This week, Regan Hutsell was crowned the 99th Miss America. Along with receiving the iconic and prestigious title and crown, she’ll also be receiving the keys to a luxury high rise apartment in New York City.
Regan Hutsell was crowned the 99th Miss America this week. Like the many winners that came before her, she was given the prestigious title, crown, and scholarship money. However, this year a first-of-its-kind perk was offered to the Texas native.
Hutsell also received the keys to a luxury high rise apartment in New York City. The organization’s Communications Manager, Mallory Hudson, confirmed to Realtor.com® that this year’s prize package includes “access to the Miss America apartment.”
This apartment is meant to act as a “luxurious home away from home” for Hutsell, who will be remaining based in her hometown of Houston, Texas full time for the foreseeable future.
Miss America 2026 marks the first time in the competitions extensive history that a prize of this magnitude and kind has been offered, representing a shift towards expansion for the pageant’s future.
The apartment itself is located in a 36-story Chelsea Landmark building in the west-side neighborhood of Chelsea. The organization described the place as “a stunning apartment residence that will serve as the NYC base for Miss America as she fulfills her national duties.”
“We’re opening doors to new partnerships, visibility, and moments that amplify our mission on a national scale,” a statement from the organization said.
“As the role of Miss America evolves to meet the demands of modern advocacy and media, so too does the infrastructure around her.”
The apartment is described to serve as a “touchpoint for national press appearances, official events, and any other crown-worthy business that may bring Miss America to New York,” Realtor.com reports.
Freshly crowned, Hutsell has already been enduring her busy schedule which involved a trip to NYC. After she won in West Palm Beach, Florida, she came to New York for a series of press stops on her winning tour.
On “Good Morning America” this week, she reflected on what it was like the moment that she won the crown.
“When my name was called, it was truly a surreal moment. As Miss America, I look forward to giving as much hope to as many people as possible.”
Chelsea Landmark is well known as one of the most luxurious locations in the city. The building offers a 24/7 attended lobby and concierge services, a full fitness center, and access to a rooftop sundeck with one of the best views of Manhattan.
Hutsell will also have access to the building’s “Club 3 membership” that includes complimentary fitness classes and other organized events.
Chelsea Landmark units start at $5,050 a month, with their biggest units being around $14,000. According to Realtor.com, the average asking rent for New York City rental units in the first quarter of 2026 was $3,616.
Of course, Hutsell will be receiving other prizes with her crown as well, with the awards making a statement over why their prizes are so integral to their winner.
“For more than a century, Miss America has empowered women through service-driven opportunities, education, and leadership.”
Our newest Miss America’s NYC abode also includes a lounge with a pool table, library, and golf simulator for when she wants to unwind.
In addition to the apartment, Hutsell received a $50,000 scholarship with runners-up being rewarded scholarships ranging from $3,300 to $10,000. Both adult and teen competitors who grabbed a title received a monetized prize from a pool valued at over $300,000.
“These scholarships are more than financial support, they provide life-changing opportunities for young women to pursue their education, achieve their goals, and build the future they envision.”
The Miss America pageant initially started awarding its winners academic scholarships in 1945, and since then has become the largest provider of tuition-only scholarship assistance for women in the United States.
Hutsell initially took home the title of Miss Texas 2026 before she moved to the national stage.
According to the Miss America press release, Hutsell has been awarded close to $90,000 in scholarship funds throughout her entire experience, which will be going toward her journey of earning a Bachelor’s of Science in Health Sciences.
In the future, she’s hoping to become a physical therapist. Hutsell is also the fourth Miss Texas to win the Miss America pageant throughout the competition’s entire history.
Eric Mastrota is a Contributing Editor at The National Digest based in New York. A graduate of SUNY New Paltz, he reports on world news, culture, and lifestyle. You can reach him at eric.mastrota@thenationaldigest.com.
