As Amy Schumer buys landmarked Brooklyn townhouse, see rare and beautiful homes in NYC's cherished historic districts

Amy Schumer and 19 Cranberry Street (Corcoran) When actress/writer Amy Schumer listed her “Manhattan dream apartment” on the Upper West Side this May, she teased her next move by telling The Wall Street Journal, “If you leave this borough, what borough do people usually move to? It’s not rocket science.” A few weeks later, the New York Post confirmed it by announcing that she is in contract to buy the Brooklyn Heights townhouse that was prominently featured in romantic comedy Moonstruck as the home of Cher and Olympia Dukakis’ characters. It was last listed for $11 million.

While the townhouse shot to prominence for its use in the movie, its off-screen owner’s influence may still be felt throughout New York: In his capacity as chairman of the Historic Preservation Committee of the Brooklyn Heights Association, Edwards Rullman ushered in Brooklyn Heights’ designation as the first of many historic districts under the protection of the Landmarks Preservation Commission ("Landmarks"). As a result, visiting this neighborhood can be like taking a walk through a New York of yesteryear.

The landmarked Brooklyn Heights townhouse purchased by Amy Schumer (Corcoran) 19 Cranberry Townhouse Listing_Brooklyn Real Estate The townhouse had a last listed asking price of $11 million. It spreads 5,568 square feet and has 5 bedrooms and 3.5 baths (Corcoran) Listing Here: In addition to possessing a certain timeless charm, homes in historic districts can be an appealing prospect from a financial standpoint as well. Landmarked districts have been known to offer higher property values and better insulation from extreme economic fluctuations.

Before stepping back in time, though, there are some things to keep in mind. Some are eager to have the best of both worlds - a new, amenity-rich condo in a historic neighborhood - but such development cannot take place without Landmarks’ blessing. Indeed, those who wish to bring historic townhouses into the twenty-first century cannot do so without Landmarks’ approval. But once it comes, owners of these historic properties may be eligible for tax credits. To support the advocacy for all of New York City's historic neighborhoods, visit the Historic Districts Council (HDC). Below, we take a look at some of the most beautiful historic districts in New York City and listings available in them.

For all New York's evolution and new development, its historic districts remind us of the city's rich past. (Gay Street in the West Village via Brown Harris Stevens)

Brooklyn Heights Historic District

The Brooklyn Heights Historic District was the first designated historic district following the creation of Landmarks in 1965, and the first neighborhood to be protected in its entirety. Otis Pratt Pearsall, co-chairman of the Historic Preservation Commission of the Brooklyn Heights Association, testified that, “The interesting old buildings arrayed on irregular streets, with unexpected vistas, emanates an appearance and even more a spirit of character of Old New York, which no single part thereof, and certainly no individual Landmark, could possibly provide.” One Montague Terrace 52-Remsen-Street-02 52-Remsen-Street-03 From the Listing: Superbly located on the fabled Montague Terrace, and bathed in all-day light from three exposures, One Montague is among the most desired of all of Brooklyn's fine addresses, and this offer presents a rare opportunity to truly customize a collector quality home of exceptional scale.

Built around 1863, this beautifully maintained and substantive brownstone is situated on an impossible-to-replicate 35x104 corner lot, making a profound architectural statement, embracing the prestigious character of the neighborhood and anchoring the block. See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: 39 Willow Place is a stately, grand 25'-wide townhouse on one of the most tranquil, tree-lined streets in Brooklyn Heights. This Greek Revival home dates to the mid-1800's and features the original red brick facade, raised stoop entry, and dentil motif cornice. Beautifully maintained, this incredible property presents a rare opportunity to create a fully customized, luxurious single-family home.See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: This magnificent 2 bedroom, 2 bath, Brooklyn Heights penthouse offers simply breathtaking views from its gloriously massive, 1500 SqFt wrap-around terrace. From sunrise to sunset, enjoy your gaze East over Brooklyn Heights, South over the Brooklyn waterfront, and West over the harbor and lower Manhattan skyline. See floor plan and full details here.

