A
vacant townhouse at 471 West End Ave. in Manhattan is on the market for $6.95 million, with a grand redesign plan to restore it to its former Gilded Age glory. The 25-foot-wide building was originally designed as a single-family home by Stanford White's firm, McKim, Mead & White, in the late 1880s.

    The current owners are seeking to convert the property into a luxurious single-family home with five bedrooms and 20-foot ceilings. The design, crafted by Platt Byard Dovell White Architects, pays homage to the home's history while incorporating modern luxury features such as a wine cellar, wellness suite, and rooftop deck. A rare backyard space is also included.

    The plans have been pre-approved by the Landmarks Preservation Commission and the Department of Buildings, making it an attractive opportunity for buyers. The property was last sold in 2022 for $4.3 million, with the current owners recognizing its potential to be transformed into something special.

    A rendering of the proposed redesign shows a large skylight on the top floor, flooding the room with natural light. Other features include a fireplace and large windows in one bedroom, and a spacious bathroom with ample vanity space and a free-standing tub.

    The townhouse has a rich history, having been owned by the Agudas Israel World Organization for several decades until the 1990s. It was also the site of a dramatic food fight between a ladies' maid and a cook in the early 1900s, according to local historian Tim Miller.

    Stanford White's legacy continues to be felt in New York City, with his designs defining the Gilded Age and his iconic Washington Square Arch remaining a symbol of the city. The sale of this townhouse comes at a time when White's work is being celebrated in HBO's hit series "The Gilded Age."