Gavin Creel’s house portfolio included residences on Manhattan’s Upper West Side and in Carmel, New York. The Tony Award-winning Broadway star, who passed away in September 2024, purchased a co-op at 245 West 104th Street for $1,315,000, splitting his time between these two New York locations throughout his celebrated career.
Remembering Gavin Creel
Gavin Creel was a beloved Broadway performer who won a Tony Award for his role in “Hello, Dolly!” His talent, warmth, and advocacy work left an indelible mark on the theater community.
Born on April 18, 1976, in Findlay, Ohio, Creel built an extraordinary career on Broadway. He earned Tony nominations for “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” “Hair,” and “She Loves Me” before winning for “Hello, Dolly!” in 2017.
Creel passed away on September 30, 2024, at his Manhattan home at age 48. He had been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of sarcoma in July 2024.
Where Did Gavin Creel Live?
Gavin Creel house locations included the Upper West Side of Manhattan and Carmel, New York, where he divided his time between two residences. This arrangement allowed him to balance the demands of his Broadway career with quieter country living.
The Upper West Side offers proximity to Broadway theaters and the vibrant arts community. Living in this neighborhood kept Creel close to his professional world while providing a comfortable home base.
Carmel, New York, sits in Putnam County about 50 miles north of Manhattan. This small town offered Creel peaceful retreats from the city’s energy and demands.
The Upper West Side Co-op
Property records show Creel purchased a co-op at 245 West 104th Street, Unit 14C, for $1,315,000. This Upper West Side address placed him in one of Manhattan’s most desirable residential neighborhoods.
The building sits between Broadway and West End Avenue. This location provides easy access to subway lines, shops, restaurants, and cultural institutions throughout the city.
Co-op apartments in this area typically feature pre-war architecture and classic New York charm. Many buildings offer doorman service, updated amenities, and well-maintained common areas.
Upper West Side Neighborhood Appeal
The Upper West Side attracts artists, intellectuals, and professionals seeking culture and community. Lincoln Center, numerous museums, and Riverside Park make this neighborhood particularly desirable for performers.
Many Broadway actors choose this neighborhood for its theater accessibility and residential character. Unlike busier Midtown areas, the Upper West Side offers tree-lined streets and neighborhood stability.
Proximity to Central Park provides green space for exercise and relaxation. Creel could easily access running paths, outdoor concerts, and peaceful areas for reflection.
The Carmel, New York Property
Creel’s Carmel home offered contrast to Manhattan’s urban intensity. The town’s rural character and natural beauty provided balance for someone working in demanding Broadway productions.
Carmel sits in the Hudson Valley region known for scenic landscapes and historic charm. Many artists and performers maintain homes in this area for weekend escapes.
The property details remain private, respecting Creel’s preference for keeping personal spaces out of public view. Friends and colleagues remember his homes as welcoming, comfortable spaces reflecting his personality.
Balancing Two Residences
Maintaining homes in both Manhattan and Carmel required planning and resources. Creel’s successful Broadway career made this lifestyle possible while serving his professional and personal needs.
During active show runs, his Manhattan apartment likely saw more use. The convenience of living near theaters eliminated commuting stress during eight-show weeks.
Weekends and between-show breaks allowed time in Carmel. This rhythm helped Creel maintain balance between his demanding career and personal wellbeing.
Broadway Life and Housing Needs
Broadway performers face unique housing considerations. Show schedules require proximity to theaters, while the job’s physical demands make comfortable home spaces essential for rest and recovery.
Eight performances weekly leave little time for long commutes. Living on the Upper West Side meant Creel could reach most Broadway theaters within 20-30 minutes.
Home becomes a sanctuary for performers dealing with show pressures and public recognition. Having two distinct spaces gave Creel options for different moods and needs.
Comparing Broadway Actor Residences
Many successful Broadway performers invest in New York real estate despite the city’s high costs. Owning property provides stability in an industry known for uncertainty between shows.
Like John Stamos and Mark Ruffalo, Creel chose properties reflecting his lifestyle priorities over flashy status symbols. Comfort and location mattered more than square footage.
His dual-residence strategy mirrors choices made by Billy Gilman and other performers balancing city careers with desires for nature and quiet.
Real Estate as Investment
Creel’s $1,315,000 co-op purchase represented solid investment in Manhattan’s competitive market. Upper West Side properties typically maintain value and appreciate steadily over time.
Co-ops offer more affordable entry points than condos in similar neighborhoods. However, they require board approval and come with monthly maintenance fees covering building operations.
His real estate choices showed financial wisdom alongside lifestyle preferences. Property ownership creates wealth and stability for performers between show contracts.
Privacy and Personal Space
Creel maintained privacy about his residences throughout his life. This discretion allowed him to separate public performances from private life.
Gavin Creel was gay and was heavily involved in gay rights activism. His homes provided safe spaces for personal relationships and advocacy work away from public scrutiny.
The theater community respected Creel’s boundaries regarding personal matters. Colleagues knew him as warm and welcoming without requiring access to his private spaces.
Legacy and Impact
Creel co-founded Broadway Impact with Rory O’Malley and Jenny Kanelos. This LGBT activist group mobilized the theater community for marriage equality and other civil rights causes.
His homes likely hosted strategy sessions, fundraisers, and gatherings supporting causes he championed. Activism formed a core part of his identity beyond performing.
The American Theatre Wing recently launched Gavin Creel Fellowships in his honor. This program will support emerging theater artists continuing his legacy of excellence and advocacy.
Community Connections
Both neighborhoods Creel called home offered distinct community benefits. The Upper West Side provided theater industry connections and cultural stimulation.
Carmel offered a small-town community and natural surroundings. Residents likely appreciated having a Broadway star as a neighbor without making it define their interactions.
Creel’s warm personality and genuine interest in others made him beloved in both locations. He brought the same authenticity to personal relationships that defined his performances.
Final Days at Home
Creel died at his home in Manhattan of metastatic melanotic peripheral nerve sheath sarcoma. After treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering, he transitioned to home hospice care.
Being home surrounded by loved ones provided comfort during his final weeks. His Manhattan apartment became a place of peace and connection as friends and family said goodbye.
The theater community mourned deeply, with Broadway lights dimmed in his honor. His homes stand as testament to a life well-lived despite its too-early end.
Impact on Theater Real Estate
Successful Broadway careers like Creel’s demonstrate how performers can build financial stability through smart real estate choices. Property ownership provides security between shows and after retirement.
The Upper West Side remains popular among theater professionals for good reasons. Proximity, culture, and community create ideal conditions for artists building sustainable careers.
Young performers can learn from Creel’s balanced approach. Investing in property early and maintaining connections to nature supports long-term success and wellbeing.
Remembering His Legacy
Gavin Creel’s homes reflected his values of community, authenticity, and balance. He created spaces supporting his artistry while maintaining privacy and personal relationships.
His real estate choices showed the same thoughtfulness evident in his performances. Every decision served his needs while respecting his resources and lifestyle goals.
The theater world continues mourning this tremendous loss. Creel’s legacy lives on through his performances, advocacy work, and the countless lives he touched.
Conclusion
Gavin Creel’s homes in Manhattan and Carmel reflected the duality of his life — vibrant artistry balanced by quiet reflection. His Upper West Side co-op placed him at the heart of Broadway’s creative pulse, while his Carmel retreat offered peace amid nature.
Together, these spaces symbolized the harmony between his public brilliance and private serenity. Even in his passing, Creel’s residences stand as meaningful representations of a life dedicated to art, authenticity, and compassion — a legacy that continues to inspire the theater world.
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