Private terace

South Street Seaport Historic District

View over the South Street Seaport towards the Brooklyn Bridge (Compass) South-Street-Seaport-01 South Street Seaport via CityRealty South Street Seaport Histric District As the South Street Seaport makes a comeback following the damage of Superstorm Sandy, none of it will come at the expense of the brick buildings dating as far back as the mid-18th century. Before the seaport became a tourist hot spot, it was one of the leading ports in the nation and played an important part in the city’s shipping trade. As the designation report from 1977 says, “the South Street Seaport Historic District serves as an important reminder of the early commercial development and history of New York City.”

From the Listing: Newly renovated and immaculately designed, this classic New York City loft is in the heart of the historic South Street Seaport and features 10-foot wood-beam ceilings, exposed brick, and original wide plank wood floors. Formerly a button factory, 270 Water Street is now a charming cooperative on a quintessential cobblestone street in one of Manhattan's best neighborhoods downtown. See floor plan and full details here.

Tribeca West Historic District

View over southern blocks of Tribeca (Compass) Tribeca-01 Before Tribeca’s trendy portmanteau name was established, the area was known as Washington Market for its status as New York’s main food market. The industrial area was home to some of the city’s earliest cast iron buildings as well as warehouses and lofts in the Italianate and Romanesque Revival style. The Tribeca West Historic District was the first to be designated in 1991; Tribeca North, South, and East would be designated historic districts just over a year later.

From the Listing: Introducing the Townhouse at 39 Vestry Street - rarely does such an exquisite one-of-a-kind residence come to the market, where luxury meets functionality at its highest caliber. This duplex residence spans an impressive 3,800 square feet and an additional 800 square feet of private outdoor space, with the lowest monthly carrying costs for properties of this scale and quality.See floor plan and full details here. 161-Duane-Street-01

From the Listing: Adorning the top floor corner of a gorgeous 1882 Italianate loft building and at the most prime Tribeca intersection of Duane Street and West Broadway, this crown jewel artist's loft is brimming with character and drama.
This grand and unique flexible 3+ bedroom, 3 bathroom home features soaring 18 foot ceilings with original wood columns, and a true open loft layout with architectural views over prime Tribeca. With just two units on the top floor of this stately building, one enters through a dedicated vestibule and an impressive gallery walkway. The 800-square-foot corner great room is a sight to behold, complete with majestic ceiling heights, open kitchen, a private library, and adjacent studio space. In addition, the main floor features a gracious primary bedroom suite with a dressing room and double-height primary bathroom with a skylight and deep soaking tub, a W/D, and abundant storage.
See floor plan and full details here.

Soho Cast-Iron Historic District

Looking north above SoHo (Compass) 27 Wooster Street, PH: Soho-01 Soho streetscape via CityRealty Almost all of Soho is located within the Soho Cast-Iron Historic District, which is named in honor of the facades of many of the buildings in the area. Just as artists were instrumental in drawing renewed attention to what was once an abandoned industrial area, they played a key role in the historic district designation: When plans for the Lower Manhattan Expressway (LOMEX) would have required the demolition of much of Soho and Little Italy, artists banded together with preservationists to save the architecture and defeat the LOMEX. A few years later, the Soho-Cast Iron Historic District was designated.

From the Listing: A truly authentic Soho loft offering privacy, intimacy and the ultimate Soho lifestyle experience. 459 West Broadway is a historic loft building comprised of only 10 residential units. This sprawling 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom loft features 3000sqft, with a private elevator and stair access. The high-quality design showcases the pre-war, historic character of the space while optimizing the living experience with modern luxuries. Fireplaces, soaring beamed ceilings, cast-iron columns, and a wall of western-facing windows create an exceptionally chic atmosphere.See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: Perfectly perched in an immaculately converted landmark doorman condominium loft building on a quiet cobblestone block of Mercer Street in SoHo's historic cast-iron district, this superbly outfitted home with two large bedrooms two bedrooms, and a half bathroom, is grandly scaled with about 2,392 square feet of living space and features a wood-burning fireplace and a small balcony, the only one of its kind in the building. See floor plan and full details here.

