The $2 Million Secret: 5 Shocking Facts About Carl Sagan's Iconic Ithaca House And Its New Billionaire Owner
The legendary Ithaca residence of Carl Sagan, a home as mysterious and unique as the cosmos he studied, has officially changed hands, marking the end of an era for the Sagan-Druyan family. As of late 2024, the historic property at 900 Stewart Avenue, a structure known locally as "The Tomb," was sold for a massive $2 million to billionaire scrap metal mogul Adam Weitsman, a major transition that has sparked immense curiosity among fans of the late astronomer and the Cornell community. This article provides the most current, in-depth details about the sale, the house's astonishing history, and what its new owner plans to do with this architectural marvel perched above the Fall Creek Gorge.
This iconic house is far more than just a residence; it is a monument to the intellectual and personal life of one of the 20th century's greatest science communicators. Its unique Egyptian Revival architecture, dramatic location overlooking Ithaca Falls, and its deep ties to Cornell University’s secret history make it a fascinating subject for anyone interested in Carl Sagan’s profound legacy in upstate New York.
Carl Sagan: Biography and Connection to Ithaca, New York
Carl Edward Sagan was an American astronomer, planetary scientist, cosmologist, astrophysicist, and influential science communicator. His career was defined by an insatiable curiosity and a rare gift for making complex science accessible to the general public. His connection to Ithaca is central to his life's work.
- Full Name: Carl Edward Sagan
- Born: November 9, 1934, in Brooklyn, New York
- Died: December 20, 1996, in Seattle, Washington
- Spouse: Ann Druyan (m. 1981–1996), Linda Salzman (m. 1968–1981), Lynn Margulis (m. 1957–1964)
- Children: Dorion, Jeremy, Nicholas, Sasha, Sam
- Primary Institution: Cornell University (Professor of Astronomy and Space Sciences, arrived in 1968)
- Key Achievements: Host of the Cosmos: A Personal Voyage TV series; co-writer of the Golden Record sent aboard the Voyager spacecraft; author of Contact and The Dragons of Eden (Pulitzer Prize winner).
- Ithaca Residence: 900 Stewart Avenue, purchased with Ann Druyan in 1981.
Sagan's long tenure at Cornell University cemented Ithaca's place in the history of modern astronomy. The house at 900 Stewart Avenue became his sanctuary, his office, and the creative hub where he and Ann Druyan wrote and collaborated on some of their most famous works, including the 1980 television series Cosmos and its subsequent books.
The Astonishing History of 900 Stewart Avenue: From 'Tomb' to Think-Space
The house itself holds a history that rivals the most intriguing Cornell legends. Long before Carl Sagan and Ann Druyan made it their home, the structure was a mysterious meeting place for a powerful secret society. This pre-Sagan history is what gives the property its unique, almost fortress-like aesthetic.
The Sphinx Head Tomb: A Secret Society's Lair
The building at 900 Stewart Avenue was originally constructed in 1926. It was commissioned by the Sphinx Head Society, the oldest senior honor society at Cornell University. The society intended for the structure to serve as their windowless, secluded meeting hall, which is why it was historically known as the Sphinx Head Tomb or simply "The Tomb."
The architecture is a rare example of the Egyptian Revival style in the region, one of only two such buildings in Ithaca. This choice of design was meant to evoke mystery, exclusivity, and a sense of ancient, timeless power, perfectly fitting for a secret society. The building is dramatically situated on a ledge below street level, overlooking the Fall Creek Gorge and the breathtaking Ithaca Falls, adding to its secluded and mystical aura.
Sagan’s Renovation and Personal Stamp
Carl Sagan and Ann Druyan purchased the miniature stone fortress in 1981. They undertook significant renovations to transform the former tomb into a livable, light-filled home and office. They kept some of the original architectural designs by J.G. Mensch, the original architect, but adapted the space to their needs. The 1,200-square-foot structure became the backdrop for their collaboration, their family life, and Sagan's continued work as a professor and science communicator.
For decades after Sagan’s passing in 1996, his widow, award-winning writer and producer Ann Druyan, continued to own the property, preserving its legacy and maintaining its connection to the world of science and cosmology.
The Billionaire Sale: Adam Weitsman's Plans for the Iconic House
The biggest update to the property’s history came in late 2024. After over four decades of ownership by the Sagan-Druyan family, Ann Druyan sold the iconic property to billionaire scrap metal mogul Adam Weitsman for a reported $2 million.
Who is Adam Weitsman?
Adam Weitsman is the CEO of Upstate Shredding – Weitsman Recycling, a prominent businessman and philanthropist in Upstate New York. His acquisition of the Sagan House was a unique historical purchase, adding a significant cultural landmark to his real estate portfolio.
The Future of 900 Stewart Avenue
The question on the minds of many in the Tompkins County area and the wider scientific community is what the new owner plans to do with the historically significant house. Fortunately, Weitsman has expressed intentions to honor the property's legacy, rather than demolish or drastically alter it.
Weitsman stated that his primary intention is to perform "historical renovations" on the structure. Crucially, he plans to use the former Sagan residence as a private "office and study" and a personal "think-space" where he can go to work and reflect. This commitment to using the space for intellectual pursuits is a fitting continuation of the house's most famous chapter, echoing the work Carl Sagan did there while discussing the Pale Blue Dot and the Cosmos with the world.
The sale ensures that the property, a tangible piece of Sagan's legacy and Ithaca's unique architectural history, will be preserved. It remains a powerful symbol of the intersection between science, history, and the enduring quest for knowledge that Carl Sagan championed throughout his life at Cornell and in his home above the gorge. The continuation of the house as a "think-space" is a quiet tribute to the man who popularized science for a generation.
Key Entities and Topical Authority
The story of 900 Stewart Avenue is rich with interconnected entities, including Ann Druyan, Cornell University, the Sphinx Head Society, the Fall Creek Gorge, Ithaca Falls, the Egyptian Revival style, the $2 million sale, and the new owner, Adam Weitsman. These elements collectively cement the house's status as a cultural and historical landmark in Ithaca, New York, ensuring its continued relevance far beyond the life of the great astronomer.
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