Exactly 54 years after the fatal explosion inside 18 W. 11th St. in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village, the tragic Weather Underground townhouse remains unsold. The property, known for its historical significance and unique design, has been on and off the market for the past four years. Despite various listing prices and efforts to find a new owner, the townhouse has yet to be sold.
The modern property, standing between Fifth and Sixth avenues, stands out from the surrounding row of flat-fronted Greek Revival townhouses due to its unusual design. The listing was last removed from the market in October 2023, with an asking price of $18 million. It is uncertain if the property will return for sale or find new owners to move it away from its tragic past.
The current owner, WeWork co-founder Miguel McKelvey, initially sought $21 million for the 21-foot-wide structure in late 2019. Despite being available for rent at $50,000 a month and reportedly being leased in 2021, McKelvey’s attempts to sell the 6,000-square-foot property have been unsuccessful.
The property’s history dates back to March 6, 1970, when members of the Weather Underground accidentally detonated a bomb inside the townhouse. The explosion claimed the lives of three individuals, while one member survived. The blast caused extensive damage to the townhouse, leading to its complete reconstruction.
Architect Hugh Hardy and Steuben Glass executive Francis Mason purchased the vacant lot three months after the explosion and embarked on building a two-family home with a unique design. The property’s angled facade, resembling an open book, was approved by the city Landmarks Preservation Commission by a single vote. However, the lot remained vacant for eight years until it was sold to David and Norma Langworthy in 1978.
The Langworthy family owned the property until 2012 when it was sold for $9.25 million. McKelvey later made renovations, including opening the split levels with glass to create an atrium that allows more natural light into the home. Despite these enhancements, the property has yet to find a buyer.
The Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation’s executive director, Andrew Berman, believes the townhouse serves as a reminder of the tragic event that occurred there. He stated that the Weather Underground explosion is now an integral part of the history of the historic district and should be remembered.
