Second Story

A newsletter for those who love old houses and history.

By Robert Khederian

· Over 6,000 subscribers

Inside the lost 30-room triplex penthouse of Arthur Brisbane at 1215 Fifth Avenue

Three levels, two kitchens, and one 60-foot-long living room. I piece back together one of the grandest spreads in NYC history.

Jun 19•Robert Khederian

Cheers to Donohue's

After 76 years, the Upper East Side institution is closing this Friday, June 19.

Jun 16•Robert Khederian

Inside a Jewelbox on Lower Fifth

A first look at a wonderful Greenwich Village apartment new to the market this week!

Jun 9•Robert Khederian

The best Hudson Valley country house available right now

Anyone want to lend me $2.775M?

Jun 2•Robert Khederian

Why powder rooms are so rare in prewar apartments

Turns out, the answer lies in how

May 29•Robert Khederian

666 Park Avenue: NYC’s most palatial, mysterious maisonette

Apr 25, 2025•Robert Khederian

What intact prewar staff quarters look like

Nov 25, 2025•Robert Khederian

The prewar floorplan fantasy

Feb 21, 2025•Robert Khederian

Spelunking in an Ansonia apartment

Jan 9•Robert Khederian

What remains of Elsie de Wolfe's first commission

I went spelunking in the place largely considered the birthplace of American interior design. Here’s what I found.

Jun 12•Robert Khederian

FLOORPLAN BREAKDOWN: 778 Park Avenue, 8th Fl.

It's on the market for $25,000,000, and I was invited for a tour this past week.

May 26•Robert Khederian

Our flooded bathroom got the glow up it deserved

After a faulty toilet wreaked havoc on our 200-year-old house, we sought to transform a bland hall bath into something more appropriate for the house.

May 22•Robert Khederian

In search of the right front door color

We admittedly should be focusing on other projects around the house.

May 15•Robert Khederian

We should be talking about The September Issue more.

"Those poor godd tm Rodartes!" — Grace Coddington

May 12•Robert Khederian

ICYMI: 7 of the best issues of Second Story

From pub snugs to mysterious apartments.

May 8•Robert Khederian

The best details in an off-market River House apartment

You know I love nothing more than original cabinetry!

May 5•Robert Khederian

What it takes to buy a NYC co-op

How to ensure the only question you get from the board is "When can you meet for an interview?"

May 1•Robert Khederian

FLOORPLAN BREAKDOWN: 1040 Fifth Ave, #16

The full-floor spread listed recently for $35,000,000. See how the current and original layouts compare.

Apr 28•Robert Khederian