Late PBS Anchor Robert MacNeil’s Upper West Side New York Apartment Listed For $5.5 million.
The Upper West Side apartment of the late PBS journalist Robert “Robin” MacNeil is now available for sale at $5.5 million. Listed by Leslie O’Shea and Stacy Dolan of Brown Harris Stevens, this elegant home is a rare find, offering prewar charm and timeless sophistication. “The apartment is in estate condition,” O’Shea told Mansion Global. “It’s like walking into a very elegant time capsule.”
Photo : Jon Nissenbaum
MacNeil, co-founder of PBS’s NewsHour with Jim Lehrer in 1975, moved into the apartment after retiring from the anchor desk in 1995. He passed away in 2024 at the age of 93, and now his estate is looking for a new owner to appreciate its history and grandeur.
Photo : Jon Nissenbaum
The expansive three-bedroom, three-bathroom apartment is located on the eighth floor of the neo-Gothic Studio Building, a 14-story landmark built in 1909. Designed originally as artist studios by renowned architects Herbert Spencer Harde and R. Thomas Short, the building features intricate terracotta detailing.
Photo : Jon Nissenbaum
The apartment itself, covering approximately 2,700 square feet, offers one of the best views in New York City. The south-facing windows of the spacious living room look directly at the iconic American Museum of Natural History.
LATEST: Michael Jordan’s $9.5M Mansion Rental Price Slashed by $50K.
Upon entering, a semi-private elevator landing leads to a foyer and gallery, which still holds its original leaded glass windows. The gallery connects the bright and airy living room with the elegant rosewood-paneled dining room, which also features interior leaded glass windows, providing a view of guests entering the foyer. Adjacent to the dining area is a large kitchen, somewhat dated but well-maintained, along with a staff bedroom and bath, plus a convenient service entrance.
Photo : Jon Nissenbaum
The home’s layout is ideal for entertaining, offering a clear separation between public and private spaces. The primary suite, located at the end of a long L-shaped corridor, offers abundant closet space and an en-suite bathroom. Two additional bedrooms share a Jack-and-Jill bathroom. Three wood-burning fireplaces throughout the apartment add a cozy atmosphere to this historic home.
The full-service Studio Building includes exceptional amenities such as a doorman, live-in resident manager, private storage, bike storage, a playroom, a gym, and a central laundry room.
Photo : Jon Nissenbaum
This stunning apartment represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of New York history while enjoying the elegance and quiet charm of the Upper West Side. For a buyer looking to combine classic beauty with modern convenience, this residence offers the perfect blend of both, making it a true treasure.
