Introduction to a Historic NYC Home
A ritzy Manhattan townhouse with serious presidential cred is poised to list for $10.5 million. The 128 E. 38th St. gem, in Murray Hill, once belonged to Mary “Mamie” Lincoln Isham, the granddaughter of Abraham Lincoln, according to Mansion Global. The home is set to hit the market next week and boasts three bedrooms, four powder rooms, one full bath, a cellar — and, of course, a Lincoln legacy.
History of the Townhouse
Back in 1906, Mamie and her husband Charles Isham scooped up the property, which was built in 1904 by architect Ralph S. Townsend.
Mamie, daughter of Robert Todd Lincoln — the president’s only child to make it to adulthood — called it home until 1935, sticking around long after Charles died in 1919.
Renovations and Expansions
The 6,300-square-foot pad got a glow-up in 1913 when Charles added an attic for the servants’ quarters. Fast forward to 2012, and James Jorasch, an inventor with more than 750 patents, snagged it for $5.14 million. The Lincoln link hooked him.
The residence has a sweeping staircase. Will Ellis
The home was originally purchased in 1906 by Mamie and her husband Charles Isham. Will Ellis
Current Usage and Features
Now, he runs his Science House consulting firm out of the bottom floors and resides in the penthouse upstairs, thanks to the building’s rare commercial-residential split.
“Lincoln is the only [U.S.] president with a patent,” Jorasch told Mansion Global in an interview. “He had a patent on helping to get boats that were stuck on the Mississippi off of the shoals where they got stuck, and for me, and for Science House, part of coming here was to create a space where innovation could flourish, so the fact that Lincoln was the only president with a patent was a bonus.”
The 6,300-square-foot, five-story home was built in 1904 and later expanded with an attic for servants’ quarters. Will Ellis
Mamie lived there until 1935, after her husband Charles’s death in 1919. Will Ellis
The kitchen has been updated over the years. Will Ellis
Market Value and Appeal
Carlos reckons it’s a dream spot for artsy types craving a gallery setup.
“It is rare to find a beautiful, dignified house with such rich history, let alone one that allows live-work use that perfectly suits our post-COVID world,” Carlos told The Post.
The property is skinny — 14 feet wide — but stretches deep, 70 to 90 feet, packing a surprising punch.
“I almost equate it to one of those ‘Alice in Wonderland’ type of homes where you think you’re walking into a smaller house, but the moment you walk through the door it opens up into this very large, voluminous space,” Carlos said.
The top floor as an expansive skylight. Will Ellis
In 2012, inventor James Jorasch, drawn by the Lincoln connection–particularly Abraham Lincoln’s unique status as the only US president with a patent — bought the property for $5.14 million. Will Ellis
The narrow yet deep townhouse, featuring original details like a grand staircase and one of Manhattan’s earliest residential elevators, offers a flexible layout with three bedrooms, and a cellar. Will Ellis
Interior and Exterior Features
Inside, it’s a time capsule with moldings, a staircase — “really stunning … and it’s in such great shape considering it was built between 1902-04,” per Carlos — and a vintage elevator that Jorasch souped up, possibly one of Manhattan’s first.
Up top, a rooftop terrace with planters towers over the neighbors, offering privacy, night views and a Juliette balcony.
Jorasch now runs his consulting firm, Science House, from the lower levels while residing upstairs, taking advantage of its rare mixed-use zoning. Will Ellis
The home still offers original molding. Will Ellis
The rooftop terrace is a delight. Will Ellis
Conclusion
The townhouse, with its rich history and unique features, is a rare find in Manhattan. Its connection to Abraham Lincoln’s family and its potential for live-work use make it an attractive option for those looking for a unique and historic home.
FAQs
Q: How much is the townhouse listed for?
A: The townhouse is listed for $10.5 million.
Q: Who previously owned the townhouse?
A: The townhouse was previously owned by Mary "Mamie" Lincoln Isham, the granddaughter of Abraham Lincoln.
Q: What is the square footage of the townhouse?
A: The townhouse is 6,300 square feet.
Q: What is the rare feature of the townhouse?
A: The townhouse has a rare commercial-residential split, allowing for live-work use.
Q: Who is the current owner of the townhouse?
A: The current owner is James Jorasch, an inventor with over 750 patents.
