Stone lions guard the entrance to Millan House. These aren’t just any lions. They are carved stone sentinels silently watching over this grand co-op. Millan House isn’t just a building; it’s a piece of New York City history. Located in Lenox Hill on Manhattan’s Upper East Side it stands tall at 115 East 67th Street and 116 East 68th Street.
This elegant structure wasn’t always a co-op. Its story begins long ago. The land belonged to the Baptist Church after the American Civil War. Then John D Rockefeller Jr. purchased it in 1929 for a staggering one million dollars. He commissioned the renowned architect Andrew J Thomas to design the building. Construction started in 1930 and was completed a year later in 1931.
Imagine the scene. Workers meticulously placing each stone. The elegant neo-Romanesque style slowly taking shape. The two buildings connected by a formal garden a hidden oasis in the bustling city. Wealthy families moved in. Early tenants included the likes of Simon Flexner Herbert L Pratt Jr and Witherbee Black. These names represent a bygone era of New York high society.
But Millan House’s history is not just about its opulent beginnings. In 1947 a tenant named J W Boardman Milligan spearheaded a remarkable transformation. He successfully changed the rent-only building into a co-op. This decision fundamentally altered Millan House’s future. It allowed for a unique form of ownership shaping its character.
Later Frank K Houston chairman and CEO of the Chemical Bank resided here. He lived in Millan House until his death in 1973. His presence added another layer to the building’s rich history. It’s a history full of powerful figures and transformative decisions.
Millan House is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a living testament to the architectural grandeur of the past. It’s a place where history and modern life intersect. It stands as a symbol of the enduring spirit of New York City. It’s a co-op with a story that continues to unfold. A story written in stone in the heart of Lenox Hill.