A Chelsea townhouse with more than two centuries of New York real estate history behind it has entered a new chapter — this time as a sprawling single-family mansion asking $17.7 million.
Located at 340 West 23rd Street, the 25-foot-wide property was originally built in 1819 and most recently served as the longtime office of Stribling & Associates, one of Manhattan’s best-known residential brokerages.
The address carries unusual pedigree.
The brokerage James N. Wells & Sons first opened in the space in 1819, making it the longest-running residential real estate office in the country. That lineage continued for generations, eventually becoming Wells & Gay, which was later acquired by Stribling. Elizabeth Stribling herself purchased the building in 1989 for $990,000, according to city records.
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Following a gut renovation, it’s now a palatial 7-story townhome
Now, after a meticulous three-year gut renovation and expansion, the former office has been fully transformed into a spectacular seven-story, 9,422-square-foot private residence.
Listing agent David Kornmeier of Brown Harris Stevens rightfully describes it as a rare offering that combines historic architecture with modern engineering, elevator access, and newly built entertaining spaces.
Built in 1819 and home to generations of NYC real estate firms
Few Manhattan townhouses can trace their origins back as far as this one. Built the same year James N. Wells & Sons opened its doors, the property remained tied to residential real estate for roughly two centuries.
Today’s renovation preserved key historic elements, including original fireplace mantels and architectural proportions, while introducing imported marble, custom millwork, and updated systems.
Advanced mechanical infrastructure has been discreetly integrated throughout, allowing the home to function like a newly built residence while retaining its early-19th-century framework.
A private elevator now connects all seven floors, bringing modern convenience to a structure that predates New York’s brownstone boom.
A dramatic curved staircase anchors interiors with 20-foot ceilings
One of the defining features of the home is its central staircase, a sweeping curved structure that rises through the residence and serves as both a functional element and architectural focal point.
The entry level opens beneath ceilings exceeding 20 feet, immediately setting the tone for the home’s unusually large scale. Custom lighting installations and artisan chandeliers enhance the vertical volume, giving the interiors a gallery-like atmosphere.
The townhouse contains 13 rooms in total, including six bedrooms, six full bathrooms, and two powder rooms.
Chef’s kitchen features hand-forged walnut island and Gaggenau appliances
The kitchen was designed as both a functional workspace and a central gathering area.
Its most striking feature is a hand-forged walnut island, paired with imported stone surfaces and custom cabinetry.
High-end appliances include Gaggenau and Thermador fixtures, reflecting the home’s focus on performance as well as design. The space connects easily to the surrounding entertaining areas, allowing the main living floors to work together.
Entire primary floor dedicated to a private suite with terrace
The full third floor is reserved entirely for the primary suite, creating a level of privacy rarely seen in Manhattan townhouses.
The suite opens to a private terrace, adding outdoor space directly connected to the living quarters.
With a custom bath finished in Calacatta Gold marble
The bathroom is finished in Calacatta Gold marble and includes a soaking tub and custom fittings.
This full-floor layout allows the primary level to function as a self-contained retreat within the larger residence.
Glass atrium opens to dual rooftop terraces overlooking Chelsea
At the top of the home, a glass-enclosed atrium opens onto two landscaped roof terraces with skyline views.
With a great room on the upper level, bespoke bar
This upper level also includes a dedicated entertaining area with a bespoke bar and great room, designed for hosting gatherings or private events. The combo of indoor and outdoor spaces makes this floor one of the property’s most distinctive features.
Lower level offers flexibility for wellness, guests, or executive workspace
The lower level spans the full length of the building and features ceilings over nine feet high. It can function as a wellness floor, screening room, office suite, or guest quarters depending on the owner’s needs.
Like the rest of the house, it has been finished to the same standard as the main living areas.
A rare Chelsea townhouse with both residential and commercial potential
With both residential and commercial zoning, the property offers unusual flexibility compared to most Manhattan townhouses. Its size — more than 9,400 square feet — and 25-foot width place it among the larger historic residences in Chelsea.
Now listed for $17.7 million, the former real estate office has completed its transformation into a full-scale private mansionm one that reflects both the deep history of New York real estate and the evolving life of the neighborhood around it.
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