Another One Bites the Dust
- Details
- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
- Category: Real Estate
When I read that a developer had filed an application to the Village of Scarsdale to demolish a 9,200 square foot home on Heathcote Road, I marked my calendar to attend the 10-15 hearing.
I had formerly researched the home and knew that it was on 5+ acres and had many updates. Unlike other houses that have recently been torn down, this one has not fallen into disrepair. In fact, it is beautifully appointed with a "deluxe kitchen," seven full baths, 3 half baths, a pool, tennis court and even a guesthouse.
And though the architectural style of the house did not have merit, the former residents were interesting. The home was formerly owned by Virginia and Leonard Marx who were prominent members of the community. Marx was a developer and manager of real estate properties and chairman and chief executive of Merchants National Properties. In 1985 he was on the Forbes 400 list of the richest Americans with a net worth of $300 million. The Marx's were active philanthropists who endowed professorships at Columbia University and built a daycare center at Westchester Community College called the Virginia Marx Children's Center. Leonard Marx served as a trustee of the Scarsdale Foundation from 1953-1974 and donated funds to keep the Scarsdale Library open on Sundays. Virginia Marx died in 1999 and Leonard Marx died in 2002 at the age of 97 at the house on Heathcote Road. One of their daughters still lives in town and in 2007 the Virginia and Leonard Marx Foundation donated $300,000 to renovate the reference room at the Scarsdale Public Library.
A few other relevant facts emerged:
- Though the listing said the house was built in 1907, from the photos, the house did not appear to be historic. The current home does not resemble the former Tudor home, originally called "The Hedges." pictured in a book of historic homes.
- The house was not included in the Historic Resources Survey conducted by Li/Salzman architects for Scarsdale Village in 2012
- The 5.39 acres property could not be subdivided
- The real estate taxes are $181,495 per year and in the course of two years the asking price had fallen from $12.9 million to $7.2 million.
Knowing the provenance, prominence and size of the house and the property I expected someone to put up a fight to defend it from demolition. Even the developer, David Fenton of Twin Oaks Construction seemed ready for controversy and appeared with his attorney Lawrence Graham from Cuddy Fedder to explain why the house was not worthy of preservation. Graham contended that since the house had been renovated extensively in 1952 and again in 2004 it no longer resembled the original home in several key ways:
- The home was originally stucco and is now covered in shingles
- The original gables were gone
- The 1907 Tudor style home is now a Colonial
The Marx's daughter Jennifer Gruenberg, who still lives in Scarsdale, also spoke, She shed some light on the renovations and did say that interior portions of the original home remain intact. But even she seemed ambivalent about advocating to preserve her childhood home. Village historian Eric Rothschild could not come to the meeting so attendees did not have the benefit of his research on the house.
Without much of a fuss the committee voted unanimously to let the house go.
I found it disturbing that yet another home in the Heathcote Association would be knocked down and most likely replaced with a mega-size Colonial, indistinguishable from the others that line this majestic Scarsdale thoroughfare. Though I understand that the house did not meet the criteria for preservation according to the current Village code, the Heathcote Association surely merits historic designation as a neighborhood and it's a shame that the Board of Trustees cannot find a way to preserve the neighborhoods that define our community.
Putting aside historic considerations, I am puzzled at why it is necessary to knock down a stately, elegant and comfortable home that someone would surely buy when the price was right. Yes, the taxes are high – but on a par with other homes of equal stature in the neighborhood. Why is a new home more highly valued than a house with a noble past?
The Scarsdale Trustees have been working on revisions to our historic preservation code to preserve historic homes and landmarks since I launched this site almost five years ago. A draft of that new code that addresses some of the issues raised by this home is currently in the works. Let's hope new laws are implemented soon so that we can preserve our quickly vanishing stock of historic homes.
