Chelsea

August 1, 2014

Soo Chan’s Soori High Line Will Offer 16 Private, Heated Swimming Pools

Forget public pools and health clubs, the Soori High Line will offer private, heated swimming pools in 16 of its ultra-posh residences. Soo Chan, principal of Singapore-based SCDA Architects, has already made a name for himself in Asia as the pool master, designing towers with up to 120 private swimming holes. Now Chan's water-inspired interiors have also come to the surface in New York. The 11-story, 27-unit building at 522 West 19th Street will feature 16 pools ranging in size from 23 to 26 feet long, 7 to 9 feet wide, and 4 feet deep.
More about the Soori's pools this way

July 29, 2014

First Look Inside Zaha Hadid’s Futuristic Condos Planned for the High Line

By Diane Pham

Whether or not you're a fan of Zaha Hadid, or Neo-Futurism for that matter, if you're believer that a building's interior should be a seamless extension of its exterior (read: not New York by Gehry), you'll appreciate Zaha's efforts to turn her High Line project into a work worthy of architecture history books. One of the most (if not the most) talked about starchitect projects planned for the elevated park, plenty of full view renderings have surfaced since it was announced just over a year ago. But it looks like we're finally getting a taste of what the inside could look like, courtesy of Curbed. Like its ultra-futuristic exteriors, Zaha's luxurious condos will be just as sleek and spaceship-like as the outside, with undulating surfaces all throughout, and featuring many of the mind-boggling forms we've come to appreciate Ms. Hadid for.
More views inside

July 29, 2014

The Views from This Pied-a-Terre Will Have You Humming with Approval

By Aisha Carter

If you’re looking for a nice pied-a-terre in the heart of an eclectic neighborhood, you can stop your search right now… but of course, keep reading our articles. This $2.495 million 2BR/2BA loft sitting high up in the Capitol Building offers 1,800 square feet of interior space with an additional 200 square feet in the form of an amazing terrace, and two Juliet balconies. And with beautiful views of the city, including a the majestic Empire State Building, the only thing this loft is missing is Luciano Pavarotti singing “Nessun Dorma” in the background. So, hum along with us as we take a tour through this excellent estate.
But Want to see the view? Follow us here

Distinctive Homes

July 29, 2014

Beyonce Spotted Checking Out This $21.5 Million Chelsea Penthouse with Giant Apartment-Sized Closet

By Stephanie Hoina

According to the New York Daily News, Beyonce was spotted apartment hunting this week, without hubby Jay Z, for what some are speculating could be her new bachelorette pad. The luxurious home that seems to have caught Bey's eye is this incredible 4,054-square-foot square penthouse located at 520 West 19th Street, which comes with not only a 20-foot dining room and libraries, but a stunning 642-square-foot private terrace that runs the full length of the apartment and looks out to a dazzling array of city sights—a birds-eye view of the Empire State Building among them.
Tour Beyonce's potential pad here

July 23, 2014

Shigeru Ban’s Metal Shutter Houses: A Humble Moniker for an Extraordinary Residence

By Stephanie Hoina

Simplicity bordering on grandeur: that should be 2014 Pritzker Prize Laureate Shigeru Ban’s motto. Like his designs, the names of his residential projects are simple and clean, yet evoke a striking image before you ever lay eyes on the work. Curtain Wall House, Naked House, Cast Iron House, Furniture House, Crescent House, Picture Window House, Boomerang House - step inside any one of these exquisite residences and you might almost miss the complexity of Ban’s artistry; but make no mistake there is a quiet ingenuity to his vision. Metal Shutter Houses at 524 West 19th Street is no exception. Named for the motorized perforated shutters that cover the two major facades of the building and the retractable walls of glass, each apartment within it offers an almost seamless continuity between the interior and exterior space. Intrigued? So were we. Which is why we just had to take a peek inside this 2,700-square-foot duplex currently renting for $22,000 per month.
Right this way to be wowed by Shigeru Ban's genius

