281 Park Ave S

Avison Young and SERHANT., as the exclusive agents, are proud to present 281 Park Avenue South, an iconic 42,500± square foot Beaux-Arts landmark building situated at the vibrant southeast corner of Park Avenue South and East 22nd Street in the heart of Gramercy Park. The Property features 80 feet of frontage on Park Avenue South and 70 feet of frontage on East 22nd Street.
Originally constructed in 1894 and known as the Church Missions House, this stunning six-story commercial property showcases the quintessential architectural style of the turn of the 20th century. Designed by renowned architects Robert W. Gibson and Edward J. Neville Stent— who combined Gibson’s formal training at the Royal Academy of Arts in London with Stent’s artistic vision—the building was commissioned by prominent donors including Cornelius Vanderbilt and J. Pierpont Morgan. In recognition of its historical significance, 281 Park Avenue South was designated a New York City landmark in 1979 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
The existing structure is comprised of six-stories, each boasting impressive ceiling heights ranging from 10 to 20 feet. The sixth floor features vaulted ceilings, and each floor offers expansive views up and down Park Avenue South. There are two full kitchens, one on the ground level and the other in the expansive below-grade space.
Additionally, the Property is equipped with 2 passenger elevators, 1 freight elevator, and 1 elevator which directly serves the 2nd floor restaurant space. Formerly home to Stephen Starr’s critically acclaimed Veronika, the restaurant space features breathtaking arched stained-glass windows, hand-painted murals, and soaring ceilings just shy of 20 feet.
There is also a 2,700 SF annex space at 277 Park Avenue Space that is currently built-out as the award winning Roman and Williams designed Chapel Bar. The former 19th century landmarked chapel features 25+ foot vaulted gothic ceilings and arch stained windows. This space is currently on a ground lease and can be made available for a buyer, although it is not required for purchase.
This unique property offers a rare opportunity to acquire one of Manhattan’s most recognizable assets in an irreplaceable location. Delivered vacant, it serves as a blank canvas for an owner/occupant to craft their vision. The exceptionally built-out restaurant and event spaces are ideally suited for hospitality use, allowing the owner to potentially occupy the upper floors while generating income from ground and second-floor operations.