Pop star Gracie Abrams has officially joined the ranks of famed New Yorkers by purchasing a stunning penthouse at the iconic 1 Fifth Avenue for $5.5 million. The three-bedroom, three-bathroom residence is located within the historic building situated across from Washington Square Park, known for its high-profile residents and rich history.
On March 17, 2025, Abrams secured her new home, marking another milestone in her rapidly ascending career. With this acquisition, she follows in the footsteps of legendary residents including The Rolling Stones’ Keith Richards, actress Jessica Lange, and filmmaker Tim Burton. Such illustrious past tenants only heighten the allure of living within this Art Deco tower, originally envisioned by architect Harvey Wiley Corbett and completed in 1927.
Measuring 2,000 square feet, the penthouse is the combined result of two smaller apartments, now offering spacious living quarters and multiple outdoor spaces. According to the listing from Sotheby's, the home features large picture windows providing abundant natural light, as well as direct access to not one, but three terraces. The primary suite boasts southern views overlooking the second terrace, and two additional bedrooms stand ready to accommodate guests or family.
Interestingly, this unit was last sold for $7 million back in 2008, illustrating how the value of high-end real estate continues to fluctuate even within such prestigious locales.
The storied history of 1 Fifth Avenue is rich. Once serving as a hotel for artists and wealthy guests, the building's artistic legacy continues today. Sandra Bernhard and Brian De Palma are among other notable figures who have resided here. Matthew Sedacca of New York Magazine states, "There’s a bright, cheery unfussiness to her style..." referencing Abrams' personal flair and how it might integrate with the building's more traditional aura.
While the bright and vibrant singer-songwriter appears to embody the spirit of the New York lifestyle, critiques suggest her style may clash with the building's classic decorum. The lobby of 1 Fifth Avenue features dark, columned architecture, representing another era quite different from Abrams' upbeat persona.
Contextually, Gracie Abrams has transitioned from shooting DIY music videos from her cluttered Los Angeles bedroom to gracing the top floors of one of New York's premier buildings. It was not long ago when she opened for Taylor Swift during the Eras Tour, showcasing her growing popularity. Last year, her headlining concerts drew crowds so large it created quite the buzz, with tickets fetching exorbitant prices; fans even demanded justifiable explanations for the $700 seat at her Madison Square Garden performance.
Interestingly, before purchasing the penthouse, she bought another smaller unit on November 2024 for $1.95 million, previously owned by abstract artist John Sennhauser. While the specifics on combining these properties remain uncertain, sources suggest potential renovations are on the horizon, particularly since the unit features older design elements—described as needing “a renovation” according to The Real Deal.
With friends and influential figures already inhabiting the area, including Paul Mescal, who is currently starring at BAM, Abrams has shared her intentions to plant more permanent roots. A Glamour profile succinctly summarized her aspirations stating she was “itching to move to New York permanently.”
The penthouse itself is rather reflective of her new direction. Alongside its considerable size, the three terraces, albeit needing some updates, offer expansive views of the surrounding architectural beauty of the city. Even the kitchen appears to harken back to another era, with some claiming it looks like it was crafted long before she was born.
The anticipation surrounding her renovation choices adds another layer of curiosity to Abrams' new chapter. Integrators of contemporary design, paired with her lively style, promise exciting possibilities for this classic penthouse, leading to discussions about what this infusion of youthful energy could entail for the structure’s history.
With aspirations to make the penthouse more representative of her innovative creativity, the eyes of many will watch closely how this young artist rejuvenates not just her new home, but also potentially the very building itself, combining past and present within its storied walls. This move signifies Gracie Abrams' steadfast connection to the vibrant heart of New York City and her evolution as one of its rising pop superstars.