Also approved for demolition on October 15 were the following homes:
- 11 Rural Drive: Former home of sportscaster Bill Mazer
- 16 Montrose Road: Former home of Stuart and Jane Weinberg
- 53 Lincoln Road
Featured Listings:
2 Brook Lane E, Hartsdale: Put your stamp on this 1930's Colonial home, on three acres of magical property with endless secret paths, stream and ponds. You can hide away from it all but still be a stone's throw from Edgemont's middle and High School as well as the town and train at Hartsdale and only 35 minutes to Grand Central Station. Enjoy the privacy that this house affords or build a second 3200-3300- sq.ft. home on the included, subdivided lot. A feasibility study, site plan and survey are available. Learn more here:
List price: $1,575,000
17 Wayside Lane, Scarsdale: Gem quality, this sunny 1926 Fox Meadow Mediterranean of incomparable elegance
has been fully renovated. Grand foyer with curved sweeping staircase, Living Room, Family Room both open with French Doors to slate terrace and flat.48 acre. Designer Eat/in Kit,2nd Family Room off kitchen,2 half baths, Second floor Exquisite MBR suite, custom blt-ins,3 walk-in closets, office, Master Bath all custom, Jacuzzi/Shower an additional 4 Bedrooms,3 full baths,(2 En-Suite),close proximity to train schools, shops. Learn more here:
List price: $3,295,000
54 Paddington Road, Scarsdale Sunny, gracious five-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bath Colonial with spacious and
open floor plan. Two story entry leads to expansive updated eat-in-kitchen with granite counters that opens to large family room with doors to stone patio. All rooms are generously proportioned with architectural detail throughout. Private landscaped back yard. Close to train, shops and schools. Learn more here:
List Price: $1,835,000
16 Wyndham Road, Edgemont: Enjoy a tranquil oasis in this pristine 1910 Colonial featuring five bedrooms, three baths, many updates and a convenient front-to-back center hall 
leading out to a private patio overlooking the lovely grounds. This captivating home flows seamlessly throughout generously sized rooms and includes a spacious heated sun-porch, kitchen with silestone counters, breakfast area and wet bar, all new marble baths, new bluestone front steps, a freshly painted exterior and a new roof in 2006. Walk to schools, trans. and shops. Learn more here:
List Price: $1,299,000
Another Historic Home Could be Razed
- Details
- Category: Real Estate
A large home on over five acres on Heathcote Road in Scarsdale could soon be demolished pending discussions at the Committee for Historic Preservation on Tuesday night October 15. The home was listed for sale in February, 2012 with an asking price of $12,995,000. Now, a year and a half later, the listing price has dropped by almost half to $7,250,000. Taxes on the 9,623 square foot house are $184,564 and perhaps fear about what the taxes could be following the revaluation have deterred sellers.
In 2012 we did some research on the house, the site and former owners and here is what we learned:
The 9,200+ square foot house sits on 5.39 acres and has 17 rooms, a tennis court and a pool. The listing says the house is "Meticulously renovated and expanded with state of the art systems throughout. Magnificent Clive Christian kitchen and master bath. Attached guest townhouse with private entrance." It was built in 1924.
The original home at 18 Heathcote Road was built in 1907. In the historic photo shown below, the home is Tudor-style and called "The Hedges" and is said to be the residence of Mark Eisner.
A look back through archives of the Scarsdale Inquirer shows that Eisner was a prominent man in the 
community and in New York. In 1929 he joined the board of a new18heathentry Scarsdale bank and trust and in 1930 he was re-elected to the Caleb Heathcote Trust and chosen to serve as treasurer. In 1931 he was among a group of lawyers at the Town Club who fought equalization rates and in 1933 he announced that he was not a candidate for Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service. He also served on the Board of Higher Education of New York City and headed the American Association for Jewish Education. His wife won honors at a local flower show in March 1933 and in March 1944 -- she called the Spring Flower Show, "the best ever."
His son, Mark Eisner Jr., enlisted and was stationed at boot camp in Sampson on Seneca Lake in New York in 1945. In 1948 Eisner Jr. graduated from George Washington University. An article from November 18, 1932 says that an intruder entered the home but ran when the maid called out!
