A sprawling loft apartment that is located inside a building that was once home to a respected New York City school and convent has come onto the Manhattan market for the very lofty price of $7.5 million.
Today, the four-bedroom condo features an incredibly modern aesthetic, somewhat belying the rich history of the building, which dates back to the 1820s, when it was built as the Roman Catholic Orphan Asylum.
By the 1880s, the asylum had been turned into a convent and all-girls school, a move that would chart the building’s course for the next 130 years, during which time it remained one of Manhattan’s oldest educational institutions.
As the St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral School, the building later went on to welcome male students through its doors—including, according to reports, famed movie director Martin Scorsese, who would later speak about the struggles he faced while studying “merciless ministrations of the Sisters of Mercy,” according to The New York Times.
Because of its location in Manhattan’s Nolita neighborhood—or, north of Little Italy—the school welcomed students from a diverse background, the outlet noted. The landmark Federal-style brick building also offers views of The Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral.
However, by 2010, enrollment numbers had dipped significantly, and the school shuttered its doors for the final time—leaving the building vacant and open to new opportunities.
Later that year, it was sold for $30.7 million to a development group, who set out to transform the building into a collection of luxury condominiums, which were completed in 2017.
Because the exterior of the school had been landmarked before the property was sold, it remains almost exactly the same as it did in the 1880s. The interior of the structure, however, was completely gutted during the transformation into a residential building.
“The building was converted to lofts by Time Equities in 2017 and there are only seven residences,” said listing agent Scott Hustis of Compass. “The seller closed on this unit in 2018, and there has only been one owner.”
That’s not to say that all of the historical hallmarks were removed. In fact, much of the original craftsmanship can still be found inside this unit, including exposed brick walls, steel beams, hardwood floors, and oversized windows that overlook a common garden.
“The unit has a lot of light and is very quiet,” Hustis noted. “The windows face west and they are big and open so there is a lot of natural light flowing into the space.”
An open floor plan features a great room with limewash detailing on the walls and a dining area designed for entertaining with bespoke Stilnovo chandelier.
A sleek kitchen boasts custom Bulthaup natural aluminum and walnut veneer cabinets, high-end appliances, including a wine cooler and steam oven, and a showstopper waterfall stone island, ideal for morning coffee.
Just beyond the kitchen, a bonus room that could be transformed into a fourth bedroom or executive office is currently being used as a media space with projector.
“The next buyer will be someone who wants to step out the door and enjoy the charm of Nolita,” he noted. “The neighborhood has lots of restaurants, cafes, and shops but on a smaller scale.”
A private primary wing features lavish amenities, including a custom walk-in closet and spa-inspired bathroom with radiant marble floors, a double vanity, soaking tub, and separate glass shower.
A $6,669 monthly association fee provides access to resort-style amenities typically reserved for high-rise towers.
“Community amenities include a fitness center, private wine cellar, storage, and a 24-hour doorman offering concierge-style service, which is really nice,” Hustis said.
