Lorna Simpson's Previous Residential Property and Artistic Workspace Up for Sale, Valued at $6.5 Million.
In the heart of Brooklyn's vibrant Fort Greene neighbourhood, Lorna Simpson's former home and studio at 208 Vanderbilt Avenue is now on the market, priced at $6.5 million. Designed by renowned architect David Adjaye in 2006, this modern four-story townhouse stands as an important architectural addition to the city, combining residential and artistic living spaces.
The property, affectionately known as 'Pitch Black', boasts a sleek design, with black polypropylene panels adorning the front and glass windows leading to more than 800-square-feet of tranquil garden space at the back. The interior originally consisted of three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, and separate studio spaces, spanning approximately 3,300-square-feet.
Simpson, a prominent artist who rose to prominence during the 1980s and '90s, created the space due to the lack of a suitable one for her needs. Her work, known for its alluring and elusive surfaces that form images of Black women in an exploration of gender, race, and culture, is currently on view in the exhibition "Source Notes" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York until November 2.
The natural light throughout the building is extraordinary, allowing Simpson to work until the daylight fades. The outdoor space, tranquil day or night, offers a peaceful retreat amidst the bustling city.
The building is located among Fort Greene Park and other notable art locales like the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) and Pratt Institute, making it an ideal location for both living and working. Monthly property taxes for the building are just above $12,000.
This is not the first notable artist's studio to hit the market within recent years. Similar properties include Andy Warhol's former studio and Jean-Michel Basquiat's living and working space, as well as Anselm Kiefer's home and studio in Gramercy Park.
[1] https://www.corcoran.com/ny/new-developments/208-vanderbilt-avenue-brooklyn/ [3] https://www.archdaily.com/881957/lorna-simpson-studio-david-adjaye [5] https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/lorna-simpson-studio-david-adjaye
- The modern four-story townhouse on 208 Vanderbilt Avenue, once home and studio of artist Lorna Simpson, currently houses a gallery space ideal for showcasing art, particularly painting and photography that resonate with the themes she is known for.
- As art lovers explore the vibrant Fort Greene neighborhood, they might find themselves immersed in an art-filled lifestyle, with museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and home-and-garden exhibitions, in addition to numerous art galleries and studios.
- For those passionate about art and architecture, this townhouse offers the opportunity to live in a unique space with a rich history, perfect for both personal living quarters and a home-and-garden studio, just like the artists Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Anselm Kiefer before them.
- The tranquil garden space at the back of the townhouse can serve as a private exhibition area, allowing homeowners to display their personal art collections amidst lush greenery and serenity, while still being close to renowned institutions like the Brooklyn Academy of Music and Pratt Institute.
