 |
| Robert Cika |
 |
| Robert Cika |
 |
| Robert Cika |
 |
| Robert Cika |
 |
| Robert Cika |
 |
| Robert Cika |
 |
| Robert Cika |
 |
| Robert Cika |
 |
| Robert Cika |
Shades of John Lautner! Designed by architect Robert Cika, Jackie Gleason's two UFO-inspired party houses were constructed by a Norwegian shipbuilder, who shipped the completed pieces to Cortlandt Manor for final assembly.
Gleason personally oversaw the project, which cost $650,000 -- roughly equivalent to $5.6 million today --and took five years to complete (in 1959). It was a marvel, and one that he shared with his many celebrity guests, including Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, and Joe DiMaggio.
The "Mothership" was the main house. Designed to host large parties, it has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and two bars -- the centerpiece being a 14-person, curving bar, which had a baby grand piano, and a microphone that would emerge from the marble floor to the delight of Gleason’s guests.
No comments:
Post a Comment