316 E 59th St, New York, NY 10022

316 East 59th Street – “The Gnome Bakers Building”
Sutton Place | Manhattan, NY 10022
Step into Manhattan’s history with this iconic mixed-use gem — the legendary Gnome Bakers Building. Originally crafted in 1930 as a whimsical home “where gnomes would bake,” this one-of-a-kind property perfectly blends storybook charm, architectural character, and modern potential in the heart of Sutton Place.
Property Overview
Address: 316 East 59th Street, New York, NY 10022
Neighborhood: Sutton Place / Midtown East
Building Size: ±6,500 SF | Lot: 25’ × 100.42’ (2,511 SF)
Zoning: R8 / C2-5 – Mixed Use
Stories: 3 | Units: 1 Residential / 1 Commercial
Taxes: $73,854 annually
Max Buildable Area: ±15,116 SF (±9,500 SF of unused air rights)
Historic Legacy
Once home to the famed Gnome Bakers, the building originally featured playful architectural details — from a papier-mâché gnome enjoying bread on the façade to another perched above the roofline. Though the bakery’s magic faded during the Great Depression, its spirit endures.
Over the decades, 316 East 59th Street has been reimagined as a design studio, kitchen furnishings showroom, and creative workspace — each chapter adding depth to this beloved Sutton Place landmark.
Architectural Highlights
A stunning blend of industrial authenticity and artful sophistication, featuring:
Exposed brick walls throughout
Wide-plank Brazilian cherry floors & custom tile
36' × 23' great room with 27' ceilings
Vermont Castings Defiant Encore wood stove
Open gourmet kitchen with custom cherry cabinetry
Juliet balcony with Queensboro Bridge views
Tumbled marble terrace overlooking a 47' × 24' landscaped backyard
Two elegant bedrooms with custom closets and spa-style baths
Investment Highlights
Trophy mixed-use asset in a premier Midtown East corridor
±9,500 SF of additional buildable area (FAR 6.02 / 6.5 facility)
Ideal for end-user, investor, or boutique redevelopment
Potential for luxury townhouse, creative office, or residential conversion
Prime access to the Queensboro Bridge, FDR Drive, and world-class retail
The Opportunity
Own a piece of Manhattan folklore — a property that combines whimsical history with tangible upside. With its unmistakable façade, flexible zoning, and timeless appeal, 316 East 59th Street represents a rare offering in the heart of Sutton Place — where heritage meets opportunity.