Greenwich Village Historic District

“Of the Historic Districts in New York City which have been designated or will be designated, Greenwich Village outranks all others. This supremacy comes from the quality of its architecture, the nature of the artistic life within its boundaries, and the feeling of history that permeates its streets.” So says the designation report of 1965, when city streets from St. Luke’s Place to 13th Street fell within the boundaries of the Greenwich Village Historic District. The streets are lined with free-standing mansions and rowhouses in a variety of eye-catching architecture styles not found anywhere else in New York.

From the Listing: First Time Offered in 40 Years!
This unique townhouse began life as a horse stable evolving over the past century and a half into an incredible residential oasis! Graced over the years with social tenants and parties whose secrets will live within its walls, it has, for the past forty years, been home to loving owners who treasured it. Dubbed the "Castle in the Village" it presents a once in a lifetime opportunity to create a masterpiece!
See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: Bespoke Village Mansion is available for the second time in 170 years in a completely reimagined and modernized fashion. This triple mint dramatic 24.5-foot-wide Greek Revival home on the south side of the street is flooded with light during all seasons, located on one of Greenwich Village's most sought-after tree-lined blocks, and offers the best of all worlds.
Andrew Scott Dolkart, storied Architectural historian and author, once described the house, "this is a rare commodity that through changing tastes and succession of owners, retains its nineteenth-century character to an extremely high degree." The owners spared no expense to bring the home to a place of ease for anyone living in today's modern times while making sure the integrity and history of the house was maintained to preserve Dolkart's message.
See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: Stunning Grand Mansion on the "Real Billionaire's Row" Welcome to this magnificent 6-story townhome on one of Manhattan's most coveted blocks, along the Gold Coast of Greenwich Village. 24 West 10th Street is a one-of-a-kind, superbly renovated residence, with soaring ceilings reaching nearly 13.5 feet, grand living and entertaining spaces, a sunny South-facing garden, front garden, and tranquil rooftop terrace with skyline views. See floor plan and full details here.

Gramercy Park Historic District

(Compass) Gramercy-Park-01 Perhaps no neighborhood in the city is as well protected as the streets surrounding Gramercy Park. The green space at the heart of it is the only private park in the city, open only to keyholders, and the Italianate, Greek Revival, and Gothic Revival style houses lining the park fall firmly within the boundaries of the Gramercy Park Historic District. A book published in 1921 said, “The laying out of Gramercy Park represents one of the earliest attempts in this country of ‘City Planning,’” and the historic district would be designated in 1966.

From the Listing: Key to the Park! Located in a charming pre-war building with south-facing windows, this sunny one-bedroom is pin-drop quiet with tree-lined views overlooking East 19th Street, known as "block beautiful.'The apartment has new wood floors, and 9+ foot ceilings and is in move-in condition. The bedroom has ample space for a queen bed, nightstands, and a dresser. The apartment offers plentiful closets and storage. The kitchen features white cabinetry and stainless-steel appliances, including a dishwasher.

Constructed in 1903 as the Hotel Irving, 26 Gramercy Park South is a beautiful 75-unit pre-war cooperative located in the heart of the Gramercy Park historic district amongst elegant buildings and townhouses surrounding Manhattan's only private park. See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: 36 Gramercy Park East Condominium, award-winning for its historical preservation. The entryway is beautifully set with custom-made gas lanterns which are exact replicas of the lanterns that graced the building in 1908.

This brand new, gut renovated, three-bedroom residence with a formal dining room, three en-suite bathrooms, and a powder room has been thoughtfully designed using the highest quality finishes and materials. This sophisticated residence combines classic layouts and details and features central A/C, high ceilings, herringbone floors, and hand-crafted ceiling moldings. The grand living room has a decorative fireplace and overlooks the park. See floor plan and full details here.

