Offered for the first time in decades, 251 East 71st Street is a one-of-a-kind townhouse that combines historic New York roots with a bold mid-century architectural statement.
Originally constructed as a traditional brownstone in the 19th century, the building underwent a visionary redesign in 1969 by architect Maurice Medcalfe of Hills & Medcalfe. Medcalfe transformed the façade into a modernist icon with its smooth stucco exterior and signature convex oval windows — a sculptural interpretation of the classic bay window that floods the interiors with natural light while offering a striking presence on the block.
Inside, the home offers approximately 4,736 square feet across four stories plus a basement, currently configured with 4 bedrooms, an office, and 5 bathrooms, all in need of renovation. An office occupies the garden level, providing flexibility for live/work use, while the upper floors feature generously proportioned rooms ready to be reimagined for modern living.
The home sits on a quiet, tree-lined block in Lenox Hill — moments from Central Park, acclaimed restaurants, boutiques, and convenient transit. A rare opportunity to own an iconic piece of New York City architecture, 251 East 71st Street stands out as a testament to originality and craftsmanship, ideal for a discerning buyer who values history, design, and individuality.
Active
$5,750,000
251 E 71st St, New York, NY 10021
4beds
4,736sqft
Single Family Residence
Built in 1899
-- sqft lot
$-- Zestimate®
$1,214/sqft
$-- HOA
What's special
Modernist iconQuiet tree-lined blockSignature convex oval windowsGenerously proportioned roomsSmooth stucco exterior
- 35 days
- on Zillow |
- 6,296 |
- 284 |
Zillow last checked: 7 hours ago
Listing updated: August 11, 2025 at 11:06am
Listing by:
Leslie J. Garfield 212-574-6965,
Richard Pretsfelder
Source: StreetEasy,MLS#: S1780773
Travel times
Tour with a buyer's agent
Tour with a buyer's agent
Facts & features
Interior
Bedrooms & bathrooms
- Bedrooms: 4
- Bathrooms: 5
- Full bathrooms: 5
Cooling
- Central Air
Appliances
- Included: Dishwasher
Features
- Has fireplace: Yes
Interior area
- Total structure area: 4,736
- Total interior livable area: 4,736 sqft
Property
Features
- Patio & porch: Other
- Exterior features: Courtyard, Garden
Details
- Parcel number: 014260118
- Special conditions: Resale
Construction
Type & style
- Home type: SingleFamily
- Property subtype: Single Family Residence
Condition
- Year built: 1899
Community & HOA
Community
- Subdivision: Lenox Hill
Location
- Region: New York
Financial & listing details
- Price per square foot: $1,214/sqft
- Tax assessed value: $5,396,000
- Annual tax amount: $68,928
- Date on market: 7/11/2025
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