For almost five decades, the opportunity to own a space within Calvert Vaux and George Kent Bradford’s iconic Tompkins Square Lodging House has been non-existent. In fact, the last time anyone was able to purchase a unit here was back in 1978 when the East Village was the only place where the likes of Iggy Pop, Allen Ginsberg and Jeff Koons could afford to find space and inspiration to create the art we now hold so dear. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime chance to own a piece of Manhattan history.

Located within the grand building at 295 East 8th Street, Apartment 2-3E covers the back south, east, and north sides of the second and third floors, guaranteeing abundant natural light all day long. The original charm of the building can be uncovered by delicately removing the existing sheetrock to reveal stunning Monk bond brickwork. And, just as we imagined, after removing a section of the ceiling, century old wooden joists were revealed, proving that the entire dropped drywall ceiling can be removed to add 17” of effective ceiling height on the lower level and 10” on the upper level.

Currently, the layout of the apartment is timeless yet understated. With some creative vision or under the guidance of one of New York’s most esteemed architects and designers, this unique “townhouse-y” space could be transformed into something truly extraordinary.

The lower level boasts a generously sized living area facing south with a wood-burning fireplace and a charming Juliet balcony enclosed by its original wrought iron railing. From here, you can take in views of St. Brigid’s Church and Tompkins Square Park – both steeped in rich history. The kitchen overlooks lush planted gardens and the elegant Christodora House on East 9th Street.

Moving up to the upper level of this duplex, you will find three comfortable bedrooms adorned with exposed brick walls, two more wood-burning fireplaces, arched windows, and original strip oak hardwood floors. There are two options for a primary suite, and the smallest of the three rooms has a charming playfulness to it that invokes a sense of childhood nostalgia, encouraging the imagination to smile.

Virtual staging images and an alternate floorplan offer just a glimpse of the endless possibilities that this incredible property holds – one of those quintessential East Village gems that beckons, “What secrets lie within these walls?” Don’t miss your chance to uncover those secrets and make this your home.

[This is not an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy where prohibited by law. Your eligibility to purchase may depend upon your state of residency. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. All measurements and square footage are approximate. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions. Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of New York and abides by