Patti Smith and Robert Mapplethorpe’s former Brooklyn home now rents for $17,500 a month
New York, USA | October 23, 2026: A historic Clinton Hill townhouse once shared by artists Patti Smith and Robert Mapplethorpe has returned to the rental market with a $17,500 monthly asking rent, offering a striking example of how Brooklyn property values and rental expectations have changed over the decades.
The three-story townhouse at 160 Hall Street dates back to 1901. While its original exterior has been preserved, the property has undergone a substantial interior renovation, combining historic architectural features with modern amenities.
A home with a significant cultural history
Smith and Mapplethorpe lived together in the townhouse in 1967, when they were young artists beginning their careers. Their first home there reportedly cost just $80 a month.
The property has since become associated with an important chapter in the lives of two influential figures in American art and culture.
From $80 rent to $17,500 a month
The property's rental history reflects the dramatic change in Brooklyn's real estate market.
The townhouse was reported with a $1 million asking price in 2012 and later entered the rental market for approximately $8,000 a month in 2018.
Its current $17,500 monthly asking rent is more than twice the 2018 figure, showing how sharply rental expectations have risen for distinctive properties in established Brooklyn neighbourhoods.
Historic character meets modern interiors
The renovation has retained several original features, including pine flooring, exposed oak beams, painted brick and wood-latticed windows.
At the same time, the property now offers modern conveniences including central air conditioning, zoned heating, a fireplace, dishwasher and washer and dryer.
The combination gives the townhouse a character that could appeal to renters looking for historic architecture without giving up contemporary amenities.
Three bedrooms and private outdoor space
The upper floors contain three bedrooms and three full bathrooms. The primary suite includes a marble-finished bathroom with a soaking tub and a walk-in steam and rain shower.
The main living level features a living room, open kitchen and dining area, while large glass doors provide access to a private backyard.
The finished lower level can be used as a home office, gym or recreation space. The property also includes rooftop access with views across Manhattan and Brooklyn.
What the property says about Brooklyn’s rental market
The townhouse illustrates the premium that distinctive properties can command in Brooklyn's established neighbourhoods.
For landlords, properties with historic character, outdoor space, modern upgrades and strong neighbourhood identity can stand apart from standard rental inventory. For renters, however, the sharp increase in asking rent highlights the growing cost of securing larger and character-rich homes in desirable parts of New York City.
What happens next
The townhouse's latest listing puts a historic Brooklyn property back in the spotlight while demonstrating the significant gap between its former rent and today's market expectations.
At $17,500 a month, the property is positioned firmly in the luxury rental segment, where location, architectural character, outdoor space and cultural history can all contribute to a property's appeal.