Devastating fire rips through one of New York's last Gilded Age mansions overlooking Central [tr]

UK Daily Mail ^ | December 10, 2018 | Khaleda Rahman

[C19fan]

More than 100 firefighters battled a devastating blaze at one of New York's last Gilded Age mansions that's currently on sale for $50 million.

Flames burst out of the windows of the townhouse at 854 Fifth Avenue – which is home to the Serbian Mission to the United States – after a fire broke out on the third floor at around 8.40pm on Sunday.

The two-alarm fire was declared under control shortly before 10pm, CBS New York reported. Three firefighters and a civilian were injured in the blaze, the FDNY said.

The Beaux Arts mansion – which has 32 rooms, eight bathrooms and two elevators - on Manhattan's Upper East Side is listed for sale with an asking price of $50 million.

[Revel]

Anderson Cooper, his deceased brother, and Gloria Vanderbilt. Notice all the symbolism and Imagery. Satanic.

[alternatives?]

Looks like it is from Home Alone 2.

[nutmeg]

Yes, I think the Frick Museum is called 'The Frick Collection'? Beautiful mansion.. We were there years ago.

Sad to see the fire engulfing this mansion... The interior is stunningly beautiful. Hope the damage isn't too bad.

[Moonmad27]

Love Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar on Sirius XM - and yes, this has to be an insurance scam. A sad historical loss, too.

[Valpal1]

If this fire means they can rebuild without the restrictive conservation rules, then it was a very constructive fire.

It may be worth more now than before the fire.

[rktman]

😹. With real estate prices in NYC being what they are, probably true.

[cnsmom]

Probably Squatters.NYbelieves in everyone sharing everything.

[SuperLuminal]

Dang the bad luck...I was just about to buy it...

[CrimsonTidegirl]

I disagree. It’s sad when a beautiful, historical building is destroyed. It’s even sadder when greedy developers build ugly, modern, open floor plan monstrosities.

I am a fan of “Urban Exploration” videos on YouTube and I LOVE old homes and buildings. It’s a crime how Americans allow old homes, even homes that date as far back as the 18th century, to decay and fall down due to neglect.

It’s even sadder to see videos of beautiful old buildings destroyed by vandals and graffiti trash. Many Americans have no appreciation for the breathtaking details and “character” that many older homes had. Today’s “McMansions” possess no beauty nor character. Just cheaply constructed, cookie cutter homes.

Appreciation of older buildings is one trait where Europeans are superior to Americans. They renovate their older buildings.

Rant off.

[ops33]

Listen to all of those on XM radio. Great stories. Comedies are not quite so entertaining, primarily because they use contemporary jokes, jokes about people, events, etc., of the times that I am not familiar with.

[Valpal1]

This particular building is owned by the Serbian government who has it on the market. If it was arson for profit it was Europeans who did it.