Postmodern Upper East Side townhouse tries again for $40M

The “masterwork of post-modern ingenuity” at 17 East 65th Street is back on the market after a brokerage switch-up from Brown Harris Stevens to Corcoran. The townhouse, designed by William Hamby and George Nelson in the early 1940s, has been looking for a buyer since 2014, when it was first listed for $40 million. Owner French & Company of art-dealing fame must really believe that the townhouse’s architectural prowess will win it the full asking price—it has yet to see a reduction.

The townhouse is a postmodern treasure chest of sorts. The home’s interiors underwent a full renovation under its current owners that removed walls to open up its central atrium. As is, the listing notes, the townhouse is “perfect for displaying a major art collection.” Lauded postmodern architect Michael Graves also designed an exterior for the building that was never put into place. The AIA guide notes that the townhouse’s current facade was designed by Milton Klein and added in 1981.

The ramp-happy townhouse has five bedrooms, five full baths, and three half baths.

• Listing: 17 East 65th Street [Corcoran via StreetEasy]
• Postmodern Upper East Side Mansion Is Back, Still Wants $40M [Curbed]
• Lenox Hill's Ramped-Up Postmodern Manse Wants $40M [Curbed]