It was the must-see place of the late 1970s: the disco capital of the world. The world’s biggest stars from Jackie Kennedy Onassis to Mick Jagger were his guests. Former Studio 54 co-owner and longtime real estate developer Ian Schrager has listed his New York City West Village apartment for $ 9.95 million. With great views of the Hudson River and the city skyline, the Richard Meyer-designed building has long been a hotspot for famous residents such as Nicole Kidman and Calvin Klein.
In the late 1970s, New York revelers were the envy of their friends if they could walk into Studio 54. A former CBS opera house and television studio, Studio 54 was the most famous of all. Saturday night fever– era of disco dance clubs and where the rotating sparkling disco ball made its debut. Known for his temperamental admission standards, Schrager’s business partner Steve Rubell stationed himself at the club’s entrance to turn down anyone who did not meet his standards. The magic password to enter was not an actual password, but depended on whether or not you were a celebrity or a stylish one that would turn heads and increase the club’s stock in media photos. It was the place everyone wanted to see and be seen. But with the IRS, State Liquor Authority, DEA, and jail terms hanging over their heads, Schrager and Rubell closed the business in 1980, then sold it in 1981. Reopened by new owners , Studio 54 closed permanently in 1986. At its peak, in addition to Jackie and Mick, the club attracted celebrities such as Elizabeth Taylor, John Belushi, David Bowie, Richard Gere, Truman Capote and aspiring celebrities who came en masse.
Studio 54 was designed by good friends Schrager and Rubell whose timing and location, as well as their vision, were the recipe for success. Everything was fine until Rubell bragged about making more money than the Mafia – a red flag for the IRS. The party ended when IRS investigators discovered that $ 2 million appeared to be missing from the club’s receipts. They each received three and a half years in prison and a fine of $ 20,000. In 2017, Schrager received a presidential pardon from President Obama.
After being released from prison, Schrager became a very successful New York developer and hotelier. He is now selling his West Village condo with a view of the Hudson River and the city skyline through its glass walls. The 3,700 square foot apartment is spread over an entire floor with three bedrooms and five bathrooms. Its highlight is the great room with glass walls that curve towards the den of the house; all with spectacular views that flood the rooms with light. The kitchen is open to the great room with its balcony, and a generous master suite has a large walk-in / dressing room and a master bathroom. West Village is well known for its 19th century townhouses and curving streets that attract artists and writers. Schrager’s building is just a dancing stroll away from a popular river walk.
Located in one of New York’s most charming places, the listing agents are Madeline Hult Elghanayan and Dennis Mangone of Douglas Elliman.
Photo credit: Douglas elliman
YouTube Credit: Sean Evans, @ evvo1991 backtothemovies.com/
Source: TopTenRealEstateDeals.com