New York City is known for its unique buildings and architecture,\u00a0but fans of HBO\u2019s \u201cThe Gilded Age\u201d might not know the inspiration behind the elaborate mansions they see on TV.<\/p>\n
The lavish, 1800s buildings and interiors in the drama were inspired by Stanford White<\/a>, a real-life architect of that era who transformed Manhattan before being brutally gunned down by the husband of an ex-lover.<\/p>\n White and his firm, McKim, Mead & White, were the most significant Beaux-Arts architects at the turn of the 20th century. Their work included designing Madison Square Garden, the Washington Square Arch, Judson Memorial Church, the original Penn Station and more.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Gilded Age\u201d Season 3 is airing on HBO. HBO Max<\/p>\n White was shockingly murdered at one of the iconic NYC landmarks he helped create.<\/p>\n On June 25, 1906, millionaire playboy Harry K. Thaw fatally shot White<\/a> at the rooftop theatre of Madison Square Garden. When asked his reasoning for pulling the trigger, Thaw simply responded, \u201cHe ruined my wife.\u201d<\/p>\n At the time, Thaw was married to a young showgirl named Evelyn Nesbit, who was White\u2019s ex-lover. The murder trial would go on to be the first in history coined as the \u201ctrial of the century,\u201d according to the Library of Congress<\/a>.<\/p>\n Architect Stanford White, who was murdered by Harry Thaw. Bettmann Archive<\/p>\n Evelyn Nesbit, Thaw\u2019s wife and Stanford White\u2019s former mistress. Bettmann Archive<\/p>\n Left to right: Harry K. Thaw and Stanford White. Bettmann Archive<\/p>\n While his life came to an end in a tragic and brutal way, White\u2019s projects are still gems around the city. His creations during what came to be known as \u201cThe Gilded Age\u201d were so impactful that the creator of the Emmy-winning drama, Julian Fellowes, even wrote him into the script.<\/p>\n White was played by John Sanders in Season 1, with the character being hired by the most elite and wealthiest families, as well as those with \u201cnew money,\u201d to design the most impressive and extravagant mansions in the city, including the Russells\u2019 grand, Beaux Arts, fictional residence.<\/p>\n With Season 3 of \u201cThe Gilded Age\u201d<\/a> in full swing, The Post spoke to the top real estate agents around the city about some of the fallen architect\u2019s stunning creations that are actually on the market \u2014 and how the HBO series is influencing today\u2019s robber barons looking to buy.<\/p>\n A scene from \u201cThe Gilded Age.\u201d HBO Max<\/p>\n \u201cThe Gilded Age\u201d impact<\/p>\n \u201cNew Yorkers love to watch The Gilded Age!\u201d Elena Sarkissian<\/a>, a top agent at Douglas Elliman, told The Post, admitting she\u2019s one of them.<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t tell you how many people have come in to tour with me for a prospective purchase and have made the connection between the architect and the show. Now that the latest season is airing, people are talking about it even more,\u201d she explained.<\/p>\n Tim Rooney<\/a>, a partner at Jeffrey Beers International, agreed.<\/p>\n The show\u2019s elaborate fictional mansions were inspired by White\u2019s designs. AP<\/p>\n Cynthia Nixon in \u201cThe Gilded Age.\u201d HBO Max<\/p>\n \u201cBuildings like 108 Leonard, designed by the legendary McKim, Mead & White, embody the grandeur and ceremony of the Gilded Age. Every detail\u2014from the intricately layered fa\u00e7ade that draws the eye skyward, to the soaring marble staircases and voluminous lobby\u2014was designed to impress and inspire,\u201d he shared with The Post.<\/p>\n Rooney added that the details of the building \u201cspeak to a level of craftsmanship and drama rarely found in modern architecture,\u201d noting that 108 Leonard is \u201cextraordinary\u201d and \u201callows residents to live within a true Gilded Age landmark while enjoying all the comforts and conveniences of contemporary life\u2014a rare blend of history and modern luxury.\u201d<\/p>\n Scroll to see the \u201cGilded Age\u201d listings:<\/p>\n 108 Leonard \u2013 the Clock Tower penthouse Evan Joseph Images<\/p>\n As mentioned above, one of the most impressive is the Tribeca landmark 108 Leonard, which was built by White and his team in the 1890s. What was once a life insurance company\u2019s headquarters has been transformed into ultra-luxury condos with a Parisian flair. Its residential lobby has similar aesthetics to the uptown mansion lobby owned by Carrie Coon\u2019s character, Bertha Russell.<\/p>\n While Sarkissian serves as the director of sales at 108 Leonard, it was Rooney\u2019s firm that repositioned the property as condos.<\/p>\n \u201cStanford White was a celebrated character of his era for his vision of Italian Renaissance Revival and Beaux Arts architecture during the \u2018Robber Baron\u2019 industrialist era in the US,\u201d she told The Post, noting his controversial past and death<\/a>.