Bridging the Gap: 9 Jay Street
Real Estate in New York is a weird mix of the most beautiful properties in the world and the most repulsive. Apartments are the norm and, more often than not, they can be cramped, dark, and dated. If you can afford it, buying an unique property that breaks the apartment-mold can reveal you to some unusual gems. 9 Jay Street is exactly that kind of property.
9 Jay Street is a dream in the heart of TriBeCa. Located on Jay Street, the townhouse connects to an adjacent loft via a skybridge crossing over Staple Street. No, you're not hallucinating, there is a private bridge that connects the two parts of the home. Said bridge is the famous Staple Street Skybridge, which connected the New York Hospital's House of Relief to an annex next door. The property now occupies portions of both historic buildings with the bridge connecting both sides.
View of the Skybridge from Jay Street
Floorplan of Both Sides, courtesy of Curbed NY
The owner, clothing designer Zoran Ladicorbic, has occupied the double sided unit since the late 1970s. He used one side as his living quarters and the other as his studio. Zoran's clothing line was known for its simple shapes that lacked any embellishment. The pieces were loose fitting and typically made of ultra high-end fabrics. This aesthetic carried over to his home, which features white walls and stark clean lines. "Life imitates art" has never had a more applicable context.
Zoran Clothing
The entire property is sparsely dotted with minimalist furniture and is free of any adornment. The real estate team is marketing the space to be transformed into a six thousand square foot townhome with five bedrooms and a private garage. This opportunity is remarkable, but I hope that the next owners keep the integrity of Zoran's vision and don't dismantle the space too aggressively. The location, size, and skybridge ownership makes the home a winner even without the accoutrements of a 21st century lifestyle and could be the ultimate pad to throw giant (child free) parties.
Loft Living Room, courtesy of Brown Harris Stevens
Kitchen, courtesy of Brown Harris Stevens
Master Bedroom with Open Bathroom, courtesy of Curbed NY
Interior of the Skybridge, courtesy of Brown Harris Stevens
Exit to Private Roofdeck, courtesy of Brown Harris Stevens
If you've always wanted to own your own skybridge or are a fan of Zoran's clothing line, look up 9 Jay Street for some of the best real estate porn in recent memory.
9 Jay Street Side with Garage, courtesy of Brown Harris Stevens
