Introduction to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Plaza Home
The former Plaza residence of the beloved American architect Frank Lloyd Wright entered into contract on Tuesday, according to listing records.
The four-bedroom corner condo overlooking Central Park listed in February for $18.9 million.
Wright spent five years at the Plaza while supervising the construction of the Upper East Side’s famed Guggenheim Museum.
Frank Lloyd Wright, pictured in 1938. AP
The expansive living room enjoys two walls of windows. The Charlie Attias Team / Compass
Details of the Sale
Brokers involved in the deal declined to disclose the final price, as the sale hasn’t yet closed. The identity of the forthcoming owner also isn’t known.
Charlie Attias of Compass, who represented the sellers, praised the deal as a healthy sign that the Plaza Private Residences are “gaining momentum.”
(The Post previously reported on the Plaza’s uptick in available units and decline in prices over the years.)
There are currently 28 out of 163 units for sale at the Plaza, according to StreetEasy. Attias most recently sold a $12.5 million, three-bedroom unit at the residences in early April.
History of the Unit
The Wright unit’s sellers, Hudson Capital Properties founder James Cohen and DuJour Magazine home editor Lisa Cohen, bought the home in 2009 for $13 million. The couple used it as a pied-à-terre, according to Architectural Digest, and undertook extensive gut renovations led by architect Louis Lisboa of VL Architects and interior designer Susanna Maggard.
The foyer. The Charlie Attias Team / Compass
The kitchen features updated appliances and city views. The Charlie Attias Team / Compass
An additional bedroom was converted into a chic, lacquered sitting area. The Charlie Attias Team / Compass
A large bedroom with bold color. The Charlie Attias Team / Compass
A guest room. The Charlie Attias Team / Compass
Features of the Condo
The 4,000-square-foot condo boasts 13-foot ceilings, Venetian plaster walls, custom moldings and mosaic tilework.
Oversize windows flood the home with light and provide far-flung views of Central Park, Grand Army Plaza and Fifth Avenue.
Residents at the Plaza Private Residences enjoy the hotel’s amenities including butler services, 24-hour in-room dining and twice-a-day housekeeping.
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Connection to the Plaza
Wright lived in the spacious apartment from 1954 to 1959 with his wife Olgivanna Lloyd Wright. The duo entertained the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Arthur Miller and King Faisal II of Iraq while in residence, and oversaw their own overhaul of the interiors.
The concrete spiral structure of the Guggenheim — the design for which Wright unveiled to the public at the Plaza — is also one of the architect’s most famous works. Wright died just six months before the museum opened its doors in October 1959.
Conclusion
The sale of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Plaza home is a significant event in the world of architecture and real estate. The condo’s unique features, stunning views, and rich history make it a truly special property. As the sale is finalized, it will be interesting to see how the new owner chooses to utilize and preserve the space.
FAQs
Q: Who was the previous owner of the condo?
A: The previous owners were Hudson Capital Properties founder James Cohen and DuJour Magazine home editor Lisa Cohen.
Q: How much did the Cohens purchase the condo for?
A: The Cohens bought the home in 2009 for $13 million.
Q: What are some of the amenities available to residents of the Plaza Private Residences?
A: Residents enjoy the hotel’s amenities including butler services, 24-hour in-room dining, and twice-a-day housekeeping.
Q: How long did Frank Lloyd Wright live in the apartment?
A: Wright lived in the apartment from 1954 to 1959.
