Historic Upper East Side Townhouse Sold to Orthodox Synagogue for $34.5M

Historic Upper East Side Townhouse Sold to Orthodox Synagogue for $34.5M

Edited by:  TJVNews.com. images from Sotherby Realty 

In a remarkable twist of fate, the Altneu Synagogue has found its new home in a storied Manhattan mansion, with plans to transform the historic space into a vibrant center for Jewish worship, study, and community engagement, as was reported on Thursday on the Curbed.com web site.  Rabbi Benjamin Goldschmidt, spiritual leader of the synagogue, described the acquisition of the building as nothing short of providential, attributing the successful endeavor to what he terms a “divine hand.” However, behind the scenes, a dedicated board comprising bankers, CEOs, and executives from Blackstone played a pivotal role in securing the space and spearheading fundraising efforts, as was reported by Curbed.com.

The mansion, located at 107 East 70th Street on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, boasts a rich history dating back to its construction in 1922 for Thomas Lamont, a prominent financier and statesman. Curbed.com reported that Lamont, the son of a Methodist pastor, and his wife Florence were drawn to the Tudor Revival style, which reflected their Presbyterian heritage and their fascination with English religious architecture. Notably, the couple’s philanthropic endeavors included a substantial donation towards the restoration of Canterbury Cathedral, underscoring their commitment to preserving historic religious sites.

This distinguished townhouse, characterized by its imposing six-story stature, elegant Tudor Revival design, and intricate Gothic detailing, has captivated onlookers with its unparalleled grandeur for over a century.

The townhouse’s majestic façade, adorned with leaded-glass windows and an original Gothic fireplace depicting tiny toiling nuns, evokes a sense of timeless elegance reminiscent of Ivy League libraries. According to the information provided in the Curbed.com report, its sheer scale—55 feet wide and spanning 23,000 square feet—sets it apart from the typical family homes that dot the city landscape. Indeed, with such remarkable features and dimensions, it comes as no surprise that the property was listed at a staggering $45 million last year, a sum equivalent to the cost of four separate townhouses along the same block, the report on Curbed.com added. The Altneu synagogue acquired the townhouse for a reported $34.5 million. While the broker representing the seller declined to comment to Curbed.com on the transaction, the sale marks a significant milestone in the property’s storied legacy.

Despite its Presbyterian origins, the mansion’s architectural grandeur and historical significance make it an unlikely yet fitting choice for the Altneu Synagogue. The synagogue, founded just three years ago,, embarked on a remarkable journey from humble beginnings to securing a permanent residence in one of Manhattan’s most esteemed neighborhoods, the report on Curbed.com noted. Initially gathering in the rabbi’s apartment, the synagogue’s congregation gradually expanded, hosting services in various venues across the East Side, from prestigious ballrooms to cultural institutions. While the diverse locations added an element of novelty and adventure to the congregation’s gatherings, logistical challenges inevitably arose, prompting the need for meticulous coordination and communication, as was detailed in the Curbed.com report.

Louis Loftus, a Ph.D. candidate at Princeton University specializing in Jewish uses of Tudor Revival buildings, remarked on the unique juxtaposition of the synagogue’s Jewish identity within a structure steeped in Presbyterian history. The report on the Curbed.com site said that Loftus highlighted parallels with other notable Tudor Revival buildings in Manhattan, such as Zabar’s and 770 Eastern Parkway, the latter serving as the headquarters of the Chabad Lubavitch movement.

As the Altneu Synagogue embarks on its new chapter within the mansion’s walls, ambitious plans are underway to repurpose the space to suit the congregation’s needs.

Gideon Etra, a founding member of the synagogue and a real estate investor, reflected on the congregation’s journey, acknowledging the allure of discovering new venues while also acknowledging the logistical complexities involved, as was pointed out in the Curbed.com report. He also outlined the vision for the building, which includes designated areas for worship, Torah study, and educational activities. The ground floor’s grand room will serve as a sanctuary for services, while an oak-paneled library will be transformed into batei midrashim for in-depth Torah study. Additional classrooms are planned for the upper floors, offering space for educational programs and community gatherings.

Rabbi Benjamin Goldschmidt humorously recounted the challenges of managing multiple event locations, according to the Curbed.com report, highlighting the importance of clear communication in ensuring a seamless experience for congregants.

One particularly noteworthy feature of the mansion is its walled yard, which will soon host a sukkah—a temporary structure traditionally erected during the Jewish festival of Sukkot, according to the Curbed.com report. This outdoor space will provide a serene setting for congregants to observe the holiday and engage in communal celebrations.

As Passover approaches, the Altneu Synagogue eagerly anticipates its transition into the historic mansion, with aspirations of fostering a vibrant and inclusive community grounded in Jewish tradition and values, the Curbed.com report suggested.  With reverence for the building’s past and optimism for its future, the synagogue embarks on a journey of spiritual renewal and communal growth within the hallowed halls of 107 East 70th Street.