A Former East Village Synagogue Turns Luxury Townhouse
A Piece of History
A former East Village synagogue-turned-luxury townhouse is back on the market for $27,500 a month. The four-bedroom, 2½-bathroom home, located at 317 E. 8th St., is 4,217 square feet and comes fully furnished.
The Property
The townhouse retains its Star of David heritage, with a mix of modern and original features. The four-story home comes with plenty of built-ins, including Brazilian hardwood cherry floors, radiant floor heating, and custom windows with the original 19th-century Star of David.
History of the Property
The Gothic Revival synagogue, known as the 8th Street Shul, was built in the late 19th century when the East Village was a thriving Jewish immigrant community filled with tenements and synagogues. However, in 1982, the synagogue was badly damaged in a devastating fire. A passionate preservationist campaign was launched, but ultimately lost out to real estate interests in 2000, when a judge ruled the synagogue could be converted to residential housing.
Renovation and Design
In 2004, Martin Davis bought the synagogue space for $1.31 million and launched a renovation by designer Tim Andreas. The interior was gutted, while the exterior, including the stained glass and the Star of David, was preserved. The result is a unique blend of old and new, with modern amenities and features.
Amenities and Features
The property includes three outdoor spaces, including a landscaped roof deck with a hot tub, as well as a steam room and wine storage. The home also features a chef’s kitchen with a large island, a cantilevered balcony with a built-in projector, and a dining area with glass doors leading to a dining terrace.
The Bedrooms
The second level boasts a library with an Italian marble fireplace and a wet bar, two bedrooms with custom closets and sliding doors to create a larger guest suite. The main bedroom takes up the third floor, with a custom fireplace, an ensuite bath, and access to a terrace with a hot tub. The fourth floor houses a penthouse office with a landscaped terrace, ipe wood floors, and custom sound.
The Listing
The listing brokers are Jed Garfield, Matthew Lesser, Matthew Lipsky, and Matthew Pravda of Leslie Garfield.
Conclusion
This former East Village synagogue-turned-luxury townhouse offers a unique blend of history and modern living. With its stunning architecture, luxurious amenities, and prime location, it’s a rare opportunity to own a piece of New York City’s rich history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the asking price of the property?
A: $27,500 per month
Q: What is the square footage of the property?
A: 4,217 square feet
Q: How many bedrooms and bathrooms does the property have?
A: 4 bedrooms, 2½ bathrooms
Q: What are the main features of the property?
A: The property features a mix of modern and original features, including Brazilian hardwood cherry floors, radiant floor heating, and custom windows with the original 19th-century Star of David.
Q: What is the history of the property?
A: The property was originally a Gothic Revival synagogue built in the late 19th century, which was later badly damaged in a fire and converted to residential housing.
