Rendering credit: Hayes Davidson
In terms of 21st-century multi-family development, no other design firm rivals Robert A.M. Stern Architects (RAMSA) in shaping buildings with elegant living spaces and timeless appeal. Just as "God is in the details," proof is in the numbers. Of the top 20 best-selling condos in New York City (on a price per square foot basis), four have been tailored by the classically-aligned multi-disciplinary firm.
At 150 East 78th Street on the Upper East Side, a gracious accumulation of residences is the next to hit RAMSA's proven track record that has recently 220 Central Park South (#1 at $7,064 per ft2), 520 Park Avenue South (#2 at $5,597 per ft2), 70 Vestry Street (#7 at $4,300 per ft2), and 15 Central Park West (#12 at $5,597 per ft2). A recent site visit saw that construction on the new building has topped out.
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Paul Whalen, Robert A.M. Stern and various condo projects of Robert A.M. Stern Architects
According to marketing materials,150 East 78th Street will offer 25 three to five-bedroom layouts with opportunities for buyers to purchase adjunct apartments. Interiors are being honed by Paris-born, AD100-designer Robert Couturier who made his mark bringing fanciful yet traditional stylings to high-profile clients such as Anne Hearst and the Rothschild family.
Per the norm, the team has released just a few select details and images as the 15-story tower continues to take shape at the southeast corner of Lexington Avenue and East 78th Street. It is now confirmed the building will be handsomely enclosed in hand-laid Indiana limestone, patterned brick, and ornamental metal detailing.
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Amenity roof terrace with views over the East Side; Credit Hayes Davidson
In honor of Valentine's Day, we covered New York's most romantic rooflines -- building tops that triumphantly go the extra mile in dressing up those often-overlooked elevator/mechanical bulkheads that are now beginning to mar the city's once celestial-oriented skyline. This new Upper East Side building could be a contender - always mindful of how their buildings meet the sky, RAMSA drew up an inspired crown framed by archways of brick and limestone that pays tribute to New York's great apartment houses such as 1040 Fifth Avenue and 10 Gracie Square.
Respect for city's pre-war legacy continues inside with plans for a "material-rich" hexagonal-shaped lobby, and spacious residences fitted with in-swing casement windows and oak wood flooring. Couturier is collaborating with the great British cabinet designer Christopher Peacock, who was behind the kitchen millwork at 520 Park Avenue and 555 West End Avenue.
There will be no more than two apartments per floor above the third level, and mid- to upper-floor units will have views of Central Park, the spires of the Carlyle, San Remo, and Beresford, as well as the still-jarring skyline of Central Park South. An extensive amenity package geared for wellness and leisure will be be provided and include a fitness center, a pet grooming area, a golf simulator, and art room.
Nearby condo towers of 151 East 78th Street and The Empire
The new building is taking shape across from a similarly traditional-designed condo 151 East 78th Street. Designed by Peter Penoyer, the building quickly sold out in 2016 averaging more than $3,000 per square foot. Surprisingly, no resales have yet to be recorded in the building. At the eastern end of the block is The Empire condo whose late-Post-Modern gabled roofline is a highlight on a fairly bland stretch of Third Avenue. There are only three units for sale in the building: a three-bed on the 32nd floor asking $4.995M, a five-bed on the 22nd floor asking $4.3M, and a four-bed on the 28th floor asking $6.25M.
150 East 78th Street's is being co-developed by Midwood Investment & Development and EJS Group who acquired the corner site for $16 million in 2015. Ismael Leyva Architects is serving as the architect of record.
Lenox Hill Hosptial-Northwell is planning an expansion of their campus at 76th Street between Park and Lexington avenues that may include a residential tower (Credit: Ennead Architects)
Would you like to tour any of these properties?
New Developments Editor
Ondel Hylton
Ondel is a lifelong New Yorker and comprehensive assessor of the city's dynamic urban landscape.
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