July 23, 2014

Design of SCDA Architects’ Arty New Building for the High Line Unveiled

By Aisha Carter

Renderings for 515 High Line have been revealed, and it appears the Soo Chan-designed building will be quite the standout. The images, unearthed by NY YIMBY, reveal an 11-story structure with a few distinctive qualities to set it apart, even as the competition from surrounding developments, including Zaha Hadid’s West 28th street condo, grows steeper. The building has a simple base while the upper levels are defined by protruding slabs of glass that create a rippling effect. But the simple base, two sides of which will be facing the park, plans to be more than just a blank canvas. Taking the artistic nature of the High Line’s new buildings to the next step, 515 West 29th Street’s base will serve as an actual canvas, showcasing the work of up-and-coming artists.
Check out more renderings here

July 15, 2014

551W21: Norman Foster’s Champagne-Colored Tower Rising Along Manhattan’s New Gold Coast (New Photos)

By Ondel Hylton

Many architects like to recycle their plans, reusing signature design elements from project to project. However, British architect Lord Norman Foster, with his firm Foster+Partners, enjoys keeping it fresh with designs that are unmistakably modern, yet profoundly contextual to their location. The firm's latest New York development is a 44-unit residential tower named 551W21 that rises in the once industrial—now art-gallery—hub of West Chelsea. The 551W21 team over at Foster+Partners recently sent us some new photos of the building under construction, which has surpassed its 19th-floor mark and will be topped off at the end of this month. And if you're still not convinced that buyers are willing to pay a premium for starchitectured spaces, we're told that the building is already over 50% sold.
See more photos and views after the break

July 9, 2014

Steel City: Architecture in Formation Structurally Redresses a Chelsea Duplex Using Digital Fabrication

By Dana Schulz

Words that come to mind when we think of steel are heavy, imposing, and grey. In this Chelsea duplex penthouse, however, the material is widely used, but the space feels light, airy, and crisp. The "structural redressing" of the 1,500-square-foot apartment was completed by Architecture in Formation with the goal of creating "a stunning, sexy, one-of-a-kind home; and consummately New York.” To design the space, the firm used off-site, state-of-the-art digital design and fabrication methods to create its three main components: the back-lit, CNC-cut Corian screen; an origami folded-plate steel and Corian staircase; and the bedroom mirror/TV/light-wall.
Get up close and personal with these three architectural marvels, as well as the rest of the stunning home

July 9, 2014

Rubbermaid VP Snatches Up Patrick Naggar-Designed Chelsea Penthouse for $7 Million

By Dana Schulz

We're guessing this penthouse loft at 138 West 17th Street is going to get very organized when new owner Mark Tarchetti, Chief Development Officer and Executive Vice President of Newell Rubbermaid Inc., moves in. He may not need to bring in too many plastic bins, though, as internationally acclaimed architect/designer Patrick Naggar executed a stunning combination of high function and low maintenance in this 3BR/3BA, 3,200-square-foot Chelsea apartment. Naggar incorporated exotic materials and top-notch artisanry to create a sleek, modern home that feels luxurious and comfortable. Natural light and 360-degree unobstructed views abound thanks to 20 huge windows and five skylights.
Think the penthouse was worth the $7 million price tag? Check out more details right this way

July 1, 2014

With a Shamir Shah Designed Interior, $5.25M West Chelsea Duplex Is a Work of Art

By Stephanie Hoina

Smack dab in the middle of the West Chelsea Arts District sits this exquisitely appointed 3BR/3.5BA duplex at 456 West 19th Street. We couldn’t think of a more perfect location for this glorious work of art which showcases the wonderfully creative and tasteful touches of world-renowned interior designer Shamir Shah and offers huge canvases of wall space tailor-made for your own artistic influences.
Tour the home here

Distinctive Homes

June 27, 2014

INTERVIEW: Resolution: 4 Architecture’s Joseph Tanney Talks Prefab Homes and Designing NYC Apartments

By Patty Lee

Since it was founded in 1994, Resolution: 4 Architecture (RE4A) has been a game-changing force in the world of building and design. Founders Joseph Tanney and Robert Luntz were some of the first architects to embrace the idea of modular prefabricated homes, a concept that continues to grow in popularity for its cost0-efficiency, eco-friendly nature and versatility in design. The RE4A team has worked on numerous projects, ranging from envy-inducing vacation retreats to space-efficient lofts to the headquarters for Equinox gym. While they have helped design and build spaces across the nation, the firm calls New York City — specifically, Chelsea — home and plenty of Big Apple sensibilities show up in their work, which is bold, yet functional. We recently spoke with Tanney about RE4A's mission and upcoming work, plus his tips for creating a storage-friendly apartment.
Check out our full interview here

