A celebrity event planner who has worked with everyone from Meghan Markle to Serena Williams is now trying to lure an elite crowd of house hunters seeking a picture-perfect perch on Manhattan’s Upper East Side—where she has just listed her own prewar apartment for $3.99 million.
Jennifer Zabinski of JZ Events has worked on an array of high-profile events—including Williams’ 2017 New Orleans wedding to Reddit founder Alexis Ohanian and Markle’s highly publicized 2019 baby shower in New York City.
So it should come as no surprise that the premier planner’s Lenox Hill abode boasts an elegant aesthetic that would be right at home in the pages of the same glossy magazines that so regularly profile her events.
Located on East 73rd Street inside an “impeccably maintained prewar cooperative,” the three-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom unit offers 2,600 square feet of living space. The listing, which was first reported by Robb Report, includes plans showing how it could be reconfigured to add an extra bedroom.
“Set on a picturesque, tree-lined block in the heart of the Upper East Side, [the property] is a gracious three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath home that offers the elegance of prewar New York, with all the modern conveniences,” the listing notes.
Upon entering the abode, which is listed with Catherine Juracich of Corcoran SoHo, guests are treated to a sophisticated foyer that leads to two entertaining rooms, both of which boast a cozy fireplace.
Moving into the chef’s kitchen, there is an adorable breakfast nook and state-of-the-art appliances—including a washer and dryer, that most rare of Manhattan amenities.
Having undergone an extensive renovation, the kitchen has been updated with top-of-the-line materials that give it a luxurious feel.
“The inviting eat-in kitchen has been fully renovated with sleek lacquered cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, white stone countertops and a built-in banquette,” the listing continues.
Despite its petite size, the kitchen is perfectly positioned in the home, which the listing notes is ideal for anyone who wants to host guests for sit-down dinners—enabling the host to easily move between spaces.
“Accessible from both the kitchen and the foyer, the formal dining room is the perfect spot for dinner parties,” it adds.
The dining area features royal blue walls, modern overhead lighting, and ample space.
Should the new owner want to add another bedroom to the unit, an alternate floor plan notes that the dining room could be transformed for this purpose. It already has an adjoining half-bathroom and pantry, which could be turned into a full en suite, the plan notes.
The other living spaces include a home office, which leads through to one of the bedrooms, a living room with a fireplace, and a cozy den.
Currently, all three of the bedrooms in the unit have their own en suite bathrooms—including the beautiful primary space, which comes with a wood-burning fireplace, two large closets, and built-in storage. The primary bathroom features black marble flooring and a sophisticated vanity with a large oval mirror.
Another bathroom featured in the listing images offers a huge soaking tub and tiled flooring.
The office space is currently configured with two built-in desks, as well as a small table, and several built-in shelves, making it ideal for use by both adults as a work-from-home space or children as a home study area.
Then there is the building itself, which offers residents a host of impressive amenities, including a full-time door attendant, a fitness center, storage units, and a laundry room.
The prewar building was originally designed by architect Emery Roth, who was best known for his work on some of New York’s most beloved Beaux Arts structures.
Among these are the famed San Remo building, an iconic feature on the New York City skyline thanks to its double-tower design—and its history of celebrity residents, including Demi Moore and Diane Keaton.
Zabinski’s building was completed in 1932, according to the listing, around three years after the San Remo was finished.
And while the property might not hold the same prestige as Roth’s other projects, it boasts his classic art deco aesthetic, which has been “impeccably maintained,” the description notes.
As for the co-op board, the listing highlights its somewhat relaxed rules, noting that the property is pet-friendly, allows pieds-à-terre, and offers residents the option to sublet their units after owning them for one year.
The building is located just a few minutes’ walk from several New York hot spots and sites, including Central Park, the Frick Collection, and The Mark Hotel, where Zabinski threw Markle her baby shower in February 2019, three months before she and Prince Harry welcomed their son, Prince Archie.
It is also noted in the listing that the street on which the property is located has something of its own iconic appeal, thanks to the beautiful Christmas lights that adorn its trees every year—”creating a stunning canopy of warm light” that attracts visitors from across the city.
