322 East 57th Street, 18/19B

Brilliant light pours into this unique six room duplex located at 322 East 57th street. The building is among the very few in NYC with double height living rooms. Built in 1929 the apartments were originally designed as artists' studios. This elegant apartment is located on a high floor and has open and unobstructed views of the skyline. An oak-paneled library overlooks the double height living room, adding to the drama of this distinctive apartment. Upon entering the lower level, one finds the entertaining rooms. White Carrara marble floors flow throughout the gallery, formal dining room and double height drawing room. All of the entertaining rooms are covered in 18th century, Louis 15th boiserie. A modern chef's kitchen is adjacent to the formal dining room. On the upper level one enters the oak paneled library/media room. Two bedrooms, two and half baths and a laundry room complete the upper level. The expansive, master bedroom receives continuous light all day long from south and east exposures. A wood burning marble fireplace adds a cozy effect. The second bedroom, also, enjoys double exposures to the south and west.

Known as home to prominent literary figures, designers, architects and artists, 322 East 57th street was reputed to be the home of Orson Wells.

Luminaries who have lived in the building include Clay Felker, founder of New York Magazine and his wife, author Gail Sheehy, Tamara de Lempicka, the famous painter of the Art Deco period, Lilly Ponds, famous coloratura and Andre Kostelanetz, her conductor husband, John Fleming, one of the great book collectors of the 20th century.

Built in 1929, the original apartments were designed without kitchens, as it was customary to dine in the restaurant on the first floor. Today, that restaurant is Mr. Chows and Michael and Tina Chow lived in the building. Photos courtesy of Mike Tauber & Billy Cunningham