George Cheeks, the president and CEO of CBS and chief content officer for news and sports at Paramount+, has listed his New York City penthouse for $7.95 million. The property is located in the landmark Art Deco building, Stella Tower, in Midtown West. This move comes as Cheeks and his partner, Laurence Hausman, plan to spend more time on the West Coast and abroad.
Key Takeaways
- George Cheeks, CBS CEO, is selling his New York City penthouse for $7.95 million.
- The residence is located in Stella Tower, a historic Art Deco building in Midtown West.
- The property spans approximately 3,455 square feet indoors and includes 1,070 square feet of private outdoor space.
- Cheeks and his partner intend to relocate to the West Coast and spend more time internationally.
- The listing follows CBS News's acquisition of "The Free Press" and the appointment of Bari Weiss as editor-in-chief.
Executive's Real Estate Shift in New York
The decision by George Cheeks to sell his New York City residence marks a personal transition for the media executive. He and his partner, Laurence Hausman, acquired the penthouse in November 2019 for $7.25 million. The current asking price reflects a potential appreciation in value since their purchase.
This real estate activity coincides with significant changes at CBS News. The network recently announced the appointment of Bari Weiss, founder of "The Free Press," as its new editor-in-chief. This follows Paramount's $150 million acquisition of Weiss's news platform.
Property Details
- Asking Price: $7.95 million
- Purchase Price (2019): $7.25 million
- Indoor Area: Approximately 3,455 square feet
- Outdoor Area: 1,070 square feet across three private terraces
Stella Tower: A Landmark Residence
The penthouse, identified as unit PHD, is situated in Stella Tower. This building is a prominent Art Deco landmark in Midtown West. Built in 1927, the structure was originally designed by the acclaimed architect Ralph Walker. It served as the headquarters for the New York Telephone Company before its conversion into a luxury condominium.
JDS Development led the restoration of Stella Tower. The building now offers a range of luxury amenities. These include a 24-hour attended lobby, a modern fitness center, a residents' lounge, a landscaped garden, and secure bike storage. These features contribute to its appeal as a high-end residential address.
According to Joshua Judge, the broker at Sotheby’s International Realty handling the listing, the residence is "just too much space" for a couple who are rarely in town. "So his partner retired, and they’re spending more time in LA," Judge stated. "They’re also purchasing other real estate in other countries as well. They’re figuring out what the New York move is. But it’s just too much space. The reality is just too much space for them who are never here."
Interior Design and Amenities
The penthouse interior has undergone significant reimagining. It features custom marble and woodwork throughout. Originally, the apartment was configured with four bedrooms. It was later converted into a three-bedroom layout. This change maximized living space, creating an expansive great room.
The kitchen, redesigned by NY Loft, is a chef's dream. It includes high-end appliances such as a Sub-Zero refrigerator and freezer, Wolf double ovens, a Bosch dishwasher, and a Miele induction cooktop. One of the private terraces is equipped with an Everdure 4K Electric Grill by celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal, enhancing the outdoor entertaining options.
Art Deco Heritage
Ralph Walker, the architect behind Stella Tower, is renowned for his Art Deco designs. His work often features intricate brickwork and distinctive setbacks, characteristic of the era. Stella Tower is considered a sister building to the equally acclaimed Walker Tower on West 18th Street, which has attracted a number of high-profile residents over the years. This architectural pedigree adds to the prestige and value of properties within these buildings.
Panoramic Views and Exclusive Location
The penthouse offers protected panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline. This is due to its location within the Clinton Historic District and its status as the tallest building in the immediate area. The landmark designation ensures that these views will remain unobstructed.
The building's clientele matches its artistic and cultural significance. Joshua Judge noted that the adjacent penthouse was previously sold by comedian Trevor Noah in 2023. Other notable residents have included composer Stephen Schwartz and choreographer Jerry Mitchell. This history reinforces Stella Tower's reputation as a desirable address for prominent individuals.
Building Features and Neighborhood
- Architect: Ralph Walker (1927)
- Original Use: New York Telephone Company building
- Current Use: White-glove condominium
- Residential Services: 24-hour attended lobby, fitness center, residents' lounge, landscaped garden, bike storage
- Neighborhood: Midtown West, Clinton Historic District
- Views: Protected panoramic city views
The primary suite in the penthouse is designed with a gallery-like layout. It features dual walk-in closets and a luxurious bathroom. This bathroom is clad in chevron-patterned Black Zeus marble and includes a soaking tub and a steam shower. Throughout the residence, details like 8-foot oak doors, tilt-and-turn windows, and hand-laid oak floors contribute to its refined aesthetic. An expansive great room is anchored by a fireplace, creating a central gathering space.
The decision by George Cheeks to list this property reflects a broader trend among executives seeking more flexible living arrangements. The ability to spend time in different locations, including the West Coast and international destinations, is becoming more common for high-level professionals. The sale of this penthouse marks a significant personal and professional transition for the CBS CEO.
