121 East 83rd Street Upper East Side Townhouse For Sale

Presenting a rare opportunity to own, renovate and customize a history-rich Carriage House on Manhattan's prestigious Upper East Side, with additional FAR to expand to 10,420 square feet.

Located on a coveted, tree-lined street close to Central Park and Museum Mile, 121 East 83rd Street is a 7,825 square foot gem with 13 ft ceilings on the ground-floor commercial space, basement and a generous duplex residence above. Part of this 25-foot wide Carriage House's beauty lies in its magnificent proportions. The three stories served as the studio and home of world renowned photographer Carl Fischer who's iconic work helped shape the era.

121 East 83rd Street was designed by Hamilton & Mesereau as one of the private stables of Frank W. Woolworth. The impeccable Flemish-bond variegated brick-face building with distinctive architectural details and a grand cornice on top initially housed Woolworth's fleet of vehicles and horses on the ground level. Murray Guggenheim purchased the Carriage House in 1920, turning it into a private garage.

Carl Fischer in 1965 converted the ground floor and 'mezzanine' to a photographic studio, and the upper floors to a duplex apartment. In this historic landmark space Fischer created some of the world's most famous, and infamous, magazine covers. These include more than a decade's worth of Esquire covers, including Andy Warhol drowning in a soup can and the iconic 1968 photograph of Muhammad Ali.

In later years, the studio was transformed into a doctor's office, which remains occupied by a medical practice. The lease ends in the fall of 2024, presenting an amazing offering that allows you to renovate/live in the duplex and earn substantial rental income, or combine and modernize all floors creating a luxurious custom home with curb cut and outdoor space.

Accenting the 4 Bedroom 2.5 Bathroom duplex are exposed brick walls, tiled & wood floors, leaded glass doors & other lovely details. The gracious main floor features an open living-dining room with a fireplace & ample wall space for art; sunny eat-in kitchen with wood cabinetry & stainless steel appliances; charming patio off the kitchen; huge walk-in closet; full & half baths; and great room with adjoining office. The top floor offers 3 Bedrooms, one with a solarium, plus a full bath and large outdoor patio space. The expansive basement with office, kitchen, powder room, tremendous storage & mechanicals, can serve a variety of uses.

Set on a sought-after tree-lined street, this storied Carriage House is moments to glamorous Park Avenue, prized Central Park with its incredible Great Lawn and Reservoir, the acclaimed Metropolitan Museum of Art, Guggenheim Museum, upscale restaurants & shopping and five-star hotels. Also close by is Whole Foods Market, the 4/5/6 subway lines and a host of other conveniences.