Playwright Thornton Wilder’s home for sale at $1.65M

Playwright Thornton Wilder — who explored themes of social and economic inequality in Gilded Age New York in “The Matchmaker,” which inspired the blockbuster musical “Hello, Dolly!” — remains ever relevant.

(The show, which debuted with Carol Channing in the titular role of Dolly Gallagher Levi and nabbed 10 Tonys in 1964, was later adapted to a film starring Barbra Streisand before earning another four Tonys for its Bette Midler-helmed 2017 Broadway revival.)

Now, Wilder’s former residence — just steps from Gramercy Park — has hit the market for $1.65 million, Gimme has learned.

Wilder moved into the striking home shortly after he wrote the Pulitzer Prize-winning “Our Town.”

Wilder described the place to Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas in a 1939 letter: “My new apartment is at 81 Irving Place. I’ve lived five days in my New York home and am already flooded with a new overwhelming feeling about New York.”

The two-bedroom, two-bath, sunlit abode features high, beamed ceilings, arches, casement windows, original built-in bookcases, hardwood floors and three exposures — all in a charming prewar building decked out with gargoyles.

A foyer leads to a large corner living room and a dining area with an arched ceiling near a windowed kitchen.

The main bedroom comes with an office, an en-suite bath and plenty of storage. A second bedroom with an en-suite bath on the opposite end of the apartment boasts views of the building’s gargoyles.

Past residents from the building’s early days include Gypsy Rose Lee, the burlesque star, actress, author and playwright.

The 16-story building dates to 1930. It converted to co-ops in 1983. Amenities include a live-in super, a doorman, a laundry room and bike storage. 

The listing broker is Brian K. Lewis of Compass.