All renderings credit of Noë & Associates with The Boundary
New York is once again producing buildings of its own vernacular. Moving away from a stint of anonymous towers that can be found anywhere from Toronto to Mumbai, high-end builders, and their well-heeled clients are gravitating to designs more attuned to the city's history, cultural identity, and international openmindedness, Unfortunately, only the very wealthy can afford the trickle of these new constructs for now. One such new build is 109 East 79th Street, a 20-story condominium influenced by Art Deco, Mid-Century, and Bauhaus architecture; as well as the rich architectural legacy of the Upper East Side.
The site was previously occupied by classic rowhouses and a limestone mansion; prior to demolition, the architectural artifacts were auctioned off. However, the design by Steven Harris Architects pays respectful tribute to local architectural history while bringing modern, understated elegance to the site. A recent site visit saw much of the the building's textured facade of fluted limestone and masonry brick up, the casement-style windows put in place, and faint Art Moderne ornamentation.
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(l-r) The site's previous occupants; construction progress circa March 2022
The refined public face is carried through to the gracious interiors, also designed by Steven Harris Architects. The majority of the 31 units in the building have sold; most recently, a five-bedroom, 6,548-square-foot penthouse with a 336-square-foot private terrace had last week's top luxury contract with an asking price of $29.35 million. A small handful of remaining availabilities includes a south-facing two-bedroom unit for $5.5 million and a five-bedroom, half-floor residence with a Juliet balcony for $16.5 million. Initial occupancy is estimated for this fall.
Construction progress circa March 2022 via CityRealty
“Bringing a new residential development of this caliber to one of New York City’s most in-demand neighborhoods is an opportunity that rarely arises” — Victor Sigoura, Founder and CEO, Legion Investment Group
↓ An entrance with Pietra di Torre stone, bronze marquee, and expressionist glass mural by Mig Perkins beautifully sets the tone for the apartments inside.
All renderings of 109 East 79th Street via Noe & Associates with The Boundary
↓ The building's double-height lobby leads to a lounge and library with access to a private garden with water wall.
↓ The Wright Fit-curated fitness center also overlooks the garden, and features a movement studio and international squash court/multiple sports court with retractable basketball hoop.
↓ The building's spa includes a steam room, sauna, treatment room, and hair salon.
↓ Recreational offerings include a game room, golf simulator, and 15-seat screening room.
↓ "Like the work of Rosario Candela, James Carpenter, and Emery Roth, the design began with the apartments" — Steven Harris
↓ Sunken living rooms, a rarity in new construction, may be seen in select units at 109 East 79th Street.
↓ Kitchens feature hand-painted custom Italian cabinetry, polished nickel trim, Danby marble countertops and backsplashes, custom stainless steel islands with Nordic Gray marble slabs, and professional-grade Wolf, Sub-Zero, and Miele appliances.
↓ Primary suites in their own wing feature garden views and walk-in closets.
↓ Select primary baths feature freestanding tubs, and all come finished with Olympic Danby marble, custom vanities, and fluted glass showers.
↓ No detail is overlooked in the powder rooms, which feature Maya quartzite.
↓ A two-bedroom unit is available for $5.5 million.
Floor plans via Corcoran
↓ A half-floor, five-bedroom unit is listed for $16.5 million.
Additional conveniences at 109 East 79th Street include full-time doorman and 24-hour concierge service, a live-in resident manager, a dog grooming station, bike storage, and private storage for purchase. It is well situated in the heart of the Upper East Side near Central Park, Museum Mile, Madison Avenue shopping, top schools, and such fine dining as Daniel, Sant Ambroeus, The Mark Restaurant by Jean-Georges, and Orsay.
It is also located in a section of the Upper East Side that has seen incredible new development in recent years, not to mention incredible demand, as recent statistics and sales demonstrate. A few doors down, the limestone-clad 135 East 79th Street is sold out with closings coming to an average price of $3,204 per square foot. Around the corner at 150 East 78th Street, there is only one penthouse available for $16.95 million. One block west, closings recently commenced at The Benson at an average price of $3,070 per square foot; the one availability in that building is a duplex apartment for $35 million. Finally, a few blocks up the street, the Robert A.M. Stern-designed 200 East 83rd Street has reached 90 percent sold with remaining availabilities from $2.05 million.
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