The Upper East Side's "first modern townhouse" is up for grabs

A storied Lenox Hill townhouse was recently listed for sale, and it comes with a rich history, architectural pedigree, and a three-unit layout with income-earning potential.

Built in 1953, the property at 32 East 74th Street is known as the Raymond C. and Mildred Kramer House, and was designed by notable modernist architect William Lescaze for the merchant Raymond C. Kramer and his wife Mildred.

Later, the building was sold to the government of Madagascar, which used it as a mission to the United Nations. The house then became private property, and was meticulously renovated for modern-day living — and split into three elegant duplex apartments.

It’s now on the market asking $15,000,000. Jacky Teplitzky, Joseph Chaplin and Barak Dunayer of Douglas Elliman hold the listing.

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The Lenox Hill townhouse was designed by a famed modernist architect

Photo credit: Anton Brookes of H5 Property / Douglas Elliman

Envisioned by architect William Lescaze, recognized as a pioneer of the European International Style and ranked among the early proponents of modernism in American architecture, 32 East 74th Street retains many of its original details.

Lescaze’s architectural vision is beautifully preserved, with standout features such as his signature glass brick window wall and expansive windows that flood the interiors with natural light, creating an open and airy atmosphere.

Currently split into three sizable duplex apartments

Spanning a generous 7,000 square feet, the property is currently configured as three elegant duplex apartments.

Each unit is outfitted with high-end kitchens featuring Viking appliances, as well as private outdoor space, in-unit washers and dryers, Sonos sound systems, central air conditioning, central vacuum, and private keyed elevator access.

Renovated from top to bottom prior to listing

Meticulously renovated from top to bottom — an overhaul that included the addition of a large elevator — this residence pairs its original mid-century design with contemporary luxuries.

Can be turned into one large residence or accommodate multi-generational living arrangements

With its flexible nature, future owners can choose to convert the Upper East Side townhouse into a sprawling single-family mansion with 8 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, 2 powder rooms, and 6 outdoor spaces, or turn it into a multi-generational home.

Or it can be operated as an income-generating property

Buyers can also opt to retain its current multi-unit configuration and operate it as an income-generating property, with the three units being configured as follows:

The lower duplex

The lower duplex has 2 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a den/office, with a large kitchen and living room, and a primary bedroom overlooking a south-facing, landscaped, furnished patio.

The middle duplex

The middle duplex has 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and a bonus room ideal for an office, den, or massive closet.

The top duplex

The upper duplex has 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, along with a spacious, landscaped, furnished sun terrace off the kitchen overlooking the charming townhouses of East 74th Street.

Set on a tree-lined block on East 74th Street

East 74th Street is a picturesque, tree-lined block just moments from D’Agostino’s and Citarella markets, two minutes from Central Park, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, and The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

“To own 32 East 74th Street is to own a magnificent piece of New York City architectural history,” says listing agent Jacky Teplitzky. “In addition to the William Lescaze pedigree, its size, scope and location make this a prime opportunity for today’s discerning buyer.”

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