The Manhattan penthouse slated for auction next month will direct its entire sale price to wildlife conservation and community development projects in Africa.
Details of the sale and property
According to Concierge Auctions, the high bid as of Friday sits at $8.25 million. The hammer will fall on July 29 at a Sotheby’s New York event that forms part of the firm’s America 250 sale. The residence is also listed for $14.9 million through Sotheby’s International Realty, represented by Lawrence Treglia and Claire Groome.
The duplex occupies more than 5,700 square feet and crowns the landmarked Sohmer Piano Building in the Flatiron District. It features two foyers, one on each floor, and a sweeping limestone staircase. Over 40 oversized windows, including an 80‑foot greenhouse‑style glass expanse on the top floor, bathe the entertaining areas in natural light.
Inside, the open‑concept layout includes an eat‑in kitchen, a gym, and a dining room. The primary suite—one of five bedrooms—covers a corner of the residence, offering three exposures and a spa‑style bathroom. A private rooftop deck and the building’s historic cupola provide 360‑degree views of the Empire State Building, Madison Square Park and the Flatiron Building.
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Charitable purpose and the Gorongosa Project
All proceeds from the sale will be funneled to the Gorongosa Project in Mozambique, a nonprofit founded by the penthouse’s seller, Greg Carr. The organization seeks to restore Gorongosa National Park and revive the surrounding economy, which suffered during a 15‑year civil war that ended in 1992.
“I would like its next chapter to stand for something larger than a real estate transaction,” Carr said. “Knowing this home can help further a mission near and dear to me makes this sale especially meaningful.”
Chad Roffers, CEO and co‑founder of Concierge Auctions, called the sale “extraordinary on multiple levels,” noting that every dollar of the purchase price will go directly toward protecting one of Africa’s most remarkable ecosystems.
All eyes are on the auction.
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It is a rare instance where a high‑profile New York property is tied directly to an overseas conservation effort. The arrangement could inspire other owners to consider similar philanthropic avenues, though the logistics of channeling such large sums into foreign NGOs remain complex.
From a practical standpoint, the auction format may attract buyers seeking both a prestigious address and the satisfaction of contributing to a cause. Yet, the final price will still depend on market conditions and the pool of interested bidders, which can be unpredictable even for a property of this caliber.
Greg Carr purchased the home in 2007 for $7.22 million, according to public records. Since then, the residence has undergone a complete renovation, preserving its historic character while adding modern amenities. The combination of a golden‑domed cupola and extensive glass work makes the penthouse stand out among Manhattan’s luxury listings.
As the auction date approaches, the property’s dual identity—as a piece of real estate and as a vehicle for charitable funding—continues to draw attention. The transaction will be finalized at the Sotheby’s event, after which the proceeds will be transferred to the Gorongosa Project, supporting ongoing efforts to rebuild habitats and local livelihoods in Mozambique.
