A sprawling triplex penthouse tucked beneath the copper roof of Hampshire House at 150 Central Park South has been sold for $6.76 million, marking the first-ever owner for the property after years of attempts to sell. The sale, handled by Concierge Auctions in partnership with Nest Seekers International, comes at a significant discount from its initial asking price.
The roughly 9,000-square-foot penthouse spans three levels and remains largely unfinished, having historically served as mechanical space rather than a residence. Architectural renderings by SPAN Architecture envision the space transformed into a five-bedroom home with four private terraces offering views over Central Park, including a rooftop entertaining area with a wet bar.
Obtaining co-op approval for the extensive redesign took approximately three years, according to the listing broker. The property first appeared on the market in 2018 with an asking price as high as $40 million, later reduced to $18.75 million. A planned auction in 2022 did not proceed as bidding failed to meet the reserve price.
This most recent auction saw a starting bid of $6 million, with the final pending sale price reaching $6.765 million. This figure represents an approximately 83% reduction from the penthouse's peak asking price.
The buyer's identity will be revealed once the sale officially closes. The property's unfinished state means the new owner will face a significant renovation project. Converting the existing structure into a basic shell is estimated to take 18 to 24 months before interior finishing can begin. This extensive undertaking is considered a primary hurdle, as many high-net-worth individuals prefer move-in-ready properties.
Access to the current rooftop area involves climbing a narrow staircase through the unfinished mechanical space. However, the ascent offers sweeping views across Central Park.
Hampshire House, a landmark building, has a history of notable residents, including opera singer Luciano Pavarotti. The building is also involved in ongoing litigation concerning alleged damage from the construction of a neighboring supertall building at 111 W. 57th St., a case where liability has been partially determined, but damages are still under resolution.