NPR CEO Katherine Maher’s Controversial $2.7 Million Brooklyn Townhouse
Shortly after stepping into her role as CEO of NPR in October 2024, Katherine Maher closed on a $2.7 million luxury townhouse in Brooklyn’s Park Slope neighborhood, widely known for its liberal politics.
The purchase has drawn criticism from conservatives who question Maher’s impartiality and the optics of a taxpayer-funded media executive owning a high-value property in one of New York City’s most progressive neighborhoods.
Despite the criticism, Maher still owns the duplex that has served as only the start of a very controversial tenure at NPR.
Property Highlights
Price: $2.7 million
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Size: 1,950 square feet
Bedrooms/Bathrooms: 3 bed, 3 bath
Notable Features: Separate rental unit, luxury finishes, rooftop deck
Living Room Where the Only Bias Is Toward Comfort
As you walk into Katherine Maher’s home, you immediately step into the living room, which presents a carefully curated blend of intellect and design.
Framing the kitchen beyond, a built-in bookcase is packed with well-worn volumes, while a simple taupe sofa and slatted wood coffee table create a comfortable lounging spot.
The room is compact, but the layout creates a sense of intentionality and purpose, even as questions continue to swirl about how it came to be hers.
Kitchen With More Heat Than NPR’s Budget
Through the bookshelf archway, the renovated kitchen opens into a bright, orderly space designed with crisp white cabinetry and soft beige stone countertops illuminated by natural light.
Subway tile backsplashes and polished hardware nod to classic design choices, while stainless steel appliances keep the look more modern.
Rooftop Deck Where the Optics Actually Look Good
At the top of the home, a rooftop deck extends the living space outdoors, framed by weathered wood planks and bare trees that provide an abundance of shade in the hotter Brooklyn months.
Cushioned benches with patterned pillows in bold blues and warm oranges line one side, while a barbecue grill and potted palms sit across the way, creating a space for year-round utility.
From this vantage point, the tops of neighboring brownstones stretch out across the Brooklyn skyline, creating a balance between urban views and natural surroundings.
Final Thoughts
While the townhouse itself is an embodiment of understated Brooklyn luxury, its ownership has stirred up more debate than it’s worth. The $2.7 million purchase by Katherine Maher has been a pivotal moment in the broader conversation around NPR’s leadership, political direction, and use of federal funding.
As the spotlight sharpens on NPR’s future in the current congressional hearings, Maher’s real estate move has become an unlikely symbol at the center of a much larger storm.
