A Historic Opportunity in Hamilton Heights — One of Harlem’s Most Architecturally Significant Enclaves

Built in 1896, this elegant townhouse is part of a distinguished row of Renaissance Revival residences that defined the ambitions of late-19th-century New York. Designed for the city’s emerging professional class, these homes combined refined architectural detail with the comfort and scale of modern urban living. Crafted in brick and brownstone with carved stone lintels, pressed-metal cornices, and wrought-iron stoops, the facade of 409 West 147th Street remains a testament to the artistry of the Gilded Age.

Inside, the townhouse retains its original layout and proportions, a rare find in today’s market. High ceilings, oversized windows, and ornate woodwork reflect the craftsmanship of an era when quality and permanence were valued. Every room tells a story—of the city’s expansion northward, of families who built their lives in Hamilton Heights, and of a neighborhood that would later become known around the world as Sugar Hill, home to some of Harlem’s most celebrated cultural figures.

Today, this property stands within the Hamilton Heights/Sugar Hill Historic District, a designated New York City Landmark. That status ensures its architecture will remain protected for future generations, preserving the very charm that gives this block its timeless character. Landmark designation also offers buyers the peace of mind that the street’s historic integrity will be safeguarded against modern overdevelopment.

Offered for the first time since 1977, 409 West 147th Street presents an extraordinary opportunity to restore and reimagine a genuine piece of New York history. The home requires a full renovation, offering the next owner the freedom to return it to its original grandeur as a single-family residence or thoughtfully modernize it with contemporary finishes. This is a rare opportunity to own a historic Harlem brownstone with a lasting architectural presence and future potential.

Homes like this rarely come to market. We invite you to visit in person and experience the quiet beauty of this remarkable property for yourself—an heirloom of the city’s past, ready for its next chapter.

About the Property

Building Width: 16 ft
Building Depth: 55 ft
Lot Depth: 74.92 ft
Floors: 3 plus garden level and basement
Gross Floor Area: approx. 3,360 sq. ft.
Land Use: One & Two Family Buildings
Original Use: Two-Family Home
Current Use: 16 Class B Units
Certificate of No Harassment: Yes
Zoning: R6A
Commercial Overlay: C1-4

Transportation

Subway: A, C, B, D, & 1
Bus: M3, M4, M5, Bx19, M100, M101

Nearby Parks

Jackie Robinson Park
St. Nicholas Park
Donnellan Square
Convent Garden
Carmansville Playground