The Chelsea townhouse of the late gallerist Barbara Gladstone sold for $13.1 million, over $1 million above its $11.99 million asking price, in an all-cash deal that closed on August 27. The 19th-century Greek Revival row house at 344 W. 22nd St was purchased by an unnamed buyer, with brokers Scott Hustis and Mark Jovanovic of Compass reporting the sale set a record per square foot for a Chelsea townhouse. Gladstone, who founded the Gladstone Gallery in 1980 and became one of New York's most prominent dealers, died in June 2024 at age 89. She had bought the property in 2011 for $6.3 million. Architect Annabell Selldorf designed the current iteration of the 4,395-square-foot home, and Piet Oudolf designed its garden. The home featured gallery-like Venetian plaster walls and white oak floors that showcased works from Gladstone's private collection.
This sale matters because it reflects the enduring value of properties tied to major art-world figures and the intersection of real estate and the art market. The transaction also highlights the continued strength of the Chelsea neighborhood as a prime location for art-world residences. Additionally, the sale follows the auction of 12 pieces from Gladstone's collection at Sotheby's in May, which fetched $18.5 million, with all works sold without guarantees and most exceeding high estimates. The story underscores the legacy of Barbara Gladstone, whose gallery represents a roster of celebrated artists including Matthew Barney, Alex Katz, and Joan Jonas, and whose personal collection and properties remain significant assets in the art market.