For well over a decade, Jemima Kirke has been intrinsically linked to the cultural fabric of Brooklyn. Much of that association was forged through her iconic television role as Jessa Johansson on the generation-defining HBO series Girls, a character whose bohemian spirit and chaotic charm seemed right at home in the borough’s creative enclaves. But Kirke’s connection to Brooklyn has always extended far beyond the screen, grounded firmly in her real estate footprint. Over the years, she has bought and sold a succession of notable properties across the borough, moving from a historic townhouse in Carroll Gardens to a vibrant, color-drenched sanctuary in Red Hook—a home famously heavy on pink hues that she ultimately parted ways with for $2.5 million in 2024.
Given this deeply rooted history across the East River, it came as a genuine surprise to local real estate watchers when property records revealed that Kirke, alongside her mother, Lorraine Kirke, had closed on a Manhattan co-op apartment in Chelsea this month. The purchase price clocked in at $2.35 million, marking a distinct geographical pivot for an actress and artist who has long personified the quintessential Brooklyn aesthetic.
The newly acquired property sits on the 11th floor of the London Terrace Towers, a sprawling prewar cooperative complex located in the heart of Chelsea. The massive historic development comprises four corner buildings connected by an interior courtyard that stretches nearly an entire city block, housing roughly 700 units in total. For Kirke, the building’s location offers immediate proximity to some of Manhattan’s premier cultural destinations, sitting just steps away from the High Line and the neighborhood’s dense concentration of blue-chip art galleries. This positioning could prove particularly advantageous for Kirke, who has frequently noted in interviews that she views her primary identity as that of a portrait painter rather than an actress, maintaining a dedicated studio practice that has kept her closely tied to the contemporary art world.
At the same time, moving into London Terrace Towers represents a striking departure from the idiosyncratic townhouse living that defined her previous chapters. Spanning 1,750 square feet, the three-bedroom, three-bathroom layout is airy and filled with natural light, yet it presents an aesthetic that is surprisingly conventional—and even a bit uninspired—when juxtaposed with the maximalist character of her former Red Hook residence. That Brooklyn home was celebrated for its eclectic personality, defined by pink-and-butterscotch tilework and vivid, blue-painted exposed brick walls that captured a distinctly artistic, lived-in raw energy.
In contrast, the Chelsea co-op leans heavily into a clean, modern, and minimalist design palette. The space features an open-concept kitchen outfitted with a sleek quartz waterfall island, dark-stained hardwood flooring, and a pervasive wash of white paint throughout the main living areas. That is not to suggest the interior is entirely devoid of traditional architectural character. The apartment retains touches of prewar craftsmanship, most notably in its elegant coffered ceilings, which add a layer of classic detail to the rooms. Furthermore, the residence is exceptionally functional, offering abundant built-in storage and ample closet space to accommodate urban living.
Natural light is another prominent feature of the 11th-floor home. The listing highlights eight casement windows that frame sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline, including what are described as tantalizing "glimpses" of the iconic Empire State Building. Additionally, the floor plan includes a flexible bonus space situated directly next to the windowless third bedroom. This designated area provides enough square footage to easily function as a dedicated home office or a quiet creative workspace—amenities that could easily serve Kirke should she choose to pursue future writing endeavors, whether that involves contributing to advice columns or penning an industry tell-all about her years in the entertainment spotlight.
Naturally, the stark simplicity and understated elegance of the space have prompted speculation within the real estate community regarding the true purpose of the purchase. Observers are left wondering whether the co-op is intended to be Kirke’s primary residential base in the city, or if it represents a strategic investment property acquired jointly by mother and daughter. As is often the case with high-profile real estate transactions, definitive answers remain elusive. Lorraine Kirke understandably declined to comment when reached regarding the purchase, and telephone numbers associated with Jemima Kirke did not return messages seeking comment on the move.
Whether the co-op marks a permanent migration across the river or simply another fascinating chapter in the versatile artist’s property portfolio, the acquisition firmly establishes a new Manhattan foothold for one of Brooklyn’s most memorable former residents.
