Supermodel Linda Evangelista has officially parted ways with her longtime Chelsea penthouse loft, closing the chapter on more than two decades of ownership. Property records filed in September 2026 reveal that the iconic fashion figure sold the sprawling four-bedroom, two-bathroom residence located in the historic Spears Building for $6.75 million. The transaction marks the conclusion of a protracted and challenging real estate journey that saw the property undergo significant price adjustments amid broader shifts in Manhattan’s luxury housing market.
The final sale price represents a steep discount of nearly 30 percent from the initial asking price of nearly $9.5 million when Evangelista first listed the property in 2024. As luxury real estate inventory shifted and buyer demand fluctuated, the asking price was sequentially lowered, dropping to just under $8 million in January before settling at the final closing figure. Despite the dramatic reduction from peak expectations, the sale still secures a substantial capital return for the Canadian-born supermodel, who originally purchased the loft in July 2001 for $2.4 million, transforming the former industrial space into a private sanctuary.
Architectural Evolution and Industrial Aesthetic
Spanning approximately 4,000 square feet, the penthouse occupies a converted furniture warehouse that epitomizes classic New York City industrial loft living. When Evangelista acquired the space at the dawn of the 2000s, she curated the interior to reflect the era’s signature architectural elements. The residence features polished concrete flooring, exposed brick walls, and butcher-block countertops integrated into a functional pass-through kitchen.
Towering 13-foot ceilings amplify the sense of volume throughout the expansive floor plan, which is punctuated by a trio of strategically carved skylights. Among them, a prominent skylight anchors the cavernous great room, which also boasts a fully operational wood-burning fireplace. The primary bedroom suite offers direct sightlines overlooking the adjacent High Line, complemented by an en-suite bathroom outfitted with a dedicated soaking tub and a separate glass shower enclosure. Practicalities of high fashion are accommodated by an abundance of storage, including roughly 17 closets, featuring a bank of six floor-to-ceiling units situated within a windowless dressing area.
A Chronology of Conflict: Roof Disputes and Board Litigation
While the loft served as a stylish urban retreat for decades, Evangelista’s tenure at the Spears Building was occasionally complicated by building-level disputes and financial friction. The crown jewel of the penthouse listing was its expansive 2,500-square-foot private roof terrace, which offers panoramic skyline views. However, this outdoor amenity became the focal point of a major legal battle in 2015.
The condominium’s board of managers attempted to levy a $1.5 million assessment entirely against the owners of the building’s six penthouses to fund a comprehensive roof replacement. The board argued that because the private terraces were deeded exclusively to the upper-floor residences, the financial burden should rest solely on those homeowners rather than being distributed among all 30 units in the building. Evangelista joined forces with fellow penthouse neighbors—including former Rag & Bone co-CEO David Neville and renowned makeup artist Gucci Westman—to challenge the assessment in court. The litigation was ultimately resolved through an undisclosed confidential settlement.
Financial complications resurfaced in late 2023 when the condominium building initiated legal action against Evangelista, alleging she had accumulated approximately $237,000 in unpaid common charges and assessments. The lawsuit further claimed that the apartment had not been maintained in "first-class condition." Like the 2015 roof dispute, this matter was eventually settled out of court, clearing the path for future real estate maneuvers.
A Star-Studded Interlude and Recent Tenancy
Before changing hands permanently, the Chelsea loft experienced a high-profile temporary occupancy. In late 2025 and early 2026, actor Keanu Reeves reportedly rented Evangelista’s former home for $45,000 per month. Reeves and his partner, artist Alexandra Grant, resided in the space while the actor prepared for his theatrical Broadway debut in a production of Waiting for Godot alongside co-star Alex Winter. Observers noted that the loft’s minimalist, monochromatic palette and industrial concrete finishes provided a fittingly cinematic backdrop for the Matrix star.
Market Context and Real Estate Implications
Evangelista’s protracted sale highlights broader trends within Manhattan’s high-end property sector, particularly for large-scale loft spaces that require specific architectural tastes. Real estate analysts note that properties with highly specialized historic renovations often face extended marketing periods if initial pricing does not align with contemporary buyer preferences. For sellers in prime neighborhoods like Chelsea, balancing historical loft charm with modern amenity expectations has become increasingly critical as buyers gravitate toward newly constructed developments featuring comprehensive building services.
Transition to Hudson Yards
Having closed the chapter on her historic Chelsea warehouse residence, Evangelista has pivoted toward modern, highly amenitized vertical living. Property records indicate that she secured her next permanent residence in March 2025, purchasing a three-bedroom corner unit at 35 Hudson Yards for $5.2 million.
The newer property offers a distinct contrast to her former industrial loft, featuring expansive floor-to-ceiling windows oriented toward the Hudson River and direct access to contemporary lifestyle infrastructure, including an on-site Equinox facility. As Evangelista transitions to her new home in Hudson Yards, her departure from the Spears Building closes a 25-year era defined by classic New York loft living, high-profile neighbors, and the enduring legacy of a fashion icon.
