The skies are rising, courtesy of higher skyscraper living which offers enviable views. Here’s a first look at three prominent projects heading to market.
Madison Square Park’s $77.7 Million Penthouse
Madison Square Park Tower, the tallest residential tower between Midtown and Lower Manhattan, will list its triplex penthouse raw for $77.7 million. If that seems like a gamble, consider the lucky number involved—at least for the developer and broker who eventually seals the deal.
Spanning 15,000 square feet over three floors, the penthouse will emerge as one of the largest listed homes in downtown Manhattan history. The penthouse includes two separate studio apartments for staff, office or storage and two fully automated parking spots in the underground garage (that alone, must be worth $50 million in Manhattan).
Delivering unfinished allows the buyer to create his or her own customized sky mansion. If you drop that much on a penthouse, why not get exactly what you want?
Since imagination is required for the space, three prominent designers—Lee Mindel, Ryan Korban and Thomas Jul-Hansen—have conceptualized interior design possibilities for the space (allowing prospects to envision the penthouse’s potential). Interested buyers have the option of integrating these designs elements into the 63rd, 64th and 65th floors—777 feet above the famous Flatiron District.
The triplex offers panoramic floor-to-ceiling views of the East River, Hudson River, and iconic towers like the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building and The Clocktower.
The triplex penthouse buyer also receives access to the building’s amenities, housed on the first five floors. Designed by London hospitality designer, Martin Brudnizki, amenities include a bi-level library, fitness center with yoga, basketball half court, and a private club lounge. