Why Is This Single Home Worth $238 Million? A Look At 220 Central Park South

From House Beautiful

Some sums of money are simply unfathomable. Take $238 million, which is the price just paid for the most expensive home purchase ever made in the United States. The figure is also around the gross domestic product of Palau and other small nations. Still, it is what billionaire Ken Griffin just laid out to buy the penthouse of 220 Central Park South in New York City.

Earlier this month, Ken also paid $58.75 million for part of a building in Chicago, and $122 million for a home in London, setting records in both cities. Still, the penthouse purchase represents the most expensive home ever bought in the wealthiest country on earth. What is he getting at 220 Central Park South that's worth such an eye-watering price?

You don't have to be a New Yorker to appreciate the address: 220 Central Park South is, of course, on the southern end of the city's iconic park, so the penthouse looks out over the entire 2.5 miles of green to the north (with Manhattan stretching out to the south). It falls between Seventh and Eighth Avenues, near Columbus Circle. Every residence in the building has a view of Central Park.

The 79-story tower stands out along the midtown skyline due to its color: The building is encased in Alabama Silver Shadow limestone, per its developer.

220 Central Park South also boasts some insane amenities. There's a spa and athletic club, and private dining rooms and entertaining spaces. While most people are stuck circling blocks to look for a coveted parking space, residents of this building have a secured motor court away from the street, hidden by an arbor of trees for additional privacy.

Ken already has some neighbors established. The founder of a Chinese hotel company, Tong Tong Zhao, purchased one unit last fall for $13.49 million; singer Sting is also planning to buy in the building, according to The New York Times.

With so many homes all over the world, it's unclear how much time Ken is even planning to spend at 220 Central Park South. If he's looking for a housesitter, though, it shouldn't be too tough to find.

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