Ladies Mile Historic District

From the mid-19th to early 20th century, a stretch of what is now known as Chelsea or the Flatiron District - from 15th to 24th Streets, from Sixth Avenue to Park Avenue South - was home to fashionable retailers like Lord & Taylor and Arnold Constable on Broadway, and B. Altman, R.H. Macy, and Siegel-Cooper on Sixth Avenue. The retailers eventually moved to Midtown, but the loft buildings, early skyscrapers, and buildings in the Beaux-Arts, Neo-Renaissance, Romanesque Revival, and Queen Anne styles remained. When the historic district was designated, Anthony Wood, then-president of the Historic Districts Council, said, “This is not only a celebration of the past, it enriches the future.”

From the Listing: Make your summer outdoor entertaining dreams a reality in this sprawling, sun-splashed penthouse duplex condominium featuring dramatic interiors and a massive, landscaped terrace in the perfect Flatiron District location. This apartment is currently configured as a three-bathroom, three-bedroom, plus guest suite.

Set atop a stunning historic building, this 2,400-square-foot loft welcomes you on the lower level with sky-high ceilings, skylights and an expansive layout perfect for comfortable living and lavish entertaining. See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: Sitting in the heart of the Flatiron District, the iconic 1847 Merchant's Bank of New York, offers luxurious and unique condominiums that New Yorkers dream of owning. Stretching along Fifth Avenue, Apartment 3C welcomes you to a fully renovated home where the attention to design and details can not go unnoticed. See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: Welcome home to 40 East 21st Street. A key-locked elevator opens directly into this expansive floor-through loft, which is updated yet retains authentic details such as exposed brick, 12' high beamed ceilings, and massive tilt and turn windows. Defining features of this pre-war home include 43 feet of contiguous living and dining space, a 22 ft wide front living room, and a massive built-in banquette along the perimeter of the north side of the loft, which overlooks the trees of landmarked East 21st Street. See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: Pre-war details abound in this pristine, fully customized loft in the heart of Flatiron. This stunning home underwent a meticulous renovation, with bespoke fixtures and finishes while retaining the integrity of an authentic loft. With approximately 3,163 square feet of living space, this 5th-floor loft boasts 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, a powder room, a massive living and dining area, a separate home office, mud room, and an owner's laundry/storage room across the hall that also can be used as a private home gym. Other special features include 10-foot, 9-inch high ceilings, wide-plank hardwood floors, oversized windows, central air and a wired sound system.See floor plan and full details here.

Upper West Side-Central Park West Historic District

Central Park West views via Compass Upper West Side Historic District Some of the city’s most eye-catching architecture can be found along Central Park West, but the French flats and rowhouses on the side streets came first and are not to be overlooked. Churches and museums along the park were designed in similarly grand architectural styles and additionally fall under Landmarks’ protection. The historic district was designated in 1990, and the neighborhood is also on the National Register of Historic Places.

From the Listing: A unique opportunity to become the next steward of an exceptional architectural masterpiece of superb scale, light, and outlook, offered in triple mint, turn-key condition. Located on the most desirable block of the Central Park West Historic District, overlooking a row of 18 Neo-Georgian mansions the house was designed in 1889 by Thom & Wilson in Queen Anne and Neo-Renaissance styles. Since that time 37 West 74th Street has been fortunate to survive as a single-family residence, rich in original interior and exterior architectural detail, boasting magnificent woodwork and a spectacular skylight.See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: A unicorn of an eagle's nest. The highest one-bedroom apartment on CPW is now available. The 28th floor of the legendary El Dorado, Central Park West, and 90th Street, has the most unique one-bedroom, one-and-a-half bath apartment available on the Park. Apartment 28C has jaw-dropping Park and City views from every room. See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: 40 West 74th Street is an architectural masterpiece. This palatial 25-foot wide Neo-Georgian limestone and brick mansion was originally designed by Percy Griffin in 1906. On this historical block, 18 Neo-Georgian townhouses were built at the turn of the century by the Clark family, who also built the Dakota. Drenched in sunlight, the mansion is currently configured as a two-family home and boasts timeless elegance with an abundance of original prewar architectural details. The interior features six stories plus a windowed finished basement which total just over 11,000 square feet. The exterior spaces total 1,349 square feet and include a south-facing garden, a large dining terrace off the kitchen, and on the 6th floor a roof garden and south-facing terrace. There are six bedrooms, five full bathrooms, and four powder rooms. See floor plan and full details here. 25 West 71st Street

