For $5.65M, a ballet legend’s former UWS studio is now a three-bedroom home
Photos courtesy of DDReps for Sotheby’s International Realty
This meticulously renovated three-bedroom, three-bath home at 257 West 86th Street was the live/work studio of renowned dance teacher Raoul Gelabert. The subsequent architect/owners completely transformed the 2,800-square-foot co-op space into a three-bedroom duplex home that combines sophisticated design with meticulous craftsmanship. Asking $5.65 million, the loft-like residence retains its pre-war elegance, elevated by dramatic interiors and modern finishes.
Architect Morgan Rolontz and his wife Randie paid roughly $1.7 million for the property in 2021, according to city records. The duo went on to complete a total renovation of the home, taking it “down to its shell,” redesigning the layout, and adding modern amenities, storage, and bold colors throughout. See the before and after pictures of the project here.
Behind its standout interior style, the home offers every modern comfort and convenience, including an in-unit washer/dryer, custom closets, and built-in storage. All-new windows and zoned central A/C mean energy efficiency.
The entry foyer is an architectural showcase done in natural oak. Custom cabinetry and integrated artwork frame an upholstered bench; a glass rail borders an oak stairway. Two hidden storage closets slide conveniently under the stairs.
A double-height great room opens beneath a 20-foot ceiling. Bordering this dramatic space is an office gallery. A media room/den has a built-in Murphy bed, allowing it to double as a guest room or fourth bedroom.
The eat-in kitchen is as much a design showcase as a capable culinary lab. Anchored by a peninsula table, deep blue high-gloss lacquer cabinetry frames high-end appliances. Also on the first floor are three closets and a full bath.
Upstairs are three bedrooms and two full baths. Every inch of the space makes use of architectural innovation to make everyday living easy on the eyes.
The pet-friendly building is in a coveted Upper West Side spot between Riverside and Central Parks. The full-service cooperative offers a 24-hour doorman, a fitness center, and a landscaped roof deck.
[Listing details: 257 West 86th Street, #1/2A at CityRealty]
[At Sotheby’s International Realty by Epo I Manning and Florence Danforth-Meyer]
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