Amidst the bustling streets of New York City, the Flatiron Building stands as a beacon of architectural grandeur. Yet, nestled beside this iconic landmark, there lies a less-celebrated but equally captivating structure—a slender, high-rise building adorned with an opulent golden dome. Currently, the luxurious penthouse that graces this golden pinnacle, along with the two-story octagonal cupola it surmounts, is available for purchase at a staggering $25 million.

This expansive 5,777-square-foot residence, boasting five bedrooms and five bathrooms, is perched atop the historic 170 Fifth Avenue, a building that predates the Flatiron by four years, having been constructed in 1898. Known also as the Sohmer Piano Building, it was once the epicenter of the Sohmer Piano Company, which pioneered the introduction of baby grand pianos to the market in the 1880s. "Acquiring this property is akin to owning a piece of New York's rich history," remarks Sotheby’s listing agent, Lawrence Treglia.

"The cupola is a symbol of the city's heritage, often captured in photographs to the right of the Flatiron Building." Treglia further emphasizes the rarity of such a property within this price range, noting that most comparable New York penthouses are found in recently developed properties.

The Beaux-Arts style building was the brainchild of Robert Maynicke, an architect whose influence on the city's skyline was profound in the early 20th century. His portfolio includes the landmarked 41 Park Row, which was once home to The New York Times, and 200 Fifth Avenue, a former toy manufacturing facility featuring a distinctive golden sidewalk clock, now the site of Eataly and Tiffany & Co.'s offices, among other establishments. Maynicke's architectural prowess is also evident in 190 Bowery, the enigmatic, graffiti-covered building that was once the studio of photographer Jay Maisel and has since become a subject of local legend and a documentary.

170 Fifth Avenue, which once housed a variety of businesses including a publishing house, transitioned into a condominium at the turn of the 21st century. The domed penthouse, previously a loft, has had only one owner since its conversion: philanthropist and entrepreneur Gregory C. Carr, who acquired it in 2001 for approximately $7.5 million and meticulously renovated it. Carr has stated that the proceeds from the sale will be directed towards the construction of schools and preschools in Mozambique.

The property offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the city from the cupola, which in the listing is envisioned as a sitting room complete with a bar cart. Other standout features include an open, eat-in kitchen with skylights; bathrooms clad in marble; a private roof deck; and a grand, iron-wrought spiral staircase that adds to the property's grandeur.

"The experience of being in the cupola is truly unique," Treglia shares. "And within the primary suite, one can't help but feel as though they are at the Plaza Hotel, due to the design and its positioning." While 170 Fifth Avenue may not share the architectural fame of its triangular neighbor, it boasts a distinctive, slender design of its own. The 13-story building, a mere 29 feet wide yet stretching 120 feet in length, was designed to replace a modest brownstone that once occupied the site.

The penthouse at 170 Fifth Avenue is not just a home; it is a testament to the city's past and a symbol of its enduring legacy. With its golden dome reflecting the city's glow, it stands as a beacon of luxury and history, offering a unique living experience that is as rare as it is remarkable. For those seeking not just a residence but a connection to New York's rich tapestry, this penthouse represents an unparalleled opportunity.

The property's historical significance is further enhanced by its original purpose as the Sohmer Piano Building, a place where innovation and artistry converged to create the baby grand piano, an instrument that has since become synonymous with elegance and sophistication. The building's transformation into a condominium and later, a luxurious penthouse, reflects the city's ability to evolve while preserving its heritage.

Stepping into the penthouse is like stepping into a bygone era, where the charm of old New York meets modern luxury. The open kitchen, with its skylights allowing natural light to flood the space, is a perfect blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal. The marble bathrooms are a testament to the property's commitment to quality and refinement, while the private roof deck offers a sanctuary above the city's hustle and bustle.

The grand iron-wrought spiral staircase is not just a means of navigating the space; it is a work of art in itself, adding a touch of drama and elegance to the property. And the cupola, with its 360-degree views, is the crowning jewel of this urban oasis, providing residents with a vantage point unlike any other in the city.

Lawrence Treglia's words echo the sentiment of many who have laid eyes on this extraordinary property: "There's nothing of this kind in that price bracket." The penthouse at 170 Fifth Avenue is a rare gem in New York City's real estate market, offering a blend of history, architecture, and luxury that is hard to find elsewhere. For those who appreciate the finer things in life and seek a home that is as unique as they are, this penthouse represents the pinnacle of urban living.