From the Listing: Old-world charm meets modern luxury in this meticulously renovated brownstone duplex, situated on a bucolic tree-lined park block. South-facing sunlight pours through the bay windows of this voluminous three-bedroom home, which is convertible to four. Pickled white oak wood floors run the expanse of the first floor. Soaring ceilings, pre-war moldings, and details abound, all set in contrast with its contemporary and sleek design. See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing:
Charming, renovated, prewar loft for sale in a gorgeous turn of the century limestone townhouse. This magical, open, one-bedroom loft is located on one of the prettiest blocks of the Upper West Side. Central Park is twenty yards to the east, Columbus Avenue with its charming boutiques and restaurants to the west, and the Museum of Natural History with its lush greens just a song away. The home is configured to take advantage of the three, large picture windows curving north overlooking iconic and classic street views of maple, elm, and oak trees interspersed between limestone and brownstone residences..See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: 33 West 95th Street is a beautiful pre-war townhouse perfectly located between Columbus Avenue and Central Park West, right off Central Park on one of the finest tree-lined blocks in the Upper West Side.

This elegant classical home features four bedrooms, a den, three full bathrooms, one powder room, wood-burning fireplaces, plus a finished basement. The beautiful outdoor space includes a 50-foot-long garden with mature trees. The central AC system throughout the house. Additionally, a new security system and an intercom system are installed. See floor plan and full details here.

Upper East Side Historic District

Upper-East-SideCarnegie Hill Historic District

The Upper East Side would seem to encapsulate the history of New York City’s architecture: Italianate and Greek Revival brownstones can be found on side streets, luxurious single-family mansions took shape in the area and alongside Central Park, and it was home to some of the city’s first luxury multi-family buildings, designs by J.E.R. Carpenter and Rosario Candela among them. This mix of architectural styles and types were instrumental in the Upper East Side Historic District's designation in 1981.

From the listing:
988 Fifth Avenue tells the story of an unforgettable era. J.E.R. Carpenter's 1925 masterpiece is a flawless example of the Italian Renaissance style manifested in early 20th-century Manhattan. As the preeminent condominium on the Upper East Side with only 13 residences, the move-in-ready 14th floor at 988 Fifth represents a truly rare opportunity to own the penultimate floor in this full-service building.

From a private elevator landing, enter the nine room apartment to marvel at the views over Central Park. The large marble gallery opens to the living and dining rooms, library, kitchen, and bedroom wing, as well as a perfectly appointed powder room. A sub-cornice creates a ledge below the windows of the 14th floor. This buffer assures tranquillity, and gives the illusion of floating above the park, transcending the hubbub below. The apartment's scale is grand in every way. Ceilings are eleven feet, and the many windows are wide and invite 360 degrees of light and views.. See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: Prominently situated mid-block on an especially picturesque tree-lined Upper East Side street, this exceptionally wide and gorgeous Neo-Georgian mansion has a stately presence that conveys a sense of quiet and understated magnificence. Distinctive features include a classic limestone and red brick facade that is enhanced by beautifully articulated stone ornamentation, and a handsome three-story bow front. This is a house with extraordinary presence, yet it flawlessly maintains a sense of warmth and intimacy that extends to the interior as well. See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: Take advantage of this extraordinary opportunity to own six floors in this 35' wide townhouse located on one of New York City's most elegant and desirable blocks.
The first floor of the house has two circular entrance galleries leading to the main reception/living room. The scale and grandeur of this room is complemented by four arched French doors opening onto a terrace with charming views of the garden.
See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: Rarely available! Generously proportioned rooms and an ideal layout define this Classic Seven-room apartment, located in a premier Park Avenue prewar cooperative. Perched on a high floor, Residence 8C is flooded with natural light, and boasts high ceilings and exquisite pre-war details throughout. A semi-private elevator landing welcomes you into a gracious Gallery that connects to all main areas of the residence, creating a flawless transition between the public entertaining space and the private quarters. The spacious Living Room features oversized south-facing windows, beautiful hardwood floors, and a handsome wood-burning fireplace. The sizable Formal Dining Room, adjacent to the Living Room features two six-over-six windows and connects to the Butler's Pantry, a large Flex Room with bathroom, and a sizable windowed Eat In Kitchen.See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: Stunning Carnegie Hill Seven. Steps off Fifth Avenue, this charming classic seven is a gracious home on one of Carnegie Hill's most idyllic blocks. An entry foyer leads to the living room where three parlor-sized windows look directly onto the tree-tops as well as the magnificent Carhart and Fabbri mansions. The newly renovated wood-burning fireplace surrounded by beautiful custom bookshelves and high beamed ceilings impart a gracious feel of comfort and style. There is an easy flow between the living room and formal dining room that makes entertaining a snap. The dining room's generous proportions and double-wide western-facing window give this marvelous space a gallery feel, perfect for displaying and enjoying the artwork. See floor plan and full details here. Hortense Court

