite bathrooms featuring Barber Wilson & Co. fixtures and vintage marble soaking tubs. The sixth floor can operate as full-service guest quarters with multiple bedrooms, two full bathrooms, as well as a kitchen complete with a full suite of appliances and a breakfast nook. While reachable by elevator, it also features an original, hidden internal staircase.

Some of the original features worth noting are the Mother of Pearl and brass push button light switches, a vintage annunciator panel with call bells, a cast-iron walk-in safe closet, restored wood flooring, and sink closets on each floor. An original wine cellar has been modernized with climate control and custom storage, while an adjacent steam shower was built in sumptuous Moroccan Tadelakt stone.

The foremost architect of the Gilded Age, Stanford White and his firm McKim, Mead and White left an indelible mark on American architecture. The esteemed firm was behind notable projects including Pennsylvania Station, a redesigned White House, the Washington Square Arch, and several clubhouses that became centers for New York’s society, such as the Colony, Lambs, Players and Metropolitan Clubs. White built the homes of the most distinguished families of the time, culminating in the design of the Henry Cook house at 973 Fifth Avenue. Thanks to a faithful restoration committed to integrity and authenticity, this is a rare, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of New York City’s vaunted heritage while enjoying the modern comforts so thoughtfully but discreetly included. Listing courtesy of Modlin Group LLC ...
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