Grace Hightower Sells Robert De Niro’s Former Co-op for $18 Million

NEW YORK, N.Y. — Grace Hightower, the former wife of actor Robert De Niro, has sold their shared five-bedroom co-op on Central Park West for $18 million, a significant drop from its original purchase price of $20.9 million in 2006. The sale was finalized on March 5.

The duplex, located at the Brentmore building at 88 Central Park West, was initially listed for $20 million in May 2022 but had struggled to attract buyers amid a softening co-op market, according to Leonard Steinberg, the listing broker with Compass.

Following a fire in 2012 that caused extensive renovations and displaced the couple for nearly a year, Hightower reminisced on the emotional impact of the incident. “It was almost like seeing someone you know who died,” she told The Wall Street Journal. She expressed disbelief at the damages, particularly on the upper floor.

The 5,700-square-foot residence features a primary bedroom with three park-facing windows, additional bedrooms on the upper level, and a lower level complete with living and dining rooms, as well as an eat-in kitchen.

Notably, the property was previously owned by film producer Harvey Weinstein. Hightower remarked with a laugh, “I wasn’t going to say anything [about that].” The building is also known for housing other celebrities, including musician Sting and photographer Annie Leibovitz, who sold her unit last February for $10.7 million, below its 2014 purchase price.

Data from Miller Samuel reveals a notable shift in the co-op market, with median prices for units with four or more bedrooms decreasing from $4.9 million last year to $3.5 million this year. In contrast, studio prices have remained relatively stable at $420,000.

During their divorce proceedings, which gained media attention amid the pandemic, De Niro cited financial difficulties linked to his co-founded Nobu Hospitality chain. He has since refocused his efforts on Wildflower Studios, a 765,000-square-foot film studio in Astoria, Queens, completed last year.

Looking ahead, Hightower mentioned her plans to find a new home closer to nature. “Coming from Mississippi, I grew up on a farm. I do a lot of walking and meditating as I walk,” she shared.