281 Park Avenue South presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to acquire a historic and iconic 45,000 square foot Beaux-Arts masterpiece in the heart of Gramercy Park. Designed in 1894 by architects Robert W. Gibson and Edward J. Neville Stent and commissioned by luminaries like Cornelius Vanderbilt and J.P. Morgan, this landmarked six-story building was originally known as the Church Missions House. Rich in architectural significance and cultural heritage, the property features intricate stonework, arched stained-glass windows, and soaring ceiling heights ranging from 10 to 25 feet. Its Renaissance Revival façade dominates the corner of Park Avenue South and East 22nd Street with 80 feet of prime frontage and unparalleled street presence.

Fully renovated in 2019, the building blends old-world grandeur with modern functionality. The interiors include a meticulously built-out ground floor and second-level restaurant and event space, formerly home to Stephen Starr’s Verōnika, featuring soaring ceilings, dramatic arched windows, chandeliers, and hand-painted detailing. The upper floors are delivered vacant and are ideal for creative offices, gallery, flagship headquarters, or high-end institutional use. Two commercial kitchens, three elevators, and expansive layouts provide flexibility for a variety of occupier strategies.

Included in the offering is an optional 2,700 square foot annex at 277 Park Avenue South, currently home to the Chapel Bar, an award-winning hospitality concept housed in a landmarked Gothic-style former chapel with 25-foot vaulted ceilings and original arched windows. This annex, under a separate ground lease, further enhances the value and versatility of the assemblage.

Designated a New York City landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, 281 Park Avenue South offers unparalleled architectural prestige, extraordinary bones, and limitless potential. With vacant possession and fully built interiors, this property is a trophy asset that promises both historic stature and modern utility in one of Manhattan’s most coveted neighborhoods.