The house was later purchased by Leonard and Virginia Marx. Marx was a developer and manager of real estate properties and chairman and chief executive of Merchants National Properties. In 1985 he was on the Forbes 400 list of the richest Americans with a net worth of $300 million. The Marx's were active philanthropists who endowed professorships at Columbia University and built a daycare center at Westchester Community College called the Virginia Marx Children's Center. Leonard Marx served as a trustee of the Scarsdale Foundation from 1953-1974. Virginia Marx died in 1999 and Leonard Marx died in 2002 at the age of 97 at the house on Heathcote Road. One of their daughters still lives in town and in 2007 the Virginia and Leonard Marx Foundation donated $300,000 to renovate the reference room at the Scarsdale Public Library.
If the Committee does not find that the home qualifies for preservation it could be torn down.
Also on the list for consideration on Tuesday night are:
- 11 Rural Dr. built in 1962
- 16 Montrose Rd. built in 1925
- 53 Lincoln Rd. built in 1923
Recent Sales:
102 Greenacres Avenue: Magnificent and beautifully updated stone & brick Tudor in popular Greenacres neighborhood with six bedrooms on .40 acre of picturesque property. Gourmet kitchen offers SubZero fridge, Viking range with double ovens, griddle, grill, wine cooler, prep sink, granite countertops, Butler's pantry and custom display cabinets. Large adjacent family room with French doors out to delightful veranda. High ceilings, hand-painted walls, arched doorways. 1000 bottle wine cellar, built-in speakers, multi-zone central air.
Sale Price: $1,610,000
Real Estate Taxes: $36,859
81 Spier Road: Spacious, sun-filled split level home on quiet Quaker Ridge street. 4 bedrooms, hardwood floors, Huge, bright living room with fireplace, formal dining room, eat-in kitchen with year-round sunroom overlooking private level land. Family room/library, master bedroom with bath, two more bedrooms and bath, all on second level. Bedroom, bath and storage on third floor.
Sale Price: $950,000
Real Estate Taxes: $35,453
130 Longview Drive, Edgemont: 5 bedroom, 3 bath front-to-back split has gourmet kitchen with custom cherry cabinetry, Sub-zero refrigerator, 6-burner Viking gas combo, Miele dishwasher, granite counters, breakfast room with banquette to family room with fireplace. 2 new baths. Gas line to house. Wired for surround sound stereo in kitchen family room and deck. Invisible fence. Newer windows. Gardens enhance level property admired from deck.
Sale Price: $855,000
Real Estate Taxes: $25,776
Featured Listings:44 Axtell Drive Scarsdale: Classic and elegant Fox Meadow center hall Colonial beautifully 
situated in the heart of Crane Berkley. This sunny and bright home in mint condition has been meticulously maintained. Features include generously proportioned rooms, beautiful oak floors throughout, dentil molding, cedar lined closets and abundant storage. 6 bedrooms, 3 full and 2 half baths. Only a 7 minute walk to the train and village, bus to elementary and middle school, walk to high school. Steps away from, scenic Crane Pond. Private, lushly landscaped yard offers stone patio and covered porch. Learn more here:
List Price: $1,865,00010 Winthrop Lane, Edgemont: Throughout this impeccably maintained classic brick colonial,
architectural detail and quality appointments, create a feeling of comfortable elegance. This home features a gracious living room with fireplace, a formal dining room, kitchen with eat-in-area which leads to 1994 family room with French doors that invite to a patio and large garden. The second level has three bedrooms and a hall bath. Special features include hardwood floors, private setting and slate roof. Move-in. Walk to schools, bus and shopping. Great value! LOW TAXES! Learn more here:
List Price: $599,000220 Underhill Road, Scarsdale: Treasured English country manor home in estate section of 
Edgemont. Private, park-like acre+ with pool. Renovated and redesigned 5 bedroom, 3 bath rich in architectural details. Dramatic sun drenched 2-story atrium, separate master bedroom suite with spa bath, fireplace and sitting room. Designer kitchen and baths. Guest bedroom and guest bath on first floor. Room for play and swing set on flat, secluded yard. Walk to schools, shops, commuter bus. Learn more here:
List price: $1,785,000
70 Morris Lane, Scarsdale: Located in the Murray Hill Estate Area, this fabulous Contemporary
Ranch Home is situated on a spectacular acre of level land. The open floor plan features a step down living room with walls of windows overlooking the delightful heated swimming pool and the private lush grounds with mature trees and ample space for play. Flooded with light, great architectural details, stone fireplace, spacious rooms and a great lower level. 3-zone heat and AC. Fenced in Yard. Coveted location. Learn more here:
List price: $3,000,000
September Sales
- Details
- Category: Real Estate
School started weeks ago but they're still moving in .... See the homes that closed this week.
