Brothers at War Over Rapidly Deteriorating Family Brownstone Near Central Park
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Two brothers are locked in a war over their four-story family brownstone near Central Park, with one suing the other — whom he claims is a hoarder — to sell the property and split the money. Wale Aliyu reports.
What to Know
Andrew Cohen is suing brother James to sell their family's valuable Upper West Side brownstone near Central Park
Andrew claims James simply moved in and took it over when their father died in 2011 and has let it deteriorate
Shocking photos filed with the lawsuit reveal what appears to be a hoarding condition on the part of James Cohen
Two brothers are locked in a war over their four-story family brownstone near Central Park, with one suing the other -- whom he claims is a hoarder -- to sell the property and split the money.
The single-family brownstone on West 83rd Street, between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue, boasts a basement and a garage, with a deeded curb cut and driveway. Home sale site Zillow estimates its value at $10 million.
Photos taken by a private inspector included in the lawsuit filed over the brownstone
But the prime property is entirely filled with junk and covered in filth, according to Andrew Lindsay Cohen of Vermont, who's suing his brother currently living there, James S. Cohen.
A lawsuit filed by Andrew's attorney Thursday says that when the brothers' mother Cynthia Cohen died in 2007, she left the brownstone to her husband, Joseph Cohen. She also left $1 million to son James, but Joseph -- as the executor of his late wife's will -- apparently never executed the bequest to James.
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The four-bedroom, three-bathroom co-op unit that is up for sale is located on the sixth floor of the famous Dakota building on the Upper West Side. See the full listing here.
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The unit on market was restored to feature a modern twist to old-world charm that includes original moldings and detail adorning the luxurious apartment. See the full listing here.
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The sixth-floor apartment features 12-foot high ceilings, wood burning fireplaces, intricate paneling and original window details. See the full listing here.
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The unit also features a dramatic great room with an adjacent fireplace. See the full listing here.
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The apartment's entry gallery features a fireplace. See the full listing here.
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Adjacent to the dining room, there is a state-of-the-art kitchen that features stainless steel cabinets, marble counters and top-notch appliances. See the full listing here.
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Aside from an eat-in kitchen, the property has a formal dining room with its own wood-burning fireplace. The unit also includes a master bedroom with a spa-like bath with a walk-in closet, as well as three additional guest bedrooms with closet space. There are also two other bathrooms. See the full listing here.
Joseph died in 2011, and his will directed that his estate, including the brownstone, be split equally between his sons. But James, begrudged by not having gotten the $1 million from his mother's will, tried to take over the brownstone in his name alone, according to Andrew Cohen's lawsuit.
When he was unable to take it over entirely, James still somehow managed to adjust the ownership so that he owned 62.5 percent of it, and Andrew owned 37.5 percent.
James has been living inside the home since his father's death in 2011, refusing to pay rent or mortgage -- and now the bank is seeking foreclosure on the house, according to Andrew. The current mortgage debt, including arrears, exceeds $2 million and keeps going up by the day.
Andrew also claims his brother suffers from hoarding, and the home is falling apart as a result. The lawsuit described falling plaster and paint; sagging stairs; water damage from leaks in the roof and skylight; a collapsing back porch; exposed brick; and exposed pipes and wiring.
There's paper, garbage, old belongings and "other filth and detritus" that's accumulated "to the point that certain rooms cannot even be physically entered."
Mold -- potentially toxic -- is growing on surfaces, and rats, mice and other vermin are obviously running through the house, the lawsuit states.
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A view of 520 W. 28th St. in West Chelsea. The building opened in 2017.
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The late world-famous architect Zaha Hadid, who died in 2016. She was known as the "Queen of the curve."
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Sting and his wife are renting an apartment on one of the upper floors of the 11-story building.
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The bright and modern lobby of the building.
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The building is in the heart of Chelsea's art scene.
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Residents of the building can take a dip in the sky-lit swimming pool.
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A bedroom in the building, which includes two- and three-bedroom apartments.
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A master bedroom.
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A master bath.
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The apartment comes with a sleek and stylish kitchen.
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The kitchen includes plenty of natural light.
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A dining area off the kitchen.
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A study area.
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The interior of the apartments at 520 W. 28th St. have a similar modern vibe to Sting's former duplex penthouse on Central Park West.
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A living room with stunning views of the neighborhood.
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The perch has unbeatable views of the High Line and is steps away from Hudson Yards.
"The situation has gotten to the point where the property is no longer safe to enter and is almost inhabitable," it states.
Andrew Cohen is seeking to sell the building in one piece and divide the profits equally between him and his brother, as directed by their father's will.
The lawsuit included photos taken by a private environmental inspector, who concluded that the home isn't healthy for living and "to live here would be to live in squalor."
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Compass
The penthouse atop this 133-year-old building on Broadway was an artist's studio for decades.
Compass
The penthouse needs a “total renovation” before Klum and her kids can move in.
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The sprawling space is 40 feet wide and 125 feet deep with 12-foot-high ceilings. It also features original wood columns and exposed wood beams.
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A rendering of what the penthouse may look like after it's been renovated. Klum also has the option to add skylights.
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What the space looks like now before the renovation...
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And what it may look like once it's transformed into a home.
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The rooftop sports prime views of the World Trade Center and Leonard Street.
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This is what a private terrace may look like, complete with skylights letting in plenty of sunshine to the penthouse below.
