Could the Obamas Be Buying This NYC Apartment? A Sneak Peek Inside

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Are the Obamas buying an apartment in New York City? According to the New York Post, numerous sources have seen Barack and Michelle Obama checking out 10 Gracie Square on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. And there’s an awful lot to check out.

While the Big Apple boasts quite a few spectacular apartments, this 43-unit, 15-floor building is particularly posh. Built in 1930, this white-glove, full-service co-op has served as a residence for the likes of Gloria Vanderbilt and many other well-known New Yorkers, and is near the mayor’s residence, Gracie Mansion. There’s also a gym and indoor basketball court in the building, plus—perhaps most important for the former first family—strong security thanks to an underground garage.

While exactly which apartment the Obamas might have have been eyeing remains unknown at this point, all signs point to apartment 10G—which went into contract last week for $10 million.

Is this the Obamas’ new apartment in New York City?

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The five-bedroom, four-bath duplex was designed by Vicente Wolf and featured on the cover of Elle Decor. It also boasts its own private elevator, so the Obamas could avoid any awkward elevator bump-ins with nosy neighbors, and the security snafu that would entail.

Still, if speculation on this real estate purchase turns out to be true, some wonder if it really was the best choice for this former first family. The reasons:

1. Its location is a bit remote

“I understand this purchase from a security standpoint, thanks to its ‘stealth entry’ where you can drive into the building and not be seen by outsiders,” says celebrity real estate agent Dolly Lenz, who has sold apartments in this building. “But $10 million is high for that building, and values likely won’t hold up there like they would on Central Park West or Fifth Avenue.”

The kitchen in apartment 10G

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2. The neighborhood leans right

While New York City is heavily Democratic, this particular pocket is a bit more conservative.

“It’s generally right-wing,” Lenz explains. “Everyone I know there is. So that’s going to be interesting for him, and his neighbors.”

3. The decor is quite modern

All that glass, cement, and stainless steel make quite a change from the Obamas’ previous homes, including their place in Washington, DC.

“I thought their tastes were a little more classic,” says Lenz. (On the other hand, the couple have a taste for modern art, which Michelle even managed to blend with the White House‘s oh-so-staid decor.)

The bathroom—and a peek at the incredible view

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4. It’s a co-op building

Since it’s a co-op building, the Obamas will technically have to be approved to live there by the building’s board members.

“The funny part is, he’ll have to come in for a board interview where they ask him questions,” says Lenz. “If I were on the board, I’d be so nervous. Who’s asking the questions?”

Our guess: If this real estate purchase is really on track, both the co-op board and the Obamas will survive the process.

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