A historic limestone townhouse on Manhattan’s Upper West Side is quietly being marketed off-market for $10.28 million, offering buyers a rare opportunity to acquire a residence tied to both New York architectural history and the political circle of President Theodore Roosevelt.
Located on West 87th Street, the five-story residence is known as the True-Littauer House, named for architect Clarence True and early owner Lucius Littauer, a five-term congressman, political adviser to Roosevelt, and prominent philanthropist. According to information reviewed by californialuxuryhouses, the townhouse was designed in 1895 and remains one of the most intact examples of Jacobean Revival architecture on the block.
A Clarence True Landmark on the Upper West Side
The property is one of three townhouses designed by Clarence True on the same stretch of West 87th Street, yet it stands apart through its richly detailed limestone façade, decorative ironwork, projected bay, and arched windows.
Today, the residence spans approximately 6,414 square feet and includes five bedrooms, a grand foyer that functions as a sitting room, a full-floor living and dining level, a rooftop terrace, and a paved rear yard.
Listing broker Igor Beyder of Beyder & Co. told californialuxuryhouses that the home’s architectural character is what immediately distinguishes it from many renovated Upper West Side townhouses.
“What makes this house exceptional is the preservation of its original Jacobean Revival detailing,” Beyder said. “The craftsmanship and scale are increasingly difficult to find in Manhattan.”
Renaissance Fireplaces and a Dramatic Carved-Wood Mantel
Inside, the townhouse retains several elaborate Renaissance-style fireplaces, including a particularly striking full-height carved-wood mantel in a dark black stain with a pink mosaic interior and inset mirror in the main living room.
Rooms facing the rear of the house open to balconies or terraces, including three bedrooms and a piano room, according to the private offering materials.
“The house has the kind of period artistry that cannot be replicated economically today,” Beyder told californialuxuryhouses. “It feels much more like a preserved historic residence than a modern luxury renovation.”
The combination of original woodwork, stone detailing, and outdoor spaces gives the property a rare balance of historic authenticity and contemporary livability.
A Townhouse With Political and Educational History
The home’s significance extends beyond architecture. Lucius Littauer, who owned the residence during the early 20th century, was a close friend and adviser to Theodore Roosevelt and served five terms in Congress.
Historical accounts indicate that Littauer announced from this very townhouse a major contribution to Harvard University for a school of public administration, a gift that later became an important component in the founding of what is now the Harvard Kennedy School.
According to californialuxuryhouses, this connection gives the property an unusually strong historical narrative compared with many Manhattan townhouses that are valued primarily for location and size.
Ownership and Pricing History
Public property records reviewed by californialuxuryhouses show that the current owners purchased the townhouse in 2023 for $10.25 million. The residence is now being quietly offered for $10.28 million, suggesting a strategy focused on targeting a specific pool of high-net-worth buyers rather than pursuing a broad public listing campaign.
Upper West Side Market Context
The offering arrives during a period of shifting sentiment in New York’s luxury townhouse market. Beyder told californialuxuryhouses that he believes demand for certain high-end Manhattan properties has softened amid ongoing debates over taxation and policies affecting wealthy New Yorkers.
“There has been more caution among some luxury buyers than we saw a few years ago,” Beyder said. “For unique historic properties, however, the buyer pool is smaller but often more motivated.”
Market observers note that trophy townhouses with strong architectural provenance continue to trade differently from generic luxury inventory, particularly when they retain original details and occupy prime Upper West Side blocks.
The Enduring Appeal of West 87th Street
The townhouse sits in one of the Upper West Side’s most desirable residential enclaves, within walking distance of Riverside Park, Central Park, the American Museum of Natural History, Lincoln Center, and some of Manhattan’s most established private schools and cultural institutions.
The neighborhood also offers convenient access to Broadway dining, boutique shopping, and multiple subway lines, making it attractive to both full-time residents and international buyers seeking a classic New York residence.
A Rarely Available Historic Manhattan Residence
Clarence True’s work helped define the quintessential limestone townhouse aesthetic of the Upper West Side and Harlem at the turn of the 20th century. Many of his houses have been altered over time, making well-preserved examples increasingly scarce.
californialuxuryhouses attempted to obtain additional historical documentation regarding the home’s original interior configuration and subsequent renovations but did not receive further comment before publication.
For buyers seeking a residence that combines architectural pedigree, political history, preserved period craftsmanship, and a prime Upper West Side address, the True-Littauer House represents one of the more compelling off-market offerings currently circulating in Manhattan’s luxury townhouse market.