Residence for the Japanese Ambassador to the UN
Residence for the Japanese Ambassador to the UN
11 East 62nd StreetNew York, NY 10065
As I approached this magnificent building, I stopped in my tracks. Although there is nothing to identify it as something other than someone’s personal residence, the breathtaking architecture told me that it had a fascinating history that I needed to learn. Ever the curious one, I wandered next door to speak to the guards outside the Fifth Avenue Synagogue, who told me that No. 11 is owned by the Japanese government and houses their Ambassador to the United Nations. I later learned of its glamorous origins – the structure was originally built in 1899 as a present from the heiress Margaret Louisa Vanderbilt Shepard to her daughter and son-in-law, Edith S. and Ernesto Fabbri. The urban mansion, designed by Haydel & Shepard, was built using limestone brought over from France. It boasts five stories, three sets of French doors, and stone balconies.
When Japan bought the townhouse in 1998, it was the highest priced Manhattan townhouse to date – $21.5 million. The Japanese only had one potential rival buyer: Michael Jackson.
