The $50 million penthouse at 551 West 21st Street in Chelsea was a 2015-era listing at the top of Foster + Partners’ 19-story tower; recorded sales in the building since then were lower, with two other penthouses reported at $34 million (December 2016) and $33 million (January 2017). This page keeps the original listing story and adds what we could verify about the tower.
| Detail | Figure |
|---|---|
| Address | 551 West 21st Street, Chelsea, Manhattan |
| Architect | Foster + Partners |
| Original ask (top penthouse) | $50 million (2015 listing) |
| Penthouse C sale | $34 million, closed December 2016 (listed at $40 million; broker record) |
| Penthouse B sale | $33 million, closed January 2017 (listed at $35 million; broker record) |
| Residences | 44 homes with three or four bedrooms each |
Where is the building?
551 West 21st Street rises about 250 feet above the Hudson River in the Chelsea Arts District, home to more than 200 galleries. The tower was designed by Norman Foster and Partners and was under construction in the original listing, with occupancy expected in fall 2015. Public listing data now shows it as a 20-story building completed in 2013 by its own count, so floor counts differ between sources.
” The tower’s design responds to this unique urban context, creating light, spacious residences with panoramic views of the river and Midtown, while relating in scale to neighboring buildings and drawing on the area’s industrial heritage in its materials and details. ” says the team behind the $ 50 million Manhattan Penthouse luxury project.
What did the residences offer?
The tower holds 44 large residences with three or four bedrooms, high ceilings and panoramic views of the river and Midtown. Three penthouses sit at the top, and the $50 million listing was the uppermost.
” Drawing inspiration from the grandeur of the city’s historic apartments, the interior concept combines the warmth of traditional family living with privacy, comfort and contemporary luxury. “
What was inside the penthouse?
The eat-in chef’s kitchen was designed by Foster + Partners and produced by Molteni & C-Dada, with Blanco de Macael marble and oak cabinetry. Appliances included a Gaggenau cooktop, a Miele coffee machine and a Teppanyaki grill. The master suite measured about 1,000 square feet and opened onto a private loggia with views to the south of the city.
What amenities does the building have?
Amenities listed at the time include a private gated drive court, a yoga room, a residents’ lounge, a 24-hour doorman and concierge, a children’s playroom and a fitness center with spa facilities for men and women.
” Continuing the creative character of the district, the lobby features niches for works of art and is partially illuminated by a wall of prismatic glass, which animates the interior with sparkling patterns of light. “
What do penthouses here sell for today?
We could not confirm a sale of the original $50 million unit. One full-floor penthouse (PH19, about 6,173 sq ft, four bedrooms, five baths) appears on a brokerage site with the price shown as unknown, and another was shown at $36.5 million before being marked no longer available. Treat the $33 to $34 million 2016-2017 closings as the best verified price points.
FAQ
Where is the $50 million Manhattan penthouse?
It was listed at 551 West 21st Street in Chelsea, in a Foster + Partners tower near the Hudson River.
Who designed the building?
Norman Foster and Partners designed the tower, and the kitchens are by Foster + Partners with Molteni & C-Dada.
Did the penthouse sell for $50 million?
We could not confirm that. Broker records show other penthouses in the building closing at $34 million (December 2016) and $33 million (January 2017).
How many residences are in the tower?
The original marketing described 44 residences with three or four bedrooms each.
How big was the master suite?
About 1,000 square feet, with a private loggia, according to the original listing.
Last updated: October 2026.
