2 min readMost people don’t want to live next to a firehouse. But what about in one? For the last four years, contemporary artist Daniel Arsham has lived and worked in a former SoHo fire station, when he isn’t at his primary residence near the Hamptons. Now, he’s put the 2,800-square-foot property on the market for just under $9 million.
Known for his immersive installations and high-profile collaborations with brands such as Tiffany and Kohler, the multidisciplinary artist bought the three-story Queen Anne structure from photographer Terry Richardson in 2022.
The 1887 building originally functioned as a firehouse.
Arsham proceeded to completely reimagine the 1887 structure, originally designed by Napoleon LeBrun, who was the official architect of the New York City Fire Department. Now part of a landmarked historic district, the edifice lost its fourth floor at some point in its history but still retains the original LeBrun cast-iron base and upper floors in a medley of ornamented brick and limestone.
After purchasing the residence with wife Stephanie Jeanroy for $5.95 million, per StreetEasy, Arsham spearheaded a total revamp. He sandblasted the original cast-iron spiral staircase and painted it his signature shade of “Arsham Green,” a vibrant minty hue that often appears in his work. (The stair links all five levels, which include a finished basement and roof terrace.)
The primary suite has custom Calico wallpaper.
He also refinished the wide-plank oak floors, updated the internal systems, and completely redid the kitchen, which is located on the second floor with the living area. The third story houses the home’s only bedroom, a primary suite sheathed in custom Calico wallpaper with a walk-in closet, glass-encased tiled shower, and 3D-printed rock sink from his Kohler partnership.
Above it all is a rooftop garden planted with shrubs and ivy that comes with a wood-clad lounge area, cabana, and water line.
The street level garage has poured-concrete floors.
The selling point for Arsham was the street-level garage, where he parks his beloved Porsche 964 Carrera 2. When not occupied, the soaring space also doubles as a studio, with a wall of built-in shelving, a workstation, and full bath. It’s decorated with Arsham’s work as well as pieces by friends and contemporaries.
185 Lafayette Street is listed for $8.995 million with Nick Gavin of Nick Gavin Properties at Compass.