15 Penn Boulevard: Classic colonial, with wonderful curb appeal located on one of Scarsdale's most beautiful streets. Built in 1976 and still owned by the original owner, this home offers today's buyers everything needed for easy living. The first floor features a spacious, sun-filled living room, and family room with a fireplace and sliding doors to deck and large level backyard. offering privacy and lots play area. Five bedrooms and three baths on second floor.
Sale Price: $1,640,000
Real Estate Taxes: $34,600
6 Springdale Road: Four bedroom home in Aspen Park in Quaker Ridge. Gourmet kitchen with updated baths. Lovely flat property. New windows. Storage shed for outdoor patio furniture.
Sale Price: $1,400,000
Real Estate Taxes: $30,908
3 Kent Road: Sunny, Fox Meadow home on.65 acre; stone front, slate roof, 5 bedroom home, wood floors throughout. Backyard oasis with exquisite trees and flowers. Terrific expansion possibilities.
Sale Price: $1,310,000
Real Estate Taxes: $23,244
199 Mamaroneck Road: This sun filled Center Hall Colonial is completely updated and renovated with a discerning eye for design. Sleek, modern lines. First floor features include generous living room, large dining room, sleek kitchen and bright family room. Second floor master suite with spa bath, plus four bedrooms and 2 baths. Lower level playroom. All this on level, fenced .34 acre.
Sale Price: $1,150,000
Real Estate Taxes: $25,473
107 Brambach Road: Bright and sunny 2002 Colonial. Great layout. Large kitchen and family room with fireplace. Master bedroom with two closets and bath plus three additional bedrooms and a hall bath. Lower level playroom. Tow-car garage. Car garage. Hardwood floors throughout.
Sale Price: $1,110,000
Real Estate Taxes: $24,944
Edgemont:
132 Longview Drive: Renovated and expanded brick center hall colonial. The entire home has been rebuilt with today's discerning buyer in mind. Hardwood floors, spacious rooms, Gourmet EIK, fabulous master suite with marble bath, 2nd floor laundry room, two zones, alarm system and finished lower level playroom.
Sale Price: $1,035,000
Real Estate Taxes: $15,920
Featured Listings: 
80 Sheldrake Road:Magnificent 1936 Center Hall Colonial in Murray Hill. Completely renovated and totally private with incredible landscaping on 1 acre of property. Sunny and spacious throughout, 7,000 interior square feet with six-bedrooms, five-and-two-half-baths. Great floor plan. Move right in. Learn more here:
List Price: $6,000,000
35 Church Lane, Scarsdale: Stunning one-of-a-kind home on .68 acre of beautifully manicured private property. This 
exceptional property offers a grand home with spacious rooms, high ceilings and magnificent detail. Enjoy breakfast on the deck or cocktails on the covered porch in your park-like setting with many specimen plantings. Walking distance to the train. Come quick, as this is a rare opportunity. Learn more here:
List Price: $2,295,000
Record Sales Estimated for Scarsdale This Year
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- Category: Real Estate
According to local realtors, Scarsdale is on track for a record year in home sales. There have been 202 single family homes sold in Scarsdale Village so far this year and they are estimating potential sales of 253 for the full year. If that number is reached it would exceed annual single family sales for the past ten years. After the economic crisis in 2008, the median home sale price tumbled 18% and gradually recovered about 12% from 2010 – 2012. Currently the median sale price is hovering around $1.3 million, which is a slight downtick from the 2012 median price.
Here are this week's sales for Scarsdale and Edgemont:
15 Sycamore Road: Handsome stone English Tudor set on .34 acre with level private back and side garden. Large kitchen with custom cabinetry, wine fridge, two dishwashers. Family room with fireplace. 6 bedrooms, 5 baths, 4,380 square feet of interior space. Ultraviolet filtering for air handlers, 5-zone heat, generator hook-up for portable gas generator. Fabulous curb appeal.
