Former DC Comics Publisher Is Selling Her Playful NYC Townhome for $3.25M

by Kellie Speed

A Playful, NYC Georgian Revival Townhouse Owned by the Former DC Comics Publisher Hits the Market for $3.25M — Realtor.com

A whimsical, Georgian Revival-style townhouse has hit the market in New York City for $3,250,000.

Located in the historic Striver’s Row neighborhood, the specially curated, five-bedroom home is owned by Jenette Kahn, who published DC Comics and MAD Magazine for more than 26 years. She is now a movie producer, best known for films such as “The Book of Henry” and Clint Eastwood‘s “Gran Torino.”

The 4,900-square-foot home last changed hands in 1997 for $465,000.

“All of the homes on Striver’s Row are unique, but this one is my favorite,” says listing agent Colin Montgomery, of Sotheby’s International Realty – East Side Manhattan Brokerage. “What is really wonderful is the width to have a quarter-turn staircase. This home also features a carriage lane or rear alleyway, similar to Washington, DC, or London, where there is a private, outdoor parking space behind the house.”

The home was built in 1891 and still has many intact historic details, including 11-foot ceilings throughout, oak wainscoting, and fireplaces with ornate mantels.

“The history, uniqueness, and feel of the space make this property stand out,” Montgomery says. “Jenette is a real art collector and photographer, and her husband helped make some of the decorative elements throughout the space. He also created six different fireplaces, including the one with a crossword puzzle.”

There is a formal dining room, living room, library, and home office, offering plenty of space to entertain and relax.

A bright and airy kitchen boasts a modern aesthetic with clean lines. It also offers a custom-designed island, stainless steel cabinets, and a breakfast banquette. A nearby cocktail area features a wall of ascending champagne bubbles.

“They have really kept a lot of history in the home but really modernized the kitchen,” Montgomery says. “It’s full width, so there is plenty of space, and it opens up to a beautiful, paved garden area that has a mature Japanese Yoschino cherry tree.”

One of the most impressive rooms in the house might just be the stylish, formal dining room.

Hardwood floors here are painted to look like marble tile, and there is a decorative, coffered ceiling. The room also boasts a a black-and-gold, wood-burning fireplace.

A primary suite inspired by 1980s design is found on the third floor, along with a second bedroom.

Three more bedrooms are situated on the fourth floor.

Many different buyers would be suited to the property, Montgomery says.

“It would be cliché to say it would go to a family,” he admits. “I have shown it to everybody from couples who work from home to an individual, so who knows? We have had a great response already from people who love the neighborhood. It could be used as either a primary or secondary residence, because it has so much space. It just depends where people are in their lives.”