"Architect of the Century" Three Majestic Condos Listed in Ralph Walker-Designed Buildings

By Michelle Mazzarella | From Great Listings Thursday, January 3, 2019

Ralph Walker arrived on the New York architecture scene around the same time as the skyscraper’s renaissance, and it would prove to be a match made in heaven. He made a point of implementing setbacks not only to keep buildings in line with the city's 1916 zoning resolution, but to allow occupants to literally step back from the bustle of the city. He also made the most of texture and ornamentation to allow pedestrians to emotionally connect with his buildings, and paid close attention to interior details, using the finest materials and artists.

As time passed, Mr. Walker’s daring designs became known as prime examples of Art Deco architecture. The American Institute of Architects presented him with the Centennial Medal of Honor, an award created specifically for him, in 1957. Even the notably arrogant Frank Lloyd Wright was a fan, praising him as “the only other honest architect in America.”

“A skyscraper is not a building, but a city” – Ralph Walker

Mr. Walker faded into obscurity after a falling out with the AIA yet has returned to prominence in recent years as the office buildings he designed get reimagined as highly coveted residential addresses. He died in 1973, six years before the Pritzker Prize was established, but living in one of his buildings has reached the same caliber as those designed by recent laureates. While the Irving Trust Company Building is currently being converted to a condominium known as One Wall Street, other buildings present the opportunity to live in a home designed by the "architect of the century," as the AIA called him.

↓ Stella Tower, 425 West 50th Street, #PHD – $8,995,000

Condo | 4 beds, 3.5 baths | 3,455 ft²

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In 1927, Mr. Walker designed this 17-story tower, which was originally known as the New York Telephone Company Building, with the handcrafted brick masonry, intricate ornamentation, and dramatic setbacks that were quickly becoming his signature. Nearly 90 years later, the top half of the building was converted to condos and the tower was renamed for Mr. Walker's first wife. Residential amenities now include an attended lobby, outdoor garden, bike room, fitness center, and lounge with bar and pantry.

This penthouse is rich in details like 8' oak doors, custom oak flooring, oversized tilt-and-turn windows, and top-of-the-line lighting and Nest thermostat. A custom windowed kitchen with state-of-the-art appliances flows seamlessly into the Great Room, which has a wood-burning fireplace as the centerpiece and two private east- and west-facing balconies. The impressive bedrooms are set apart in a separate wing for optimal privacy, and the master suite boasts an extended entry hallway, two large walk-in closets, a dramatic western exposure, and spa-like bath.

Stella Tower Has 4 Available Listings from $2.15M.

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↓ One Hundred Barclay Tribeca, 100 Barclay Street, #23B – $5,995,000

Condo | 4 beds, 4 baths | 2,870 ft²

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Mr. Walker made his mark on New York with One Hundred Barclay, the city's first Art Deco skyscraper and a New York City landmark. It was designed as headquarters of the New York Telephone Company, but was later known as the Verizon Building when the telecom company moved in. For the condo conversion, the original lobby and elevator lobby are intact, as are original murals showing advancements in communications. New amenities include a full fitness center, 82' lap pool, sauna and steam room, club lounge, business center, billiards room, media lounge, music practice rooms, children's playroom, teen lounge, and a wine-tasting room featured in Robb Report.

Mr. Walker once said, “A room should lose its walls for your mind’s sake,” and that mindset has carried over to this apartment's open floor plan. It is bathed in light from north and west exposures, and 7' casement windows look out on impeccable river and city views. The sprawling Great Room flows seamlessly into the open windowed kitchen, which is beautifully appointed with high-end appliances and custom cabinetry and hardware. All bedrooms offer a generous floor plate and ample closet space, but the master suite boasts gorgeous western exposures, a spacious walk-in closet, three secondary closets, and a spa-like marble bath. A Crestron home automation system controls lighting, motorized shades, and an integrated sound system throughout the home.

One Hundred Barclay Tribeca Has 16 Available Listings from $2.974M.

↓ Walker Tower, 212 West 18th Street, #17BC – $22,000,000

Condo | 4 beds, 4.5 baths | 3,865 ft²

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At the beginning of 2013, the conversion of a telephone office and switching station to luxury condos at Walker Tower drew a star-studded crowd. The concrete-encased building, steel frames, and solid masonry were designed to accommodate the vibration of the telephone operations, and would later serve as excellent bones for the apartments. Building amenities include a doorman, concierge, fitness center, sauna, refrigerated storage, bike room, playroom, lounge, and roof deck.

This thoughtfully designed apartment's double-wide living room looks out on Manhattan's most iconic views through floor-to-ceiling windows with southern and western exposures. A custom Smallbone of Devizes kitchen overlooks the living room and is outfitted with marble and limestone countertops, Dornbacht fixtures, and state-of-the-art appliances. The two master suites offer a choice of Empire State Building or Statue of Liberty views, but each comes with a walk-in closet and five-fixture bath. And between the radiant floor heating, herringbone oak floors, built-in humidification and ventilation systems, and home automation system, Mr. Walker would appreciate how no detail was overlooked.

Walker Tower Has 3 Available Listings from $22M.

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In this article:

↓ Stella Tower, 425 West 50th Street, #PHD – $8,995,000

Select which properties are of interest to you:

↓ One Hundred Barclay Tribeca, 100 Barclay Street, #23B – $5,995,000

↓ Walker Tower, 212 West 18th Street, #17BC – $22,000,000

This is your member's center

In this article:

↓ Stella Tower, 425 West 50th Street, #PHD – $8,995,000

Select which properties are of interest to you:

↓ One Hundred Barclay Tribeca, 100 Barclay Street, #23B – $5,995,000

↓ Walker Tower, 212 West 18th Street, #17BC – $22,000,000

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