Sale Price: $2,232,000
Real Estate Taxes: $47,455
154 Lee Road: Colonial to be built on a 50 x 150 square foot picturesque level lot. Quality construction throughout. Grand open kitchen family room. Four bedrooms, three full baths plus a powder room.
Sale Price: $1,260,000
Real Estate Taxes: TBD
123 Ferndale Road: New center hall Colonial built by well-known Edgemont builder. Nine-foot ceilings on first, high end finishes throughout. Large cook's kitchen, top of the line appliances, center island, breakfast area, family room with fireplace. Master bath with two walk-in closets, ten foot tray ceiling, fabulous bath, marble floor, separate shower, Guest bedroom with bath. Cedar fencing, two car garage.
Sale price $1,450,000
Real Estate Taxes: TBD
11 Thomas Lane: Superb craftsmanship throughout this totally customized beautifully detailed 6 bedroom Colonial. Features exquisite .41 acre private backyard with large multi-tiered bluestone patio & deck, 40' pool, convenient cabana & mahogany deck off MBR with staircase to yard. Oak pegged floors in family room.
Sale Price: $1,380,000
Real Estate Taxes: $31,472
5 Kempster Road: The living is easy in this few step home with terrific space, room for internal expansion for a great room, 2 fireplaces, 4 master sized bedrooms, 3 full and 2 half baths, plus a maid's room on the lower level, large family room with fireplace, second family room which can be a first floor bedroom, lovely 1/3 acre next to a private park. Incredible closet and storage space. Large deck and screened porch.
Sale Price: $1,100,000
Real Estate Taxes: $33,488
Featured Listings:
21 Cooper Road, Scarsdale: This is a Tudor like no other, full of sun, space, and class. 
Restored down to its bones with love and respect for the original style. High vaulted ceilings, extra garage house & gourmet kitchen, can be dressed up incredibly elegant or made to feel more relaxed like an old English Hunting Lodge. This is a home your kids will treasure and remember and want to bring their own kids back too. Learn more here:
List Price: $3,400,000
3 Bethel Road, Scarsdale: Elegant Colonial set on 1+ acre on a serene Cul-De-Sac in Murray Hill Estate area. Rare privacy, breathtaking setting, 
landscaped grounds. Built by well-known architect, Walter Collet, this 4,657 square foot beautifully maintained home w/new slate roof, magnificent formal rooms including grand living & dining rooms, oak paneled family room & generous private spaces. The expansive second floor has 6 bedrooms & 4 full baths. Room for future expansion and pool. Close proximity to train and schools. Learn more here:
List Price: $3,125,000
25 Griffen Ave, Scarsdale: True elegance on level, park-like acre, this grand brick Colonial with circular
driveway and attached 3-car garage can't be missed. Generously proportioned rooms, oversized closets, cedar closet and large dine-in kitchen with breakfast room and butler's area. Architectural details include 6 panel wood doors, French doors, hardwood floors, inlaid wood entry, moldings and built-ins. Enclosed porch overlooks gorgeous gardens. View of Long Island Sound. Potential room for pool. Learn more here:
List Price: $1,995,000
166 Tewkesbury Rd, Scarsdale P.O./New Rochelle
Simply stunning Colonial situated on .23 acre. Features include a sunny, spacious living environment. Inviting library with plenty of bookshelves, great family room adjacent to 3 season porch overlooking level yard. First floor laundry, renovated master bedroom and bath, renovated powder room. Fantastic community pool for residents of the Scarsdale Park community. Learn more here:
List Price: $695,000
An Update on the Tax Revaluation from the Village Assessor
- Details
- Category: Real Estate
How is the Scarsdale Village-wide tax reassessment going and when will residents see changes to their tax bills? Town Assessor, Nanette J. Albanese, reports that the data collection phase of the 2014 Scarsdale Town/Village reassessment project is essentially complete. To date over 90% of property owners in the Village allowed complete interior and exterior inspections by the data collectors from Tyler Technologies, which is exceptional for a program of this type.
