A Home In The Sky: 3 Penthouses, 1 With 10 Bathrooms: How Much House

ACROSS AMERICA — Penthouse living has long been synonymous with status and wealth — a home in the sky with world-class views, rooftop terraces and gardens and a suite of white-glove concierge services that make life easy.

Perched on the top of condominium buildings and five-star hotels and offering some of their respective cities’ best views, penthouses came into vogue in the 1920s when the rapid improvement of elevator systems allowed architects to transform unused, often dirty attic spaces into beautiful apartments far above the noise on the streets below.

The term “penthouse” was coined by author Steven Ruttenbaum in a biography of noted architect Emery Roth, who built New York City’s first homes in the clouds.

These summit apartments were “coveted by artists and the rich and famous alike, who before then preferred the first floor as they had access to the street and saved a flight or several up the stairs,” according to a history of penthouses by the digital arts and culture magazine Faena Aleph.

This week in How Much House, we peek inside three luxury penthouses in Chicago, Minneapolis and New York City.

Illinois | $3,550,000

211 N. Harbor Drive, Chicago
Listed by: Bradley Brondyke | Jameson Real Estate LLC
Square feet: 3,013
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 4 (3 full)
Year built: 2022

Located in Chicago’s exclusive Lakeshore East neighborhood, the penthouse in the Cirrus condominium development has floor-to-ceiling windows that provide expansive views of the confluence of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan.

Interior finishes and fixtures drip luxury, including wide plank hardwood flooring, custom Italian Snaidero cabinetry, quartz counters, coveted Gaggenau appliances, Dornbracht fixtures and spa-like baths.

The purchase price includes all the amenities you’d expect — a 24-hour door staff, indoor parking, and private facilities for entertaining, including an exclusive 41st-floor indoor/outdoor space that includes a wine lounge, chef’s table, catering kitchen, outdoor terrace with lawn area, fire pit and grilling stations for al fresco dining — all overlooking the stunning lakefront and skyline.

The building also has a fully equipped fitness and wellness center that includes strength, motion and yoga studios; a massage suite and steam room; indoor and outdoor pools; and a hydrotherapy pool.

The Cirrus is just steps away from a lakefront running and biking path along DuSable Harbor, neighborhood parks, grocery stores, restaurants and cafés. Peek inside for more photos.

Minnesota | $6,900,000

255 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis
Listed by: Cynthia K Froid | Integrity Holdings Real Estate LLC
Square feet: 4,332
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 4 (1 full)
Year built: 2022

High above Minneapolis, this penthouse tops the Four Seasons, the city’s only five-star hotel. With 18-foot ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows, it is being sold as a raw space ready for the owner to customize with a designer and architect of their choice.

The city views are unparalleled, and the space includes one of the largest private outdoor terraces in the city. There’s plenty of room for the new owner to create a dreamy private alfresco dining and entertainment space.

Of course, the building has a 24-hour front desk concierge team. White-glove services, including housekeeping, valet and in-room dining, are optional.

The sale includes access to all Four Seasons Hotel amenities, including spa and fitness facilities; indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs; and three restaurants, bars and cafés. Three private parking spaces and premium private storage also are included. Peek inside for more photos.

New York | $9,995,000

10 West St., PH38, New York City
Listed by: Paul Gavriani | Engel & Volkers New York City
Square feet: 6,713
Bedrooms: 8
Bathrooms: 10 (8 full)
Year built: 2001

This handsome two-level corner penthouse atop the former Ritz-Carlton Residences represents the pinnacle of luxury living. Its views of New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty and iconic landmarks such as the Empire State Building and Freedom Tower are unparalleled in Manhattan.

The unit has designer kitchens and baths, a dramatic interior staircase and gorgeous white plank floors, and features recessed Lutron lighting and solar shades. The penthouse boasts high ceilings, an abundance of closets, including walk-in closets, and a private laundry room. Kitchen appliances are top-of-the-line and include a double wine fridge.

The primary bedroom has a spa-like ensuite bath with white onyx marble. Five of the other seven bedrooms have ensuite baths with finishes such as Lacava vanities, Duravit toilets, and Robern medicine cabinets.

And, as is the standard in penthouse living, the unit comes with 24-hour, white-glove concierge services, access to a fitness center and onsite parking. Peek inside for more photos.

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