Completed in 1934, this four-story townhouse was designed and built by Swiss-American architect William Lescaze as both his personal residence and studio. Renowned as New York City’s first fully Modernist home, it transformed a typical 19th-century brownstone into a bold International Style statement, with its white stucco façade and pioneering use of glass-block windows that offered privacy and natural light.
The structure features a functioning ground-floor office, with family living areas above—dining, bedrooms, and an elevated living room—realizing Lescaze’s vision of functional modern living. It introduced glass blocks to NYC architecture, becoming an influential model for renovation and urban modernism .
Interesting Facts
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Dubbed the first modernist residence in NYC, its 1934 debut was both eye-opening and controversial.
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Lescaze invited the public inside each Monday for tours, as he and his wife valued transparency and engagement.
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Landmark recognitions: NYC Landmark (1976) and National Register of Historic Places (1980).
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The glass block façade spurred similar modernist renovations in the neighborhood.
Photos:
William Lescaze House
William Lescaze House
William Lescaze House
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10017
- No public admission—the property is private. Viewing is only possible by appointment or during special events.
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Private residence/commercial space: Entry is by invitation only; not open to the public.
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Pets allowed if approved by owner; service animals permitted under law.
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Mixed-use: Ground floor office; residential units above (subject to current owner).
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Historical integrity: Restored glass blocks and façade per original design; hydraulic elevator and modernized interiors.
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Landmark protection: Exterior and interior features are preserved under LPC regulations.