Outside of Los Angeles, New York City is the place to go for celebrity sightings. But unlike Hollywood, it’s much easier for a chance encounter – as the famous are less likely to be hidden behind black tinted Escalades and gated mansions. Even a certain Oscar winner has been seen on the NYC subway, and if you’re lucky enough to live in the same building as a celebrity, then you could literally bump into a star in your lobby, elevator or hallway.
Tom Hanks Took Up Two Subway Seats and Guess What That’s Fine http://t.co/WqUfp6Aq8H pic.twitter.com/RreqGOQijR
— Chuckles Todd (@ChucklesTodd) January 24, 2015
Here are three apartments in buildings that have attracted famous tenants — and may still have a celebrity or two residing within.
Chelsea Mercantile Built in the early 1900s, the Chelsea Mercantile is a condominium building with 24-hour doorman and concierge. There is also a 10,000-square-foot planted roof deck with amazing views. This three-bedroom, two-and-a-half bathroom home features 11-foot ceilings, contemporary finishes, spacious rooms and an in-unit washer and dryer. “The Chelsea Mercantile has been ideal for high-profile residents. They like the fact that the building has multiple elevator banks allowing for more privacy as well as a garage that connects to an elevator inside the building allowing them to come and go anonymously and discreetly, said CORE broker Michael Rubin. “The residents also enjoy the large staff that is readily on hand for convenience and security. Furthermore, the apartments in the building tend to have larger than normal open living spaces, huge windows and high ceilings that are great for entertaining.” Famous tenants have included Bobby Flay, Katie Holmes, Nick Jonas, Marc Jacobs and Lance Bass.
Harperley Hall Harperley Hall was once known as the “Madonna” building after the Material Girl bought a co-op in the Central Park West building in the 90s with then-husband Sean Penn. She sold the apartment in 2013. Currently, a two-bedroom, two-bathroom residence within the pre-war building is for sale with 10-foot-plus ceilings, oversized windows and classic moldings throughout. The formal dining room features custom wall padding and intricate moldings, and an equally opulent kitchen is lined with marble countertops and custom cabinetry, with a master bath detailed made of Calcutta gold slabs, limestone floors. Entering the building, residents are greeted by gates, a manned guardhouse and a fountain courtyard. An underground garage features additional privacy. There is also a rooftop garden with views of Central Park West and the Manhattan skyline. Tribeca Space Condominium This two-bedroom, two-bathroom pre-war condo in Tribeca is located in a 10-story building where former New York Giant and current “Good Morning America” co-host Michael Strahan once lived.
Apartment details include exposed brick walls, crown moldings and wide plank red oak floors throughout. There is also plenty of light in the spacious apartment, which features a large living room and eat-in kitchen with cherry cabinetry, granite countertops and a large pantry. The master bedroom also has a spacious walk-in closet. The building offers doorman service, fitness room with sauna, community lounge with pool table, a large playroom, central laundry facility and a planted roof-deck.
Strahan purchased an apartment on a higher floor within the building in 2008, but sold the place apartment in 2014 while host of “Live! With Kelly and Michael.”
252 Seventh Ave., 4D
$3,285,000
41 Central Park West, 3E
$3,550,000
25 Murray St., Apt. 3F
$2,200,000
