| Bulding Address: | 45 West 53rd Street, New York NY 10019 |
| Zip Code: | 10019 |
| Neighborhood: | Plaza District |
| Borough: | Manhattan |
| Stories: | 5 |
| Year Built: | 2000 |
| Building Class: | B |
45 West 53rd Street in Manhattan is a historic building originally constructed in 1878 as part of a row of high-end neo-Grec style homes developed by Jacob B. Tallman. These four-story, 21-foot-wide residences were designed for affluent families, showcasing the cutting-edge domestic architectural tastes of the time.
In April 1909, 45 West 53rd Street was sold at auction and purchased by Dr. Pearce Bailey, a noted psychiatrist. Over the years, the property gained cultural significance when it was acquired by the Rehearsal Club, a theatrical ingenue boarding house founded in 1913 by Jean "Daisy" Greer and Jane Harriss Hall. The Club provided safe, affordable housing for young actresses, dancers, and singers pursuing theater careers in New York City.
By 1926, the Rehearsal Club expanded its presence by acquiring both 45 and 47 West 53rd Street, modernizing and remodeling the buildings to serve its mission. Notable for its role in nurturing theatrical talent, the Club counts among its alumnae prominent performers such as Carol Burnett, Diane Keaton, and Blythe Danner. The Club also inspired the 1936 play Stage Door, later adapted into the famous 1937 film.
The buildings continued to serve the Rehearsal Club until 1979, when the Rockefeller Brothers Fund sold the properties to the American Folk Art Museum. The Museum operated there until 2011, when MoMA purchased and subsequently demolished the Folk Art Museum's building at this site to facilitate its own expansion.
Today, 45 West 53rd Street’s legacy remains tied to its theatrical and cultural history as part of the storied development of Midtown Manhattan, reflecting transformations from a residential neighborhood to a cultural and artistic hub.
45 West 53rd Street, Manhattan, NYC
45 West 53rd Street is located in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. Originally built in 2000, the building has five stories and historically had one residential unit. The site is currently noted as a vacant lot in recent listings.
Historical Background
In 1878, real estate developer Jacob B. Tallman constructed a row of high-end neo-Grec style homes on the north side of 53rd Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. The houses stood four stories tall with 21-foot widths, designed for affluent families.
45 West 53rd Street was initially sold in 1878 to Jessie Baldwin and later resold to Jeannettie Anderson Giles. In 1909, it was auctioned and purchased by Dr. Pearce Bailey, a notable psychiatrist. The building gained cultural significance when the Rehearsal Club, an organization providing affordable housing for young women in the theatrical profession, acquired 45 and 47 West 53rd Street in 1926 with support from John D. Rockefeller, Jr. The club modernized and remodeled the buildings to serve its purpose, removing the original stoop and altering the neo-Grec lintels to accommodate the new use.
Current Status
The lot at 45 West 53rd Street encompasses approximately 135,196 square feet with no active residential or commercial units reported. It is currently off-market with a property tax assessment above $21 million as of 2024. The site is poised for potential redevelopment given its Midtown location and large footprint.
Neighborhood Context
Situated in Midtown Manhattan, 45 West 53rd Street is in a prime location near major cultural institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art and within a dense cluster of luxury residential and commercial skyscrapers. The area is known for its architectural significance and ongoing urban development projects, including ambitious high-rise constructions nearby.
Amenities at 45 West 53rd Street, Manhattan, NYC
Located within the iconic 53 West 53 residential tower, 45 West 53rd Street offers a comprehensive range of luxurious amenities designed for comfort, wellness, and sophisticated urban living.
Wellness and Fitness
- State-of-the-art fitness center featuring specialized wellness programming by The Wright Fit
- Separate yoga studio to support holistic health practices
- 65-foot-long lap swimming pool with an adjacent spa pool and a cold plunge pool
- Squash court and multiple sauna and treatment rooms for relaxation and recreation
- Locker and changing facilities for convenience
Recreational and Social Spaces
- Private library with a fireplace providing a quiet retreat
- Octagonal wine-tasting room with a double-height gold-leaf ceiling and elegant wooden floors
- Children’s play area tailored for younger residents
- Double-height lounge offering panoramic views on higher floors
Storage and Practical Amenities
- Secure bicycle storage facility with 91 bicycle parking spots
- Wine-storage lockers of varying sizes available for residents
- Numerous residential storage lockers
- Laundry facilities on dedicated amenity floors
Services and Memberships
- Full-time concierge service ensuring round-the-clock assistance
- Optional pantry stocking, housekeeping, and pet walking services
- Exclusive MoMA benefactor-level memberships, granting unlimited museum admission, exhibition previews, store discounts, and film screening access
| Property Address | 45 West 53rd Street |
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| Zip Code | 10019 |
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| Neighborhood | Plaza District |
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| Borough | Manhattan |
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| Stories | 5 |
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| Year Built | 2000 |
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| Building Class | B |
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| Leasing Status | No specific tenant details available per current records |
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| Provider | Technology | Max Speed | Price Range |
|---|
| Verizon Fios | Fiber | 2.3 Gbps | $49.99+/mo |
| Spectrum | Cable/Fiber | 1 Gbps | $40-$80/mo |
| Astound Broadband | Fiber | 1.5 Gbps | $35-$55/mo |
| STARRY Internet | Fixed Wireless | 1 Gbps | $45-$65/mo |
| T-Mobile Home Internet | 5G Fixed Wireless | 100 Mbps | $50/mo |
| Optimum | Fiber | 8 Gbps | $40-$280/mo |
Availability subject to building infrastructure. Contact providers for service confirmation.
Location
45 West 53rd Street, Manhattan, New York, NY 10019
Cross Streets
The site is near the intersection of West 53rd Street and 7th Avenue in Midtown Manhattan.
Subway Transportation
The nearest major subway station is the Fifth Avenue/53rd Street station located at Fifth Avenue and 53rd Street, served by the E train at all times and the M train on weekdays. This station has two side platforms on two levels, with southbound trains on the upper level and northbound trains on the lower level. The next stations are Lexington Avenue–53rd Street to the north and 47th–50th Streets–Rockefeller Center or Seventh Avenue to the south depending on train direction.
Additional nearby subway lines that serve stops within a short walking distance include the B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, W, 1, 2 trains accessible at stations along 7th and 8th Avenues near West 53rd Street.
Bus Transportation
Several bus routes serve stops near West 53rd Street close to 7th and 8th Avenues, including M7, M10, M20, M104, Q32, QM10, QM15, X37. Bus stops are located at intersections such as 7 Av/W 53 St, 7 Av/W 52 St, 7 Av/W 50 St, and 8 Av/W 52 St, all within a short walk of 45 West 53rd Street.
Summary
- Nearest Subway Station: Fifth Avenue/53rd Street (E, M trains)
- Nearby Subway Services: B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, W, 1, 2
- Nearby Bus Lines: M7, M10, M20, M104, Q32, QM10, QM15, X37
- Cross Streets: West 53rd Street between 7th Avenue and 8th Avenue
