Jennifer Gould

Jennifer Gould

Celebrity Real Estate

Former Houston Rockets owner tries once more to sell his Gramercy penthouse — with keys to the coveted park

Billionaire financier and attorney Leslie Alexander, the former owner of the NBA’s Houston Rockets, is about to put his Gramercy Park penthouse duplex — with its very own plunge pool and hot tub — back on the market for $45 million, Gimme Shelter has learned.

And yes, it comes with a coveted key to Gramercy Park, the city’s most famous private greenspace. 

The five-bedroom duplex at 18 Gramercy Park South was last asking $45.5 million earlier this year with a different broker. Last year, the posh penthouse was on the market for $43.75 million. It asked $48.75 million in 2022, and $49.75 million in 2015.

Alexander bought the residence for $42 million in 2012. Five years later, in 2017, Alexander sold the Houston Rockets to Tilman Fertitta for $2.2 billion.

Leslie Alexander. Getty Images
The primary bedroom in the posh penthouse. Evan Joseph Photography
The sky-high palace boasts a plunge pool and a hot tub. Evan Joseph Photography
The top-floor unit’s elegant dining room. Evan Joseph Photography
The penthouse has four terraces totaling 1,900 square feet. Evan Joseph Photography
Prospective owners are welcome to dine al fresco. Evan Joseph Photography

At a spacious 6,329 square feet, the home comes with its own elevator and four terraces totaling 1,900 square feet, with details like a plunge pool, a hot tub, al fresco dining and stunning city views.

The smashing spread opens to a large foyer that leads to the living room, with views overlooking Gramercy Park. There’s also a windowed formal dining room and a library for entertaining, along with an eat-in chef’s kitchen featuring hand-painted cabinetry.

One of the five bedrooms inside the massive spread. Evan Joseph Photography
A cozy den with city vistas. Evan Joseph Photography
A plush rug anchors one of many entertaining areas inside the penthouse. Evan Joseph Photography

The main bedroom suite includes an oversize walk-in closet and a spa-like marble bath with heated floors. Additional bedrooms boast ensuite marble baths — and there’s also a walk-in laundry room. 

A central staircase leads to the next floor with a sitting room featuring a gas fireplace and a wrap terrace. This floor also boasts a wet bar and said private plunge pool. Design details include white oak herringbone floors and polished marble windowsills. 

The 18-story, 16-unit building dates to 1927 — reimagined by architect-about-town Robert A.M. Stern and Zeckendorf Development in 2013. Amenities include a doorman, a concierge, two roof terraces, a club room, a spa and a gym. 

The listing broker is Douglas Elliman’s Eleonora Srugo.