Gilded Age Mansion with Large Garage
A rare Gilded Age limestone mansion at 15 East 96th Street, built in 1915 for Lucy Drexel Dahlgren by architect Ogden Codman Jr., later refined by Pierre Cartier. Meticulously upgraded in 2004 by David Easton, Andre Tchelistcheff Architects, and Xhema Construction, the residence blends museum-quality craftsmanship with modern infrastructure.
Built in the NeoFrench Classic style, the mansion reflects early 20th-century opulence. This 37'.6"-wide x 101'-foot-deep Beaux Arts limestone townhouse rises five stories in front and six in the rear, offering 18,570 sq ft gross, 14,800 sq ft above grade, plus 3237 sq ft of outdoor space. The home has an interior elevator from the lower level to the fifth and 11 fireplaces with marble mantles.
A secure gated entry leads to a heated cobblestone driveway and a double-height turntable lift garage. Additional air rights are available; the purchaser and their professionals should independently verify all information.
First Floor: A private limestone entry opens to a grand stair hall with 11'8" ceilings, marble floors, carved staircase, elevator, and powder room. The south-facing reception room features oak boiserie, fireplace, and French doors. An octagonal paneled salon faces south, north, and west: rear entrance, dumbwaiter, and back-stair support for entertaining.
Parlor Floor: A sweeping marble stair rises to a landing beneath 15'6" ceilings. The 35' x 20.5' living room offers three French window doors, Versailles floors, and a marble fireplace. A hidden door reveals a curved marble stair to level five and a powder room. The octagonal dining room includes terrazzo floors and carved Italian marble fountains. A professional pantry and chef's kitchen (Sub-Zero, Wolf, Gaggenau, Miele) complete the floor. A rear apartment above the kitchen provides two bedrooms, a living area, a kitchenette, and a bath.
Third Floor: The primary suite spans the south side with paneled walls, French windows, a fireplace, and antique mirrors. Two marble bathrooms offer steam showers, a Jacuzzi, closets, and dressing roomsa northwest media room with three-sided windows and a fireplace anchors the floor, along with a guest suite.
Fourth Floor: A secondary primary suite includes two fireplaces, two marble baths, a sitting room, and closets beneath arched ceilings. A Louis XIVstyle library faces west. A kitchenette and additional bedroom suite complete this level.
Fifth Floor: A 35' x 16' planted terrace with pergola and fireplace enjoys southern views. An octagonal solarium with a skylight and a fireplace opens onto the terrace. A serving kitchen and large en-suite bedroom complete the floor.
Sixth Floor
A bedroom, tiled bath, and west-facing terrace crown the home.
Lower Level: With 11'4" ceilings, the basement includes storage, cedar closets, laundry, wine storage, mechanical rooms, security suite, and space ideal for a gym, spa, pool, or media room. There is access to the lower level of the garage. Rear stairs, two front stairs, and an elevator connect the home.
A once-in-a-lifetime offering: an intact Gilded Age limestone mansion with exceptional privacy, security, and a rare, oversized double-height garage.
Lot Size: 37.6 x 101 sq ft; Interior Sq Ft: 14,800; Exterior Area: 3237 sq ft; Basement Area: 3,770 sq ft; Total Gross Interior: 18,570 sq fthistoric, Landmarked Mansion with a two-story garage, limestone portico, and heated cobblestone driveway.