New York Metropolis is understood for its distinctive buildings and structure, however followers of HBO’s “The Gilded Age” may not know the inspiration behind the frilly mansions they see on TV.
The lavish, 1800s buildings and interiors within the drama have been impressed by Stanford White, a real-life architect of that period who reworked Manhattan earlier than being brutally gunned down by the husband of an ex-lover.
White and his agency, McKim, Mead & White, have been essentially the most vital Beaux-Arts architects on the flip of the twentieth century. Their work included designing Madison Sq. Backyard, the Washington Sq. Arch, Judson Memorial Church, the unique Penn Station and extra.
White was shockingly murdered at one of many iconic NYC landmarks he helped create.
On June 25, 1906, millionaire playboy Harry Okay. Thaw fatally shot White on the rooftop theater of Madison Sq. Backyard. When requested his reasoning for pulling the set off, Thaw merely responded, “He ruined my wife.”
On the time, Thaw was married to a younger showgirl named Evelyn Nesbit, who was White’s ex-lover. The homicide trial would go on to be the primary in historical past coined because the “trial of the century,” in line with the Library of Congress.
Whereas his life got here to an finish in a tragic and brutal approach, White’s tasks are nonetheless gems across the metropolis. His creations throughout what got here to be often called “The Gilded Age” have been so impactful that the creator of the Emmy-winning drama, Julian Fellowes, even wrote him into the script.
White was performed by John Sanders in Season 1, with the character being employed by essentially the most elite and wealthiest households, in addition to these with “new money,” to design essentially the most spectacular and lavish mansions within the metropolis, together with the Russells’ grand, Beaux Arts, fictional residence.
With Season 3 of “The Gilded Age” in full swing, The Put up spoke to the highest actual property brokers across the metropolis about a number of the fallen architect’s beautiful creations which might be really in the marketplace — and the way the HBO sequence is influencing as we speak’s robber barons seeking to purchase.
“The Gilded Age” affect
“New Yorkers love to watch the Gilded Age!” Elena Sarkissian, a high agent at Douglas Elliman, advised The Put up, admitting she’s one in all them.
“I can’t tell you how many people have come in to tour with me for a prospective purchase and have made the connection between the architect and the show. Now that the latest season is airing, people are talking about it even more,” she defined.
Tim Rooney, a accomplice at Jeffrey Beers Worldwide, agreed.
“Buildings like 108 Leonard, designed by the legendary McKim, Mead & White, embody the grandeur and ceremony of the Gilded Age. Every detail—from the intricately layered façade that draws the eye skyward, to the soaring marble staircases and voluminous lobby—was designed to impress and inspire,” he shared with The Put up.
Rooney added that the small print of the constructing “speak to a level of craftsmanship and drama rarely found in modern architecture,” noting that 108 Leonard is “extraordinary” and “allows residents to live within a true Gilded Age landmark while enjoying all the comforts and conveniences of contemporary life—a rare blend of history and modern luxury.”
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As talked about above, one of the spectacular is the Tribeca landmark 108 Leonard, which was constructed by White and his workforce within the Eighteen Nineties. What was as soon as a life insurance coverage firm’s headquarters has been reworked into ultraluxury condos with a Parisian aptitude. Its residential foyer has related aesthetics to the uptown mansion foyer owned by Carrie Coon’s character, Bertha Russell.
Whereas Sarkissian serves because the director of gross sales at 108 Leonard, it was Rooney’s agency that repositioned the property as condos.
“Stanford White was a celebrated character of his era for his vision of Italian Renaissance Revival and Beaux Arts architecture during the ‘Robber Baron’ industrialist era in the US,” she advised The Put up, noting his controversial previous and loss of life.
Nevertheless, individuals of wealth as we speak are drawn to the historical past, with Sarkissian explaining that those that have been uncovered to McKim, Mead & White’s super structure in NYC, “appreciate the grandeur and attention to detail of Stanford White’s work.”
She referred to as 108 Leonard “a masterpiece both inside and out,” noting that patrons are “in awe of the spectacular lobby and mezzanine.”
They’re additionally “enchanted by the grandeur of the main staircase and the incredible Marble Room,” which, she shared, was previously the president of New York Life’s workplace and is now a lounge.
“The ornate landmarked exterior is a feast for the eyes with different size and shaped windows on every floor, its exterior detailing including eagles and gargoyles,” she continued in regards to the property, stating that the complete metropolis block constructing is “bookended by the copper-clad historic cupola at one end and the historic clocktower at the other end.”
Whereas noting that being able to buy a bit of provenance “is a rarity,” she stated it’s been a “huge draw” for this explicit property, which is 90% bought since opening gross sales in 2018. We’re advised there are restricted remaining houses on the market, together with the long-lasting Clock Tower penthouse, which goes for $19.25 million.
This huge 11-bedroom, 10-bathroom townhouse was in-built 1896 for J.P. Morgan’s cousin and enterprise accomplice. The itemizing, held by Douglas Elliman, highlights White’s connection to the beautiful landmark.
The 24,000-square-foot mansion hit the marketplace for a whopping $38 million.
Positioned inside the Pulitzer Mansion, which was designed by White and constructed by Joseph Pulitzer in 1903, the constructing has since been reworked into an unique, uncommon assortment of personal houses. This two-bedroom, three-bathroom is at present supplied for a cool $5.99 million.
Natalie Rakowski, who’s representing the property with Evan Rowan and Stephen Gallagher of Douglas Elliman, defined why this property is one-of-a-kind in NYC.
“This extraordinary residence is believed to be the last remaining private ballroom available for sale in Manhattan — a true architectural gem from the Gilded Age,” she advised The Put up.
“Originally built for Joseph Pulitzer and designed by Stanford White, its nearly 20-foot ceilings, arched glass doors and full-length Juliet balcony evoke a level of grandeur rarely seen today,” she continued.
“What makes it even more glamorous now is how seamlessly it blends its historic opulence with modern luxury, creating a uniquely timeless experience on what many consider the most beautiful block in the city.”
Positioned inside the identical White-designed constructing, this six-room residence occupies the highest two flooring of the Pulitzer Mansion and is ideal for entertaining with an elevator, grand ceilings and a 750-square-foot terrace overlooking the Higher East Aspect.
The itemizing is held by Sotheby’s, and the penthouse’s asking worth is $5.25 million.
This six-story limestone mansion, which was listed with Carrie Chiang of the Corcoran Group, spans 16,000 sq. ft and was designed by White. It was thought of to be one in all NYC’s final Gilded Age townhouses till it discovered a purchaser earlier this yr.
Whereas the property overlooking Central Park went for an enormous low cost after a number of drastic worth cuts over the 4 years it stood in the marketplace, The Put up solely reported that the mansion bought for a staggering $46 million in Might.
The sale marked one of the costly offers to this point in 2025.
“The Gilded Age” Season 3
“The Gilded Age” first premiered on HBO in 2022. That includes stars like Carrie Coon, Cynthia Nixon, Christine Baranski and extra, the historic drama turned an instantaneous success, garnering seven Emmy nominations over a two-year time span.
Season 3 returned on June 22 and is at present airing a brand new episode each Sunday at 9 p.m. ET till the finale, which is ready for August 10.