<\/p>\n Inside 108 Leonard\u2019s Clock Tower penthouse. Evan Joseph Images<\/p>\n Another interior shot of the desirable penthouse. Evan Joseph Images<\/p>\n However, people of wealth today are drawn to the history, with Sarkissian explaining that those who have been exposed to McKim, Mead & White\u2019s tremendous architecture in NYC, \u201cappreciate the grandeur and attention to detail of Stanford White\u2019s work.\u201d<\/p>\n She called 108 Leonard \u201ca masterpiece both inside and out,\u201d noting that buyers are \u201cin awe of the spectacular lobby and mezzanine.\u201d <\/p>\n They are also \u201cenchanted by the grandeur of the main staircase and the incredible Marble Room,\u201d which, she shared, was formerly the President of NY Life\u2019s office and is now a lounge.<\/p>\n The penthouse is currently on the market for $19.25 million. Will Ellis\/DDReps for Corcoran<\/p>\n \u201cThe ornate landmarked exterior is a feast for the eyes with different size and shaped windows on every floor, its exterior detailing including eagles and gargoyles,\u201d she continued about the property, pointing out that the full city block building is \u201cbookended by the copper-clad historic Cupola at one end and the historic Clocktower at the other end.\u201d<\/p>\n While noting that having the ability to purchase a piece of provenance \u201cis a rarity,\u201d she said it\u2019s been a \u201chuge draw\u201d for this particular property, which is 90% sold since opening sales in 2018. We\u2019re told there are limited remaining homes for sale, including the iconic Clock Tower penthouse<\/a>, which is going for $19.25 million.<\/p>\n Inside the 9 West 54th Street property. Evan Joseph Photography<\/p>\n Another shot of the elaborate interior. Evan Joseph Photography<\/p>\n This massive 11-bedroom, 10-bathroom townhouse was built in 1896 for J.P. Morgan\u2019s cousin and business partner. The listing<\/a>, held by Douglas Elliman, highlights White\u2019s connection to the exquisite landmark.<\/p>\n The 24,000-square-foot mansion hit the market for a whopping $38 million.<\/p>\n The White-designed exterior of 11 East 73rd Street, Residence 2BC. Jonathan Artieda with Rise Media<\/p>\n Located within the Pulitzer Mansion, which was designed by White and built by Joseph Pulitzer in 1903, the building has since been transformed into an exclusive, rare collection of private homes. This two-bedroom, three-bathroom is currently offered for a cool $5.99 million.<\/p>\n Natalie Rakowski<\/a>, who is representing\u00a0the property\u00a0with Evan Rowan and Stephen Gallagher of Douglas Elliman, explained why this property is one-of-a-kind in NYC.<\/p>\n \u201cThis extraordinary residence is believed to be the last remaining private ballroom available for sale in Manhattan \u2014 a true architectural gem from the Gilded Age,\u201d she told The Post.<\/p>\n The one-of-a-kind staircase inside the residence. Jonathan Artieda with Rise Media<\/p>\n Another gorgeous image of the home\u2019s interior. Jonathan Artieda with Rise Media<\/p>\n \u201cOriginally built for Joseph Pulitzer and designed by Stanford White, its nearly 20-foot ceilings, arched glass doors, and full-length Juliet balcony evoke a level of grandeur rarely seen today,\u201d she continued. <\/p>\n \u201cWhat makes it even more glamorous now is how seamlessly it blends its historic opulence with modern luxury, creating a uniquely timeless experience on what many consider the most beautiful block in the city.\u201d<\/p>\n The penthouse is also located within the Pulitzer Mansion. Photography: Yale Wagner<\/p>\n Inside the penthouse. Photography: Yale Wagner<\/p>\n Another stunning image from inside the penthouse. Photography: Yale Wagner<\/p>\n Located inside the same White designed building, this six-room apartment occupies the top two floors of the Pulitzer Mansion and is perfect for entertaining with an elevator, grand ceilings, and a 750-square-foot terrace overlooking the Upper East Side.<\/p>\n The listing<\/a> is held by Sotheby\u2019s, and the penthouse\u2019s asking price is $5.25 million.<\/p>\n 973 Fifth Avenue is considered one of NYC\u2019s last Gilded Age townhouses. Will Ellis\/DDReps for Corcoran<\/p>\n The home found a buyer in May. Will Ellis\/DDReps for Corcoran<\/p>\n This six-story limestone mansion, which was listed with Carrie Chiang of The Corcoran Group, spans 16,000 square feet and was designed by White. It was considered to be one of NYC\u2019s last Gilded Age townhouses until it found a buyer earlier this year.<\/p>\n While the property overlooking Central Park went for a huge discount after several drastic price cuts over the four years it stood on the market, The Post exclusively reported<\/a> that the mansion sold for a staggering $46 million in May.<\/p>\n The sale marked one of the most expensive deals thus far in 2025.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Gilded Age\u201d Season 3<\/p>\n \u201cThe Gilded Age\u201d cast. HBO Max<\/p>\n Cynthia Nixon in \u201cThe Gilded Age.\u201d HBO Max<\/p>\n \u201cThe Gilded Age\u201d first premiered on HBO in 2022. Featuring stars like Carrie Coon, Cynthia Nixon, Christine Baranski and more, the historical drama became an instant success, garnering 7 Emmy nominations over a two-year time span. <\/p>\n