Converted early 20th-Century civic building with premium bespoke residences
For the unphased locals and starry-eyed visitors that filter through Downtown Manhattan’s storied streets, the large and somewhat imposing Beaux Art structure that tucks away between Broome and Grand streets might seem a sleepy and disused vestige of a bygone era; the architectural imprint of a nation and city still getting it’s footing at the turn of the 20th-Century. There's much more to this building than meets the eye, however. Constructed by era-prolific firm Hoppin & Koen in 1909, 240 Centre Street long served as the New York Police Department’s main branch before being left dormant during the economically depressed 1970s, arguably one of New York City’s most challenging chapters. It was converted into a luxury co-op in 1988 by Ehrenkranz Group & Eckstu, marking the start of Lower Manhattan’s rapid phase of urban renewal. Transformed from a crime-riddled creative haven to gentrified and — for some — overly sanitized bastion, this historically layered and densely packed-in area is now replete with trendy boutiques, bohemian bourgeois eateries and historical quirks that draw in well-informed buyers seeking out homes with distinct character. This unique six story residence incorporates an eclectic array of 55 sizeable units with individually adapted layouts that make the most of high-ceilings, monumentally grand windows, and well-preserved architectural ornamentation, all while including contemporary luxuries.
The Police Building’s most recent “commissioner” is fashion model and former reality T.V. star turned successful Realtor Kelly Killoren Bensimon, who has lived here for a long time. She also represents most of its current listings. “This has been my home for many years. My daughters grew up here and this neighborhood is so special to me,” she’s quoted saying in a July 2023 New York Post article. According to the report, several of her fellow fashion models — including Cindy Crawford, Christy Turlington and Linda Evangelista — “flocked” to the strategically situated building right after its conversion. Other notable residents have included Calvin Klein, Steffi Graff, Toni Morrison and Winona Ryder.
Well preserved historical details mixed in with contemporary conveniences
Rented out for a whopping $28,000 a month throughout much of 2023 and early 2024, Killoren Bensimon’s white-walled, three-bedroom residence features an open plan layout suffused with an ample amount of natural light that filters through a large, original palladium window. The life-sized resin horse that holds sway over her living room was sourced from a Metropolitan Museum of Art exhibition and is fitted with a custom Fendi saddle, the same New York Post article describes.
Her other listings in Summer 2024 included a two bedroom, two and a half bath unit with 16-foot-high ceilings priced at just under $3 million. The residence features an updated kitchen with a Subzero refrigerator and other GE appliances, urban grey Ultra Craft cabinetry and 3 cm-thick Quartz Calcutta kitchen countertops. Cast in a darker suite of finishes, residence 3K — priced at $3.5 million — incorporates an additional bedroom. Both have ample closet space, premium hardware and in unit washer/dryers. Unit 3DE is a significantly larger combined duplex selling for $6 million. Owing to the monumental scale of the original floorplates, mezzanine levels were inserted to break up the converted spaces. These are often cleverly implemented as separate en suite bedrooms and, in some instances, home offices. Though a co-op, The Police Building’s units can used as pied-a-terres.
A $10 million quadraplex penthouse incorporates the Police Building’s historic clocktower
According to yet another New York Post article, this time from June 2021, The Police building’s four level, 5,500 square-foot penthouse sold for $10 million, a fraction of the pre-COVID-19 pandemic asking price of $40 million. Incorporating a dome-shaped den within the building’s stately clocktower, the residence also includes a striking spiral staircase, private elevator, two garden patios and views-rich terraces.
A well-preserved lobby, top-line gym and private garden but also all Lower Manhattan has to offer
The Police Building’s lobby is perhaps one of its most well-preserved elements. Highly ornamented coffered ceilings and crystal chandeliers hover over a grand staircase. This expansive entrance is helmed by 24/7 door attendants and a concierge. There’s also a live-in super. The lobby leads to a well-equipped street-level fitness center. There’s also a small, shared garden located along the angularly plotted building’s northern edge but that’s pretty much it when it comes to amenity spaces. The Police Building’s shrewd residents don’t need all the bells and whistles more common in newer developments as the units themselves and the surrounding area are what really count.
While SoHo is chock full of both name-brand and independent luxury boutiques, Little Italy and Nolita feature a slew of popular owner-operated eateries like Rintintin, Fiat Cafe and the especially hyped Thai Diner, not to mention one of the original Joe’s Pizza joints. Nearby Tribeca is now home to the city’s thriving art and design gallery scene while Chinatown holds its own with hundreds of restaurants, shops and cultural venues. For commuters, the 6 subway stops at Spring Street, two blocks north. With The Police Building so centrally located, residents that park their cars at nearby garages have close access to all three downtown bridges and the Holland Tunnel which connects Manhattan to New Jersey on the other end of SoHo.
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Current List Price
Sold Price
Area Factors
Biker's Paradise
Bike Score®
94/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
100/ 100
Rider's Paradise
Transit Score®
100/ 100
Sources: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Walk Score
Sources: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Walk Score
WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Powered by CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks. Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Environmental risk data is provided by First Street Foundation® and is designed to approximate risk and not intended to include all possible scenarios.
Parks in this Area
Lt. Peterosino Square
2 min walk
DeSalvio Playground
3 min walk
Basketball
Playground
Collect Pond Park
7 min walk
Picnic Area
Trails
Elizabeth Street Garden
7 min walk
Botanical Gardens
Columbus Park
7 min walk
Hester Street Playground
8 min walk
Thomas Paine Park
8 min walk
Trails
Concessions
Sara D. Roosevelt Park
9 min walk
Forsyth Plaza
10 min walk
Schools
Source:
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