So, what makes the penthouse so alluring? For one, it's the exclusivity. Penthouses are typically located on the top floors of high-end buildings, offering a level of seclusion and privacy that is hard to find in other types of residences. The views from a penthouse are often breathtaking, providing a panoramic vista of the city or surrounding landscape.

Mira used her penthouse to lift others up—inviting them to see their own lives from a new, empowering angle.

One day, Elara handed Mira the keys. “I’m moving closer to my grandchildren,” she said. “Take the penthouse. You need the light for your drawings.”

—fueled by New York City's economic boom—that developers realized wealthy residents would pay a premium for height, light, and panoramic views.