There are plenty of storied New York City apartments with notable history and allure, but how many can say they were once home to one of the most influential American artists of the 20th century? Tucked away in Manhattan’s West Village, a nearly 200-year-old home that Jackson Pollock once called his own has returned to the market for $1.99 million.
What’s particularly striking is that the property isn’t listed for millions, considering its desirable address and historical provenance. Dating all the way back to 1827, the Federal-style brick townhouse sits between Bedford and Bleecker streets, two of the Village’s most recognizable roads. It was in 1932, long before Pollock became recognized as the artistic icon he is today, that he and his brothers used the apartment as both a residence and a studio. Nearly a century later, the top floor has been renovated but still holds true to its roots. Spanning 690 square feet, the one-bedroom, one-bathroom residence welcomes 14-foot ceilings, exposed wooden beams, hardwood floors and painted brick walls. The main living room’s masterpiece is the decorative fireplace, while a sleek, updated kitchen and renovated bathroom offer modern conveniences.
Its current owner, Irish entrepreneur Fergus Hurley, worked with local artists to help create a large painting in the building’s own garden. Even a wooden beam that was removed during renovations was transformed into a guitar by the neighborhood’s Carmine Street Guitars. It is clear that Hurley approached the property with every intention of paying homage to Pollock’s legacy and keeping its artistic spirit alive.
The property is returning to the market at a particularly fitting time, as the Metropolitan Museum of Art is presenting an exhibition, Krasner and Pollock: Past Continuous, celebrating the artistic legacies of Pollock and his wife, Lee Krasner. A remarkable opportunity, this West Village residence proves that some of Manhattan’s most interesting properties are not necessarily the largest, but rather the ones with the most character.
Shane Boyle with Compass holds the property for further details.
