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A Montclair, New Jersey residence that was once home to Kool & The Gang’s founding member Dennis “Dee Tee” Thomas is on the market for $7.5 million, Gimme Shelter has learned.
That’s a staggering 525% increase from the $1.2 million the sellers paid for the property in 2021.
The six-bedroom, two-family dwelling at 82-84 Watchung Ave. sits on just under half an acre. It’s divided into two townhouses, with three bedrooms apiece. The townhouses are also available for rent; each one asks $18,000 a month.
The home, which was built in 1908, was lovingly “restored and renovated to bring it back to its former beauty,” said listing broker Allison Maguire, of Brown Harris Stevens,
“The work that went into the house — from the craftmanship, to the millwork and the design choices — it’s just gorgeous,” Maguire said, adding that the seller is “an extended band family member.”
Thomas — an alto saxophone player, flautist and percussionist — died in his sleep at age 70, in 2021. He purchased the home for $374,000 in 1999 and was a beloved member of the Montclair community.
“The town’s Fourth of July parade would always go by the house and people would wave to him,” said Maguire.
The two-time Grammy-winning group is known for its jazzy soul-funk hits like “Celebration” and “Get Down On It.” Thomas was with the band for more than half a century from 1964 into the 2020s. Kool & The Gang is still actively touring.
Montclair is known for attracting creatives who enjoy the small-town atmosphere within easy reach to Manhattan. Famed residents include make-up mogul Bobbi Brown, who has a hotel in Montclair, and Stephen Colbert, whose show was recently canceled by CBS as Paramount and Skydance merged in a massive $8.4 billion deal.
We hear that Adam Sandler is also renting a home in Montclair, as he works on a new, untitled Netflix film tentatively called “Roommates,” according to reports. He has also been spotted at local restaurants and playing basketball at Rand Park.
The townhomes feature three bedrooms, four baths and one powder room — plus an in-home elevator that connects all levels. There’s also a heated two-car garage that could also be transformed into a studio or gym.
The offering works as a family compound or it could be used to generate income from one townhouse while living in the other, the listing notes.
The main level of each townhouse is anchored by a double-sided gas fireplace. Design details throughout include white oak floors, custom lighting and organic textures. There’s also a sunlit chef’s kitchen with a 9-foot island for casual meals.
A top-floor bedroom comes with a spa-like bath with radiant floor heating and a walk-in closet.
The finished basement can operate as a family room, a guest suite or an office. The house also features a wraparound porch and a backyard.
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