Eleanor Roosevelt’s Last Home Lists in NYC After a Major Makeover

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Photograph courtesy of Compass
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A First Lady’s last residence. This Upper East Side townhouse, where Eleanor Roosevelt lived from 1959 until her death in 1962, is a stunning historic landmark. It holds much grandeur, starting with its intricate limestone facade, but has now been given a contemporary, brightening refresh. The 1910-built Manhattan home has a new look, but unchanging prestige, and is listed for $16 million.

The grand townhouse was last listed in early 2020 with Douglas Elliman, but looking far more stuck in the past. It was later that the owner called Benjamin Glazer at Compass wondering what it would take to sell. The answer: Make it move in ready, buyers are not looking for homes that need major changes on day one. The owner took this and ran with it, making impeccable updates from top to bottom.

It got a kitchen from Italy, restored and updated moldings, a complete electrical and mechanical overhaul, and more. With full staging by Quadra as a final but pivotal touch, it’s a beautiful example of contemporary style in a home with an iconic past.

In Roosevelt’s time here, the 8,500-square-foot manse hosted figures from John F. Kennedy to Prince Edward to Leonard Bernstein. Part of its allure remains its sheer size, which can host 300-400 people comfortably. With six bedrooms, four bathrooms, and two half baths, it has ample space for overnight guests as well.

“The pinnacle of townhouse living, 55 East 74th Street brings the glamour and weight of history, updated to embrace how we live today,” shares Glazer who holds the listing with Dimitrios Alevizos, also of Compass.