Our Heritage
150 Years of Trust
The Story
Built on Relationships
In 1873, Charles Stelle Brown entered the New York real estate business at a time when Manhattan was transforming from a city of modest row houses into the capital of American ambition. His timing was prescient, his instincts impeccable. Within a generation, the firm he built would become synonymous with the most consequential addresses in the city.
The firm's trajectory changed decisively at the turn of the century when Douglas Robinson joined the partnership. Robinson had married Corinne Roosevelt, the sister of President Theodore Roosevelt, connecting the firm to one of the most powerful and respected families in the nation. The partnership of Brown, Robinson & Co. brought social standing, institutional credibility, and access to a network of clients who expected nothing less than excellence.
Through mergers in the 1920s, the firm became Brown Harris Stevens — a name that would come to represent the gold standard in New York residential real estate. For over a century since, BHS has managed and sold the city's most prestigious buildings, guided the most significant transactions, and earned the trust of generation after generation of New York's most discerning families.
Our Journey
A Timeline of Distinction
1873
A Legacy Begins
Charles Stelle Brown enters the New York real estate business, establishing the foundation for what would become the city’s most trusted property advisory.
1873
A Legacy Begins
Charles Stelle Brown enters the New York real estate business, establishing the foundation for what would become the city’s most trusted property advisory.
1901
The Roosevelt Partnership
Douglas Robinson, who married Corinne Roosevelt — sister of President Theodore Roosevelt — joins the firm. The partnership of Brown, Robinson & Co. is formed, linking the firm to one of America’s most prominent families.
1901
The Roosevelt Partnership
Douglas Robinson, who married Corinne Roosevelt — sister of President Theodore Roosevelt — joins the firm. The partnership of Brown, Robinson & Co. is formed, linking the firm to one of America’s most prominent families.
1920s
Brown Harris Stevens Is Born
A series of mergers unites several of the era’s leading real estate firms. The combined entity adopts the name Brown Harris Stevens, bringing together unmatched expertise in sales, management, and advisory.
1920s
Brown Harris Stevens Is Born
A series of mergers unites several of the era’s leading real estate firms. The combined entity adopts the name Brown Harris Stevens, bringing together unmatched expertise in sales, management, and advisory.
1930s–50s
Stewards of Manhattan’s Finest
BHS becomes the managing agent for many of Manhattan’s most distinguished cooperative apartment buildings, establishing a tradition of white-glove service that continues to this day.
1930s–50s
Stewards of Manhattan’s Finest
BHS becomes the managing agent for many of Manhattan’s most distinguished cooperative apartment buildings, establishing a tradition of white-glove service that continues to this day.
1995
The Onassis Residence
BHS brokers the sale of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis’s Fifth Avenue apartment for $9.5 million — a transaction that captures worldwide attention and cements BHS’s role at the pinnacle of New York real estate.
1995
The Onassis Residence
BHS brokers the sale of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis’s Fifth Avenue apartment for $9.5 million — a transaction that captures worldwide attention and cements BHS’s role at the pinnacle of New York real estate.
2017
The Rockefeller Townhouse
The David Rockefeller townhouse at 146 East 65th Street sells for $32.5 million through BHS, marking one of the most significant residential sales in the city’s history.
2017
The Rockefeller Townhouse
The David Rockefeller townhouse at 146 East 65th Street sells for $32.5 million through BHS, marking one of the most significant residential sales in the city’s history.
2020
Halstead Merger
Brown Harris Stevens merges with Halstead, creating a combined force of over 2,700 agents across New York City, The Hamptons, Connecticut, and the Hudson Valley.
2020
Halstead Merger
Brown Harris Stevens merges with Halstead, creating a combined force of over 2,700 agents across New York City, The Hamptons, Connecticut, and the Hudson Valley.
2023
150th Anniversary
BHS celebrates a century and a half of continuous operation — the longest tenure of any residential brokerage in New York City.
2023
150th Anniversary
BHS celebrates a century and a half of continuous operation — the longest tenure of any residential brokerage in New York City.
Today
Four Markets, One Standard
With expansion into South Florida and a network of 2,700+ advisors, BHS brings its signature combination of institutional knowledge, building relationships, and personal service to the most discerning clients worldwide.
Today
Four Markets, One Standard
With expansion into South Florida and a network of 2,700+ advisors, BHS brings its signature combination of institutional knowledge, building relationships, and personal service to the most discerning clients worldwide.
By the Numbers
A Firm Without Equal
1873
Founded
185+
Buildings Managed
11,000+
Residences
2,700+
Advisors
$9B+
Annual Volume
20+
Avg Agent Experience (Yrs)
Our Values
Bold. Honest. Smart.
Three words that define who we are. Boldin our approach to the market — we set records, not follow them. Honestin every interaction — our reputation is built on trust earned over 150 years. Smartin our strategy — our agents bring unmatched institutional knowledge to every transaction.
We Manage the Buildings We Sell In
BHS is the only major brokerage that also serves as managing agent for the buildings where we represent buyers and sellers. With 185+ managed properties, our agents know the board, the financials, the culture, and the nuances of every building — because we run them.
The Most Experienced Agents in the Industry
Our agents average over 20 years of experience — the highest of any residential brokerage in the country. This is not a firm of newcomers. Our advisors have navigated every market cycle, know every building intimately, and bring the kind of judgment that only decades of practice can provide.
Managed Properties
Iconic Addresses
Among the 185+ buildings we manage, these represent some of the most coveted addresses in the world.
740 Park Avenue
Upper East Side
834 Fifth Avenue
Upper East Side
The Dakota
Upper West Side
960 Fifth Avenue
Upper East Side
720 Park Avenue
Upper East Side
One Sutton Place
Midtown East
Begin Here
Experience the Difference
Whether you are buying, selling, or simply exploring what's possible, our advisors bring 150 years of insight to every conversation.
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