Adjacent NYC townhouses offering the rare chance to create a megamansion list for $15M

Two historic townhouses in New York City's West Village are on the market for the first time in nearly a century, with a combined asking price of $15 million. These Federal-style homes, located at 277 and 279 W. 12th St., were originally built in 1829 and have been owned by the same family since the 1930s. The townhouses were connected on each floor during a 2003 renovation, creating a unique layout. The combined property spans five stories and 6,200 square feet, featuring multiple fireplaces, a mechanized dumbwaiter, and a landscaped deck. The listing, managed by Senad Ahmetovic of Brown Harris Stevens, highlights the luxurious amenities and historic charm of these properties, which have been adapted to modern living while preserving their historic character.
The sale of these connected townhouses reflects a growing trend among billionaires in the West Village to create expansive mega-mansions. The properties, located on a tree-lined, cobblestoned street in a landmarked district, offer a rare opportunity for high-net-worth individuals seeking a prominent residence in one of New York City's most coveted neighborhoods. With a history that includes former owner James McAlliss, a grocer, and past resident, painter Ralston Crawford, the homes not only offer luxury but also a rich cultural and historical significance. The availability of these townhouses underscores the ongoing demand for unique and historic real estate in the city's upscale areas.
RATING
The article provides a detailed and engaging account of two historic West Village townhouses listed for $15 million, offering insights into their architectural features and historical significance. It excels in clarity and readability, presenting a coherent narrative that captures the attention of readers interested in luxury real estate and historic properties.
However, the article's impact and public interest are limited by its narrow focus on a specific property listing, with little connection to broader societal issues or trends. While the source quality is credible within the real estate context, the reliance on a single source with a vested interest introduces potential bias, and the article could benefit from additional verification and transparency.
Overall, the article is a well-written and informative piece for its target audience, but it could enhance its value by incorporating diverse perspectives, broader context, and connections to wider societal implications, thereby increasing its relevance and impact.
RATING DETAILS
The article provides a detailed description of two historic West Village townhouses listed for $15 million. The factual claims regarding the townhouses' location, historical significance, and architectural features are generally accurate. The article states that the townhouses were built in 1829 and are located in a landmarked historic district, which aligns with available records. Additionally, the description of the combined dimensions and features, such as the mechanized dumbwaiter and woodburning fireplaces, seem consistent with typical real estate listings.
However, there are areas where additional verification would strengthen the article's accuracy. For instance, the claim that this is the first time the townhouses have been on the market in almost 100 years requires historical sales data for confirmation. The details of the 2003 renovation, including the connection of the townhouses floor by floor, also need corroboration from renovation records or permits. While the article mentions past residents and the original owner, these historical claims would benefit from supporting documentation or historical records.
Overall, the article maintains a high level of accuracy in its presentation of the townhouses' features and history, but it would benefit from additional source support for some of its historical claims.
The article focuses primarily on the features and historical aspects of the townhouses, presenting a singular perspective that highlights their luxury and unique characteristics. While this perspective is informative for potential buyers or real estate enthusiasts, it lacks a broader context or multiple viewpoints that could provide a more balanced understanding.
For instance, the article could have included perspectives from local historians about the significance of the properties within the West Village's architectural landscape or comments from urban planners on the impact of such high-value listings in historic districts. Additionally, insights from local residents or community leaders about the potential changes in neighborhood dynamics due to such sales could offer a more rounded view.
Overall, while the article is informative, it leans heavily towards a real estate promotional tone, lacking a diversity of perspectives that could enrich the narrative.
The article is well-structured and clearly written, providing a coherent narrative about the townhouses' features, history, and market listing. The language is straightforward and accessible, making it easy for readers to understand the details and significance of the properties.
The article effectively breaks down the information into logical sections, covering the historical background, architectural features, and unique aspects of the townhouses. This structure aids in maintaining the reader's engagement and comprehension.
However, while the article is clear, it occasionally assumes a level of familiarity with real estate terminology and the West Village's historical context that may not be accessible to all readers. Providing brief explanations or context for such terms could enhance clarity for a broader audience.
The primary source of information in the article is Senad Ahmetovic, the listing broker from Brown Harris Stevens, who provides detailed insights into the townhouses' features and history. This source is credible within the context of real estate listings, as brokers typically have access to detailed property information.
However, the reliance on a single source, particularly one with a vested interest in the sale, may introduce bias. The article would benefit from additional sources, such as historical records or independent real estate analysts, to corroborate the claims made by the broker. Including such sources would enhance the article's credibility and provide a more objective view of the property's value and significance.
While the broker's insights are valuable, the article's overall source quality would improve with a broader array of sources to substantiate the claims and provide a more comprehensive picture.
The article provides a clear description of the townhouses' features and history but lacks transparency regarding the basis for some of its claims. For instance, while the listing broker is identified as the source of much of the information, the article does not disclose whether additional verification was conducted to substantiate the historical claims or the specifics of the 2003 renovation.
The article does not clarify whether the broker's statements were independently verified or if they were taken at face value. Additionally, the article could have disclosed any potential conflicts of interest, such as the broker's vested interest in promoting the property.
Overall, while the article is informative and provides detailed descriptions, it could benefit from greater transparency in how the information was gathered and verified, as well as any potential biases that may influence the narrative.
Sources
- https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/277-279-W-12th-St_New-York_NY_10014_M97138-59266
- https://streeteasy.com/building/277-west-12-street-new_york/sale/1770191
- https://www.corcoran.com/listing/for-sale/277-279-w-12th-street-manhattan-ny-10014/vow/97055228/regionId/1
- https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/277-W-12th-St-PENTHOUSE-New-York-NY-10014/447005558_zpid/
- https://www.trulia.com/home/277-w-12th-st-penthouse-new-york-ny-10014-447005558
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