Not only is Danny Strong an Emmy-winning playwright, screenwriter and actor — he’s also a savvy negotiator.
Strong and his partner, the actor and producer Catilin Mehner, have just closed on Bravo bigwig Andy Cohen’s magnificent Manhattan penthouse duplex for $10.5 million, according to city property records filed on Tuesday.
The magical 3,500-square-foot West Village co-op hit the market for $14 million in 2024. It had most recently been listed for $12 million.
It took Cohen more than two decades to assemble the smashing spread, at 2 Horatio St. — and less than a year to list it and close the deal.
The stunning four-bedroom, 4.5-bath home was designed by architect Gordon Kahn with interiors by Eric Hughes. It is filled with eclectic color and comes with views of the Empire State Building. Design details of the Elle Decor cover star include a sculptural walnut, steel and glass staircase — as well as marble fireplaces and a gold tiled bar.
At a time when some of the Big Apple’s wealthiest residents are moving out — or at least thinking about scampering out — of Manhattan for the more tax-friendly and insulated posh “boroughs” of Miami, Palm Beach and the Hamptons, Strong and Mehner say they are excited to stay in the city, where they are raising their adorable 9-month-old daughter, Maisie.
“We are staying in New York because it is the greatest city in the world,” Strong told Gimme Shelter on Tuesday. “It’s amazing here for all the reasons that everyone who lives here already knows. I don’t think a [mayoral] primary would make me leave the most magical place where I’ve ever lived. It’s the greatest city in the country. Everyone loves New York City,” said Strong, who took a break to speak by phone from rehearsals for “Chess.”
Broadway’s “Chess” — starring Lea Michele, Aaron Tveit and Nicholas Christopher — will be in previews starting Oct. 15, with opening night on Nov. 16.
The cast, Strong said, is a dream.
“All three are very special talents — amazing singers and fantastic actors. They are unicorns. I think people will be blown away,” Strong said.
In an “only-in-New York” situation, Cohen sold his penthouse to Strong and Mehner because he bought the penthouse at 299 W. 12th St., the building where Strong and Mehner most recently lived.
“We loved where we were [299 W. 12th St.], but once we had Maisie, we quickly realized we’d need something bigger,” said Strong.
While Strong had never met Cohen before, he did spot the Bravo exec in 299’s lobby, and surmised that he was buying the penthouse, which gave him hope that Cohen’s 2 Horatio residence would be coming to market.
“While we had never met before, he was so lovely” during the real estate talks, Strong said.
Strong is also recognizable for his acting roles in hit shows, like “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “Gilmore Girls” and “Mad Men.”
The Horatio Street residence is also an ideal spot for Strong to find inspiration for new projects. Past work also includes the writing of two “Hunger Games” movies, “The Butler,” “Recount,” and the series “Empire” and “Dopesick.”
The 2 Horatio St. listing brokers were Ryan Serhant and Donna Strugatz, of Serhant. Strong was represented by Douglas Elliman’s Jonathan Stein, who also listed Strong and Mehner’s 299 W. 12th St. residence, along with Marcy J. Bloomstein, of Sotheby’s International Realty.
“Danny and Caitlin’s decision to invest in the West Village speaks volumes, reflecting a deeper belief not just in the resilience of a neighborhood, but in the enduring spirit of New York City itself,” Stein told Gimme.
