Barnes & Noble Founder Leonard Riggio's Park Avenue Apartment Lists for $17M
Leonard Riggio, the founder of Barnes & Noble, passed away last year. Known for his role in shaping the American bookselling landscape, Riggio's legacy includes a vast art collection and luxurious residences, including a Park Avenue apartment now on the market.
Riggio's career began at NYU bookstores, leading him to open his first bookstore, the Student Book Exchange, at age 30. He and his wife, Louise, purchased their Park Avenue apartment long ago, with the purchase price remaining private. The apartment, designed by Peter Marino, boasts herringbone floors, high ceilings, a library, and formal dining room. It's now listed for $17 million.
Riggio's impact on the industry earned Barnes & Noble the title of 'anti-Amazon,' offering a physical space for book lovers to gather. His art collection, valued at $250 million, was auctioned at Christie's in May. The Riggios also owned estates in Palm Beach and Bridgehampton, with the Palm Beach property fetching $81 million last November.
Leonard Riggio's Park Avenue apartment, a testament to his success and taste, is now available for purchase. His influence on the bookselling world and his art collection will continue to be celebrated, while his former residences stand as reminders of his extraordinary life and achievements.
