West Village Firehouse Townhouse Sells for $19 Million

A historic 19th-century volunteer fire station converted into a five-level townhouse at 78 Morton Street in Manhattan’s West Village sold for $19 million, according to New York City property records reviewed by The Real Deal.

The sale was recorded on February 5, 2026, making it the city’s largest residential transaction in that reporting cycle.

The buyer, Kala’s Red Rover LLC, acquired the property from Brah L.P., which purchased it for $19.2 million in 2020. The latest sale represents a $200,000 decline from that earlier transaction, before accounting for taxes and other ownership costs.

The townhouse entered the market in April 2025 with an asking price of $21 million. Its eventual sale price was $2 million below that initial listing, a reduction of approximately 9.5%.

From Fire Station to Townhouse

Built in 1864, the red-brick building originally housed Howard Engine Company No. 34, a volunteer firefighting organization known as “Red Rover.” After its firefighting operations ended in the 1970s, the historic building was converted into a private single-family residence.

The 25-foot-wide property encompasses approximately 6,850 to 7,281 square feet across five levels, with a ground-floor carriage bay retained from its original function.

The former firehouse accommodates a four-car garage with street-level access, an unusual feature in the surrounding historic neighborhood. An internal staircase and private passenger elevator connect the residential floors.

Historic Architecture and Interior Features

According to the Sotheby’s listing, the residence includes a 26-foot-high living area, exposed timber beams, a wood-burning fireplace and extensive outdoor terraces.

The kitchen features French doors opening onto a 1,000-square-foot south-facing garden terrace. Rooftop decking provides additional outdoor space, while the excavated lower level contains a jazz club and a 525-bottle wine cellar.

Jeremy V. Stein of Sotheby’s International Realty marketed the property.

The transaction illustrates the distinctive appeal of converted historic buildings in Manhattan’s luxury housing market, particularly properties that combine substantial residential space with private parking. Despite those features, the townhouse sold below both its previous purchase price and its initial 2025 asking price.