Tyler Technologies, the revaluation contractor, is currently finalizing the resolution of issues and possible discrepancies on the Property Description Reports that were returned to them by property owners.
During the next several weeks, Tyler project managers, in conjunction with the Town Assessor, will be analyzing property sales in order to calibrate the computerized valuation models, which are the bases for the estimates of value for every property. All values ultimately produced by the model will be reviewed from the street for all properties. Once the proposed property values have been reviewed in final by Tyler and town officials, preliminary new assessments for all properties will be produced, impact reports and preliminary assessment disclosure notices will be generated.
After the mailing of the preliminary assessment disclosure notices to all property owners, which is scheduled to occur in late February/early March 2014, meetings for property owners and town officials will be held with Tyler to discuss the results of the program, the possible tax impact on various types and classes of properties, as well as the process for property owners to follow, should they have legitimate reason to dispute their new assessment.
Upon conclusion of the preliminary assessment review meetings with Tyler, tentative assessment notices will be mailed to all property owners by the June 2, 2014 statutory tentative assessment roll filing date. By law, the period for review and the filing of complaints against the tentative 2014 assessment roll will run from June 2-17, 2014, with June 17, 2014 being the official Grievance Day.
Sales and Featured Listings:
20 Donellan Road: Extraordinary Greenacres home with gourmet kitchen with custom cabinetry, granite countertops, Thermador double wall ovens, warming drawer, SubZero refrigerator, Sub Zero refrigerator drawers, 2 Miele dishwashers, Wolf 6 burner range and 2 48 bottle wine refrigerators to create the perfect space for the experienced chef. The kitchen leads to a wonderful family room overlooking a private backyard. Second floor master bedroom with master bath and three bedrooms.
Sale Price: $1,645,000
Real Estate Taxes: $29,454
15 Stonewall Lane, Mamaroneck: Spacious four-bedroom/3three bath home has been fully renovated. The expansive gourmet kitchen/family room has been outfitted with top of the line appliances, ceaser stone countertops and custom cabinetry. The dining room features a stunning stacked stone fireplace. All of the closets have been customized and the bathrooms have been tastefully appointed. There are 3 skylights, a level yard and large bluestone patio.
Sale Price: $1,225,000
Real Estate Tax: $27,388
11 Springdale Road: Bright sunny home with hardwood floors, lovely flat backyard with close proximity to park make this a lovely home for a growing family. Family room, office and legally finished basement with a full bath, give everyone their own private space to live, work and relax.
Sale Price: $975,000
Real Estate Tax: $21,408
15 Crossway: Renovated ranch with new kitchen and bath. New roof and boiler. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, living room with fireplace, office space, finished basement, two-car garage,
Sale Price: $870,000
Real Estate Tax: $22,436
Edgemont:
26 Sprain Valley Road: Great home with nice sized bedrooms, laundry in family room off of kitchen, finished walk-out basement, heated driveway, large backyard.
Sale Price: $655,200
Real Estate Tax: $24,360
Featured Listings:
4 Grand Park Avenue, Scarsdale
Pristine and sun-filled, this classic Center Hall Colonial offers the perfect blend of luxury and comfort. Entertain in the generous dine-in-kitchen/family room overlooking stone patio, magnificent pool, and lushly landscaped yard with waterfall and pond. Upgrades include new windows, heating/cooling system, millwork and more. Relax in the expansive master suite with sitting room and spa bath. Generous proportions throughout. Set on half acre with circular drive. Easy commute and outstanding community amenities complete the perfect package. Learn more here:
List Price: $1,895,000
15 Rutland Road, Edgemont:
Exquisite Cotswold home and gardens. Exceptional in quality, updates, layout, space and proportion. Archways, elegant moldings and panels, window seats, French doors, replaced leaded windows, large hallways, and wide planked oak floors. Constructed of stone granite with a Ludovicci tile roof. Great patio, yard and stone porch. The most exquisite basement with a fabulous kitchen, wine cellar, family room/media room and gym. Gym can be an easy conversion to 5th bedroom, see listing agent. Learn more here:
List Price: $2,449,000
