Before the spotlight of celebrity buyers, a luxury Manhattan condo quietly had one controversial backer: convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
According to exclusive reporting from the New York Post, newly released documents from the Epstein files reveal the financier invested in the conversion of 21 E. 26th St., a historic building in NoMad later branded as the Whitman.
The Neo-Georgian property was transformed into four full-floor residences and a duplex penthouse, drawing high-profile buyers when sales launched in 2013.
Emails show developer David Mitchell offered Epstein unusually favorable terms for an early stake in the project.
“I think this is attractive because most of the risk of approvals and asbestos removal is behind,” Mitchell wrote in a 2011 email. “No guarantees but should be good.”
Epstein committed roughly $920,000 through a combination of a stake in the development entity and a limited partnership, giving him access to returns usually reserved for developers.
He moved quickly, writing, “I’m closing today on your deal, with no due diligence. I am merely relying on your representations. thanks and good luck.”
Epstein also expressed interest in the penthouse, writing, “i would like to do a similar soho house type deal, take the penthouse instead of profit but only if convenient.” Mitchell responded that the deal had already closed and other investors were involved.
The project ultimately sold well. NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon purchased a second-floor unit for $10 million and sold it for $13.5 million in 2023.
Chelsea Clinton and her husband Marc Mezvinsky bought a full-floor apartment for $9.25 million, which remains in their possession.
Jennifer Lopez later bought the duplex penthouse for nearly $20 million, selling it for $23 million in 2024.
Internal projections estimated Epstein’s investment could return more than $1.6 million, roughly an 80% gain, depending largely on the penthouse sale.
Documents also show the building serving as a social venue even before sales began, with invitations circulating for an election-night party in 2012 hosted by the developers.
Epstein’s involvement persisted in minor ways as the project progressed, including brief emails like “Call my cell,” signaling continued connection to the property.
The revelations highlight how Epstein’s financial reach extended into high-end real estate alongside some of Manhattan’s most recognizable names.