June 24, 2014

Multiple Walker Tower Owners Also Buying Units in Sister Property Stella Towers

By Stephanie Hoina

Take two Art Deco commercial buildings designed by Robert Walker in the roaring twenties and mix in a little 21st century residential conversion magic by JDS Development Group, Property Markets Group, and Starwood Capital Group, and what do you get? Apparently two highly successful projects that now have even more in common - owners who have purchased units in both buildings.
Why did owners double up on their investments?

Uncategorized

June 23, 2014

Sitting Pretty: Beautiful and Unique Benches in New York City

By Jason Carpenter

On an average workday in New York, over 3.9 million people crowd onto the tiny island of Manhattan. That’s a lot of behinds needing a seat, and the city provides plenty of those in the form of benches. But not all benches are created equal. There are gems hidden in every borough – beautiful, funky, unique slabs for you to sit on this summer.
See more fantastic benches here

Architecture And Design

June 12, 2014

Chelsea Modern’s Angular Exterior Contrasts Fine Lines of $9.85M Penthouse

By Stephanie Hoina

No two ways about it. The blue tinted exterior of the Chelsea Modern, sitting quite majestically at 447 West 18th Street, certainly gets your attention. All angles and edges, with windows that open outward parallel to the façade, it’s not quite like anything else in an area fast becoming known for its interesting and celebrated architecture. The same could be said for this ridiculously sumptuous penthouse duplex. The exterior of this home will grab your attention in a very different way – namely, three beautifully landscaped terraces seamlessly connecting you to sweeping river views to the south and breathtaking city views to the north. And with elegant touches such as a formal dining area, a luxurious daybed, intimate seating area and an outdoor kitchen, the terrace space is literally a home unto itself. But we think the interior of this spectacular residence has plenty to bring you inside every now and again (well, we know the New York winters will!).
See why this stunning penthouse will grab your attention

Distinctive Homes

June 11, 2014

Would You Cook Here? $1.65M Chelsea Loft’s Kitchen Is a Work of Art

By Stephanie Hoina

Situated in the heart of Chelsea’s gallery district it’s hard to imagine that this open and airy loft at 420 West 25th Street only measures 1,200 square feet. Its twelve-foot ceilings, Nordic Ash floors, and oversized windows give the impression of a much larger space with a chic and sophisticated feel.
Grab your pet and come take a look

Distinctive Homes

June 6, 2014

Naftali Group’s Upcoming Chelsea Condo References City’s Industrial Past

By Ondel Hylton

Here’s a first look at the Naftali Group’s upcoming 60-unit condominium building sited along 265 West 25th Street in Chelsea. The building will rise 12 stories along a charming tree-lined stretch between Seventh and Eighth Avenues. Residences will range from one to three bedrooms.
More on the Development Here

New Developments

May 29, 2014

Ensoleillé! Soleado! Soleggiato! Yes, This Chelsea Condo at 520 West 19th Street is Sunny

By Stephanie Hoina

No matter how you say it there’s no denying the bright and airy appeal of this sun-filled home at 520 West 19th Street courtesy of floor-to-ceiling windows in just about every room and its very own 48-foot long landscaped terrace. But if you’re looking to soak up your Vitamin D another way, you’re in luck because this Annabelle Selldorf-designed building is perfectly situated between the High Line and the 550 acre Hudson River Park. So whether you’re in the mood to stretch your legs, picnic, sail, kayak, or paddle-board, you’re covered.
See how sunny living here can be!

Distinctive Homes

May 23, 2014

Two Penthouses in Chelsea’s Walker Tower Sell for “Just” $30.75M

By Diane Pham

One lucky (European) buyer scooped up not one but two penthouses in Chelsea’s Walker Tower yesterday for $30.75 million, in what could easily be considered the real estate steal of the year. Toni Haber of Douglas Elliman, who represented the buyer, told the Wall Street Journal that her client “got a really good deal”, as the two units […]

Real Estate Trends

May 16, 2014

Has Governor Cuomo Found a Way to Fix Pier 40?

