Back in 1999, pop royalty made a real estate move that would define an era of luxury living. Mariah Carey dropped roughly $9 million to acquire two separate apartments inside a historic 1915 Art Deco building at 90 Franklin Street in Tribeca, stitching them together into a sprawling triplex. She then handed the keys to legendary designer Mario Buatta—affectionately known as the Prince of Chintz—to curate an interior landscape dripping in unadulterated glamour.
Now, after holding onto the property for twenty-seven years, the iconic sky mansion is back on the market with a staggering $27 million asking price. If you enjoyed this article, you should check out: this related article.
If you grew up watching early 2000s pop culture, you already know every square inch of this home. This is the exact triplex immortalized during Mariah's legendary 2001 appearance on MTV Cribs, where she famously gave viewers a tour clad in evening wear, complete with a shoe room that launched a thousand daydreams. It is a piece of pop history. But beyond the nostalgia, the residence itself is an architectural beast spanning roughly 12,700 to 13,000 square feet across the top floors of a former bank building.
What Makes This Tribeca Triplex Worth $27 Million
Let us look past the celebrity pedigree for a second. Manhattan real estate moves fast, but properties of this sheer scale in Tribeca rarely surface. The layout covers three full floors, offering four distinct exposures that flood the grand living spaces with natural light. Historic pre-war details remain fully intact, including high beamed ceilings and exposed brick elements that ground the otherwise theatrical decor. For another angle on this event, refer to the latest update from The New York Times.
Mario Buatta's original design choices leaned heavily into high-octane luxury. We are talking silver-leaf doors, lacquered peach walls, bronze-inlaid limestone flooring, and a signature butterfly motif subtly woven into everything from custom cabinetry hardware and tilework to bathroom accessories. It also features an underwater-themed media room that feels entirely bespoke.
The crown jewel of the residence sits upstairs: an airstrip-sized private rooftop terrace. Complete with a semi-circular sunroom, an indoor-outdoor room, a wet bar, and a stone fireplace, the outdoor space delivers 360-degree views stretching across the Manhattan skyline and the Hudson River.
The Reality Of Owning A Megastar Penthouse
Owning a property of this magnitude comes with astronomical running costs. Monthly common charges and steep property taxes run well into five figures, meaning whoever steps in next needs deep pockets just to keep the lights on. Furthermore, real estate analysts note that ultra-luxury penthouses require a very specific buyer—someone who wants the historical novelty and theatrical interior styling, or someone with a blank check ready for a massive modern gut renovation.
Mariah's decision to list the property follows a turbulent few years for the residence, including a high-profile break-in back in 2022 while she was away. While she has spent less time living at 90 Franklin Street full-time in recent years, the home has remained an enduring symbol of her peak diva era.
Whether the next owner preserves the butterfly-laden, gold-draped sanctuary Buatta built or strips it down to a minimalist glass box remains to be seen. One thing is certain. An era of New York City nightlife and pop history is officially changing hands.
