Inside the Historic NYC Co-Op Where Al Capone and Marilyn Monroe Lived—Now Selling From $535K
Two condos, located in the same building that legends like Al Capone, Marilyn Monroe, Doris Day, and George Burns once called home, have recently hit the market in Manhattan‘s vibrant Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood.
The Emery Roth-designed building, known as The Whitby, was built in 1923 and still has many historic details throughout its 217-unit structure. Nestled in the heart of the Theatre District, the full-service co-op features a spectacular rooftop deck where residents can soak in panoramic views of the city.
“The Whitby was built in the early 1920s, when it started out as a hotel,” says Douglas Bellitto, who is co-listing the property with Rachel Glazer of Brown Harris Stevens. “It became known as a haven for actors, artists, and musicians. At the time, so many people refused to rent to those types of creatives, but The Whitby was absolutely welcoming.”
In its heyday, the building attracted some of the biggest names in show business, and even a Prohibition-era gangster before he got entangled with the law.
“Al Capone lived here in the early 1920s, and rumor has it his ghost still haunts the basement of The Whitby,” Bellitto says. “Marilyn Monroe also lived here in the 1950s, when she was dating Joe DiMaggio.”
Since then, the building has been transformed into individual residences that still feature many preserved details.
“Unit 601 is a one-bedroom unit with incredible light and all of the original prewar details,” he says. “The layout is just ideal and attractive.”
Listed for $535,000, the bright and airy, high-floor “sanctuary” has been thoughtfully modernized over the years, “while at the same time offering the comforts of contemporary living.”
“I envision the next buyer to be someone in the entertainment industry,” he notes. “It’s a very welcoming community still, and a very warm place to be.”
Bellitto says the sellers have owned the unit since 1988 and made thoughtful updates over the years, taking great care to preserve its history. A spacious living room has dark oak floors, beamed ceilings, and crown moldings. A windowed kitchen now has a built-in breakfast bar, granite countertops, and custom wood cabinetry.
“The kitchen and bathroom were also renovated about six years ago, and it was a high-end renovation, featuring a soaking tub, pedestal sink, and Toto finishes,” he says. “It also has southern exposures and views of the city skyline.”
There is also a long entry hallway that could “easily accommodate an expansive library wall,” which could be used to showcase artwork or transformed into a home office.
If buyers are looking for a bit more space, a two-bedroom unit has also been extensively renovated but still has many period details intact.
Offering northern and western exposures, the condo, listed for $895,000, features a gourmet chef’s kitchen with a wood and stainless steel breakfast bar, custom wood-and-glass cabinetry, and a mosaic tile backsplash.
“Unit 916 is, I think, the most beautiful two-bedroom unit in the building,” he notes. “The sellers approached renovating it the same way as 601. It has a contemporary interior, but they also kept as much pre-war detail as possible.”
Amenities at The Whitby include a round-the-clock doorman, a new laundry room, storage space, a bike room, and a newly renovated Art Deco-inspired lobby. It is also within walking distance of restaurants, cafés, and entertainment.
“The Whitby has been flying under the radar in terms of the market,” Bellitto says. “It’s an incredible building with the most spectacular roof deck in Midtown West. Everything has been updated over the last few years. It’s a hidden jewel.”
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