New York City likes to boast that it has the most expensive real estate in the world (mainly located in Manhattan and specifically bordering Central Park). Since 1881, luxurious apartments have sprung up around Central Park. Unbelievably for over two hundred years, millionaires have clamored to live along or at least near the park. No doubt due to its spectacular views and open space.
A view of Billionaire's Row from Central Park - Unknown
But in the 21st Century, millionaires were no longer good enough for Manhattan. Thus, the creation of Billionaire's Row. Billionaire's Row was christened in 2014 with the completion of One57, the first ultra-luxury residential skyscraper. Incredible amenities are included such as pools, spas, gyms, libraries, screen and performance rooms, et al. Today, there are currently eight supertall apartment buildings that are intermixed with extraordinary prewar apartment buildings circling Central Park. The residences (with park views) in these skyscrapers can go for anywhere between 10 million to 100 million.
Surprisingly the Osborne Apartments had a similar path to One57. Back in the day, this notable prewar structure was billed as an ultra-luxe apartment building for the upper class. No amenity or detail was too small
in the construction. All this is to attract the "right" type of people to live here.
Accordingly, the Osborne is the second oldest luxury apartment building In New York City. The first? The majestic Dakota was built two years before. (see The Ghost of The Dakota Apartment) Let's delve into a bit of the history of the Osborne and its famous residents.
In the late 19th Century, New York City was becoming too expensive and inconvenient for opulent homes with large staffs. The prosperous families, a majority who only lived part-time in the city, were looking to downsize.
Hence The Dakota apartments, which was built to the moneyed exact standards. The Dakota set a high bar for apartment living with beautifully designed, large residences with staff not only for individuals but also for serving the entire building. However, two years later another apartment building was about to raise that bar even higher.
The Osborne was conceived by Thomas Osborne who owned a successful stone-cutting business. With an unlimited supply of stone at cost, Osborne wanted an opulent brownstone-clad structure. He hired architect James Ware to design a building that would attract the affluent New Yorkers who were accustomed to large, refined houses rather than apartment buildings. * Construction began in 1883. The design of the outside was staid but respectable. It was the Osborne's interior that shined. Tailored to be wantonly lavish as to impress potential residents. No expense was spared. Ware hired Louis Comfort Tiffany, John La Farge, and Augustus Saint-Gaudens to create the magnificent lobby.*
You can see the result below.
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The fireproof structure had state-of-the-art electricity, plumbing, and heating with four Otis elevators. On each floor, there were four large apartments with two apartments sharing an elevator landing and a staircase. The ceiling was the highest in the city at 15 feet. The elaborate residences had intricate details such as parquet floors, rare wood and plaster moldings, and tiled fireplaces. Supposedly, there was a croquet lawn on the rooftop. In the basement, there was a florist's shop, a doctor's office, and a pharmacy. With all these frills, it is no wonder that Thomas Osborne was forced into foreclosure and had to sell due to the overrun of costs during construction.*
Osborne sold his building to the man who had originally sold him the land, John Taylor. For the next 70 years, various members from the Taylor family owned the Osborne until it became a cooperative in 1965. While some of the original apartments have remained intact, about half have been broken up into smaller units
Due to its well-appointed interiors, many famous people have made the Osborne their home. Some of the notable names are composer Leonard Bernstein (who wrote West Side Story here), basketball coach Phil Jackson, actress Jessica Chastain, author Ira Levin (who wrote Rosemary's Baby), et al.
Although not all famous people lived happily at the Osborne. One unlucky soul was Broadway and film actor Gig Young. If you have never heard of Gig Young, here's some background...Young, who started acting in movies shortly after graduating from high school, achieved stardom early. His first movie was "Misbehaving Husbands" in 1941. For the next thirty years, Young worked steadily. In 1969, Young won an Academy Award for a supporting role in the film "They Shoot Horses, Don't They?". Although a successful actor, Young's private life was not nearly as fortunate. He was married five times. He divorced his third wife, Elizabeth Montgomery, and watched her go on to great fame in the television show "Bewitched" (which was emulated in 2021 in "Wandavision"). Sadly, Young struggled with alcoholism in his later years. He was fired from the film, "Blazing Saddles" on the first day of shooting due to alcohol withdrawal. Young also lost the role as "Charlie" in the television show "Charlie's Angels" due to drinking. As his career came to a crashing halt, Young married his fifth wife, Kim Schmidt in 1978. They had been married only three weeks when Young shot Schmidt in their Osborne apartment before killing himself.** A sad and tragic tale of abuse and loss.
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Today the Osborne is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission also declared it as a city landmark. One last fact, NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission wanted to protect the Osborne's beautiful lobby but because it wasn't a public space it was ultimately decided against.
What to know more? Here is a good place to start:
Luxury Apartment Houses of Manhattan: An Illustrated History by Andrew Alpern
Sources:
**The Night Oscar Winner Gig Young Murdered His Wife And Then Blew His Brains Out! | National Enquirer
Photographs:
Top photograph City Realty
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