From the Listing: Welcome to this Carnegie Hill jewel nestled between 5th and Madison Avenue that offers the best of city living in this boutique prewar co-op. Residence 6B was meticulously renovated while retaining the charm of its pre-war detail. The layout offers 2 bedrooms, one bathroom, and ecologically friendly Morning Star wide-planked bamboo throughout. Highly coveted roof rights, with spectacular views, transfer with this property to complete this unique gem.

Light pours in through the large eastern-facing windows that look onto the landmarked St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral with its onion-domed cupolas, colorful terra-cotta decorations and intricate stone carvings. The well-proportioned living room/dining area is anchored by a fireplace flanked by two large windows. See floor plan and full details here.

Hamilton Heights Historic District

Hamilton Heights via Cororan Put aside the neighborhood's namesake - much of its development took place decades after Alexander Hamilton’s death: Between 1885 and 1909, the Upper Manhattan neighborhood saw a pleasing mix of low-rise apartment buildings, brick houses, and churches of many popular architectural styles take shape on its tree-lined streets. The Hamilton Heights Historic District was designated in 1974, and extended in 2000.

From the Listing: 40 Hamilton Terrace "A 'Vivid' and 'funky' NYC townhouse" with beautiful original details!
Located on the historic and bucolic enclave of Hamilton Terrace this magnificent example of majestic turn-of-the-century architecture by Henri Fouchaux is one of the lucky homes to have preserved the elegant woodwork as is evident throughout, most strikingly in the glorious parlor floor entry! This massive home boasts five bedrooms and six full baths, inclusive of the lovely garden apartment!See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: Exquisitely preserved and tastefully renovated in prime Hamilton Heights Historic District! Situated on land once part of Alexander Hamilton's estate, this magnificent brownstone was originally designed by noted architects Thom & Wilson and built c.1892 during what many consider the golden era of brownstone architecture in NYC. Conceived and used as a single-family home from the start, this special property has rarely traded hands with only four owners in nearly 120 years! Long owned by the Shea Family (of Shea stadium), this home was meticulously restored by master architect Jane Olmstead Cross, a descendant of Frederick Law Olmstead who, along with Calvert Vaux, was responsible for the planning and development of Central Park. This stunning home has preserved all of the soul; with seven original mahogany and porcelain fireplaces, French and pocket doors, and moldings, but with tasteful and thoughtful improvements to the layout and infrastructure throughout.See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: Architectural Sensation. Nestled in the Gold Coast of the Hamilton Heights historic district, this 1886 William Mowbray ranks as one of the most architecturally notable in New York City. This striking mansion includes 16-foot ceilings, a prominent central staircase cascading light onto all four floors, and five sunny bedrooms. See floor plan and full details here.

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