52 West 9th Street, Phi, New York

Set on one of the most prestigious blocks in the Greenwich Village Gold Coast, this penthouse at 52 West 9th Street is a seamless blend of historic grandeur and contemporary minimalism. Originally built in 1849, this 25-foot-wide, 93-foot-deep townhouse is among downtown’s most architecturally significant residences.

Completely reimagined in 2017 by renowned Italian architect Pietro Cicognani, the four-bedroom, four-bathroom penthouse with a private veranda is a masterpiece of simplistic design, featuring bespoke Italian craftsmanship, exquisite wood flooring, and custom design elements imported from Italy.

The centerpiece of the home is the great room, an impressive space crowned by 17-foot double-height ceilings and oversized windows that flood the interior with northern and southern light. A wood-burning fireplace anchors the space, while French doors open onto a charming terrace with quintessential Empire State Building views. Throughout the home, exceptionally wide-plank pine flooring adds warmth and character. On the main level, the custom Shaker-style eat-in kitchen boasts bespoke finishes and fine wood cabinetry, blending function and elegance seamlessly.

The top floor features a spacious bedroom suite, a flexible library/den space, a windowed walk-in closet, and a skylit full bathroom. Southern exposure provides unobstructed views of the Freedom Tower, creating a tranquil retreat.

The lower level hosts the remaining three bedrooms, including a serene primary suite with a walk-in closet and a windowed en-suite bath with a luxurious soaking tub, separate shower, and custom vanity. Two additional sunlit secondary bedrooms, a full bathroom, and a laundry room with dual washer-dryer units complete the floor.
As part of the meticulous gut renovation, the home features all-new oversized windows, state-of-the-art bathrooms, a central air conditioning system, and exquisite custom designs sourced from Italy.

This home boasts a long and well-documented history, deeply rooted in New York’s cultural and artistic legacy. W. Forbes Morgan, nephew of J. Pierpont Morgan, purchased the residence in 1917, after which it became known as the Morgan House. The renowned muralist William de Leftwich Dodge later lived here, designing the ornate balcony, grand studio, and distinctive terracotta medallions that still adorn the property today.

Later, the home transformed into the Hans Hofmann School of Fine Arts, a landmark institution in the art world. More recently, the penthouse served as the residence and studio of celebrated artist Eric Fischl and his wife, April Gornick, further cementing its artistic pedigree.