The former Manhattan apartment and studio of renowned abstract expressionist Mark Rothko, where he created his famous paintings for the Rothko Chapel in Texas, has returned to the real estate market with an asking price of $9.5 million. Located at 157 East 69th Street in the prestigious Lenox Hill neighborhood, the historic property is being marketed by Sotheby's International Realty as a rare opportunity to own a piece of art history.
The three-story red-brick building represents a remarkable piece of architectural and artistic heritage. Originally constructed in 1884 by German-American architect William Schickel, the landmarked Romanesque Revival structure initially served as a private equestrian training facility before being converted into a carriage house. The building later became Rothko's creative sanctuary during the 1960s, which marked the peak of his artistic output and international recognition.
During his residency in this unique space, Rothko produced numerous significant works that would cement his legacy in modern art history. Most notably, he created the series of dark, meditative canvases that now hang in the non-denominational Rothko Chapel in Houston, Texas, which was founded by art patrons John and Dominique de Menil. The chapel's paintings faced challenges last year when three of the works were damaged by roof leaks that occurred during Hurricane Beryl, highlighting the ongoing preservation concerns for these irreplaceable artworks.
The studio's distinctive architectural features played a crucial role in Rothko's creative process and artistic vision. Will Davison, a spokesperson for the Rothko Chapel, explained to Hyperallergic that "The studio had a skylight, and Rothko used a pulley system to work on the large-scale canvases in that space." The building's natural light and dramatic atrium became integral elements that would later influence the artist's specifications for the chapel's design. As Christopher Rothko, the artist's son, told PaperCity Magazine in 2015, "The studio was chosen to model the chapel, which in turn was modeled on the studio," illustrating the profound connection between the physical space and Rothko's artistic intentions.
The 69th Street property also served as the birthplace of Rothko's final artistic statement. In this same studio, he created his "Untitled (Black on Grey)" series from 1969 to 1970, which became his last body of work before his tragic death by suicide in 1970 at the age of 66. These paintings, distinguished by their desolate composition and somber color palettes, are widely interpreted as visual expressions of the artist's deteriorating mental and physical state during his final years.
The current real estate offering comes with some complexities that potential buyers should understand. The property has been listed twice since 2023 and is currently divided into two separate units. The ground floor is occupied by the Urasenke Chanoyu Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to traditional Japanese tea ceremony practices. According to Elle Decor, while the Sotheby's listing applies only to the private residential portion, a buyout clause in the tenant agreement becomes due in 12 years, potentially allowing a future buyer to gain complete ownership of the entire building.
The residential portion of the property boasts several distinctive features that reflect both its historical significance and modern luxury. The space includes a glass-enclosed terrace, multiple wood-burning fireplaces, an authentic tea room, and a landscaped rooftop terrace. These amenities, combined with the building's landmark status and artistic provenance, contribute to its substantial market value and unique appeal to collectors and art enthusiasts.
This sale represents more than just a high-end real estate transaction; it offers a rare opportunity to own a space where some of the 20th century's most influential artworks were conceived and created. The studio's walls witnessed the creation of paintings that continue to move and inspire viewers worldwide, making it a pilgrimage site for art lovers and a tangible connection to one of America's most celebrated abstract expressionist masters.
