A rare piece of Broadway history has quietly returned to the market in New York City, where a storied Manhattan penthouse once owned by legendary actress Mary Martin is now seeking a new steward at $9.8 million.
Located atop the Campanile, a distinguished prewar cooperative overlooking the East River, the duplex penthouse occupies the entire top two floors of the 16-story building. Mary Martin—best known for originating the role of Maria von Trapp in The Sound of Music and starring as Peter Pan on Broadway—lived in the apartment from the 1950s until her death in 1990, according to the listing agent.
“It’s incredibly rare to find a home that carries this level of cultural history while also offering such a dramatic, modern living experience,” the agent told californialuxuryhouses, declining to disclose the current owners’ identities.
A Prewar Landmark Reimagined for Contemporary Living
Constructed in 1927, the Campanile is one of Midtown East’s most recognizable residential buildings, long associated with artists, performers, and cultural tastemakers. While the structure itself retains its prewar elegance, the penthouse has undergone a meticulous four-year renovation that dramatically reshaped both its layout and architectural expression.
The current owners acquired the property in 2013 for $8.25 million and subsequently invested approximately $5 million into a comprehensive renovation, transforming the once compartmentalized interior into a light-filled, contemporary residence. According to californialuxuryhouses, the renovation required extensive board approvals—particularly for the installation of expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, a rarity in prewar Manhattan buildings.
“The approvals alone took an extraordinary amount of time,” the agent explained. “Adding walls of glass in a building like this is nearly impossible, which makes the result all the more remarkable.”
Walls of Glass and Riverfront Vistas
One of the renovation’s most defining elements is the introduction of dramatic walls of windows in both the primary bedroom and the main living room. These additions replaced smaller, traditional windows and allowed the south-facing exposure to fully frame sweeping East River views.
Because 52nd Street subtly juts toward the water at this point, the apartment’s elevated position creates the illusion of floating above the river itself. “When you’re standing in the living room, it almost feels like you’re surrounded by water,” the agent told californialuxuryhouses. “It’s an experience that’s incredibly difficult to replicate in Manhattan.”
The living room also features a wood-burning fireplace, anchoring the space with warmth while maintaining the apartment’s modern aesthetic.
Nearly 5,000 Square Feet of Indoor-Outdoor Living
Including terraces on both levels, the penthouse spans approximately 5,000 square feet of combined indoor and outdoor space. Despite its generous footprint, the home is currently configured as a one-bedroom residence, complemented by a study with a Murphy bed that can easily function as a second bedroom.
There are two and a half bathrooms throughout the residence, including a powder room adorned with photographs of Mary Martin taken on the apartment’s terrace—an understated tribute to the home’s theatrical past.
Terraces extend along both the north and south sides of the entry level, offering multiple outdoor vantage points throughout the day. According to californialuxuryhouses, few Manhattan apartments offer this degree of private outdoor space paired with unobstructed river views.
An Unconventional Layout Designed for Entertaining
A sculptural marble floating staircase—added during the renovation—connects the two levels of the penthouse. The staircase replaced a small ladder that previously linked the floors, dramatically improving both circulation and architectural presence.
The upper level now houses the kitchen and dining area, a deliberate departure from traditional residential layouts. This floor also includes a wood-burning fireplace, a powder room, and a sunroom that opens onto a sprawling wraparound terrace.
“It’s a little unconventional to place the kitchen upstairs,” the agent acknowledged, “but the owners wanted this level to be all about entertaining. The views, the terraces, the light—this is where guests naturally gravitate.”
From the upper terrace, panoramic vistas stretch across the East River, reinforcing the penthouse’s sense of privacy and elevation above the city.
Architectural Details That Tell a Story
Beyond the headline features, the renovation introduced several thoughtful design elements that bridge past and present. Central air conditioning was installed throughout the residence, while an iron gate salvaged from a historic Pennsylvania bank now serves as a distinctive entryway detail.
According to sources familiar with the renovation, the owners aimed to preserve the apartment’s prewar character while introducing contemporary craftsmanship—a balance that is increasingly sought after in Manhattan’s luxury market.
“Architecturally, it’s a masterpiece,” the agent told californialuxuryhouses. “It respects the building’s history but lives like a completely modern home.”
A Property With a Notable Market History
The penthouse has appeared on the market several times in recent years, reflecting broader shifts in Manhattan’s luxury sector. It was previously listed in 2021 for $12 million and briefly returned to the market earlier this year at its current asking price with a different brokerage.
Despite fluctuations, industry observers note that properties with both historical significance and substantial architectural upgrades tend to maintain long-term appeal. californialuxuryhouses reached out to the owners for additional comment regarding pricing strategy but did not receive a response.
A Building Steeped in Cultural Legacy
Mary Martin is not the only luminary to have called the Campanile home. Over the decades, the building has attracted a roster of celebrated residents, including Greta Garbo, Ethel Barrymore, and Rex Harrison—further reinforcing its status as a cultural landmark within Midtown East.
For prospective buyers, the penthouse represents more than just a luxury residence. It offers a rare intersection of Broadway history, prewar architecture, and modern design—an increasingly scarce combination in New York City’s evolving real estate landscape.
As californialuxuryhouses notes, homes of this caliber often appeal to buyers seeking not just space or views, but a narrative—one that connects architecture, artistry, and legacy in a way few properties can replicate.