By Aisha Carter

Governor Andrew Cuomo has reached a tentative deal with developers that could save Pier 40, according to the New York Times. In the new deal, Governor Cuomo would transfer unused development rights to another site on West Side Highway in exchange for $100 million to repair Pier 40. Restoration would involve gradually demolishing St. John’s Terminal Building and replacing it with residential buildings and shops over a period of 10 years.
Learn more about Governor Cuomo's deal to save Pier 40 here

Real Estate Trends

May 12, 2014

A Jean Nouvel Chelsea Stunner Sells for $3.8 Million

By Dana Schulz

When Jean Nouvel won the esteemed Pritzker Prize in 2008, the judges cited his "insatiable urge for creative experimentation." His design of residential building 100 Eleventh Avenue is no exception to the boundary-pushing modern architecture for which he is celebrated. Completed in 2010, the shimmering masterpiece has the most technologically advanced and highly engineered curtain wall systems in the city. Mr. Nouvel describes it as a "vision machine," and considering its nearly 1,700 panes of glass — some up to 37-feet wide — each a different size and set a different angle, he is justified in doing so. The 21-story LEED-certified condo building, has 72 units each with south- and west-facing views, floor-to-ceiling window walls, and mechanized shade systems. Every apartment has a unique arrangement of powder-coated steel window mullions, which form specific views related to the space's location. Unit 5D, which recently sold for $3.8 million through a listing held by Douglas Elliman, looks west onto the High Line and has a spacious, elegant layout.
See the stunning interior this way

May 5, 2014

35XV: Chelsea’s New High-Tech Condo Tower by FXFOWLE Nears Completion

By Carter B. Horsley

East Chelsea's stunning new landmark, the 35XV, is almost complete! We recently stopped by the site to survey the work that's been done over the past few months, and by the looks of things, 35 West 15th Street is just waiting for an outer-skin for its podium. Given the rapid progress that's been made so far, we think it's safe to say that we'll be seeing the transformation very soon.
More photos of the progress that's been made

May 1, 2014

NYC Condos Designed by Pritzker Prize Winners

By Diane Pham

The Pritzker Architecture Prize is architecture’s most acclaimed honor. Since 1979, the award has been given away annually to honor one living architect whose built work demonstrates consistent and significant contributions to humanity and the built environment. New York City is home to structures built by 12 of the 36 past winners — ranging from Philip Johnson to I.M. Pei to this year's winner, Shigeru Ban — and currently holds 14 residential examples of their work. One other fascinating tidbit is that condos designed by Pritzker Prize winning architects are selling on average a whopping 44% higher (price/square foot) than those their respective neighborhoods, and 47.5% higher than the Manhattan market average. But are they worth the money? Learn more about them all ahead.
Are these Pritzker Laureate-designed condos worth their markup?

Architecture And Design

April 17, 2014

Chelsea’s Walker Tower Finally Getting Its Finishing Touches

By Diane Pham

One of our intrepid reports stopped by the Walker Tower earlier today to check out how things are coming along at the 212 West 18th Street landmark. The tower — which has drawn buyers ranging from Cameron Diaz to Mike Thorne (that guy who discovered the Sex Pistols) — had its scaffolding removed just seven months ago and has already set new sales records for Downtown Manhattan (this includes an impressive $50.9 million deal for the 6,000-square-foot 5BR/5.5BA penthouse). The conversion of the former Verizon building into luxury condos has been underway since 2011, but word is that construction on the interior will be wrapped up in the coming weeks. Let's take a look at what's been completed so far.
More photos here

March 24, 2014

Shigeru Ban Named the 2014 Pritzker Architecture Prize Winner!

By Jon Dioffa

Just moments ago, Japanese architect Shigeru Ban was announced at the 2014 Pritzker Architecture Prize Laureate. The 56-year old architect, who has offices in Tokyo, Paris, and NYC, is known for his elegant and innovative applications of unconventional materials such as paper and corrugated plastic in his structures, for both private international clients and in disaster relief efforts. Jump ahead to see some of his best works, including the Metal Shutter Houses, located right here in NYC.
More Shigeru here

Architecture And Design

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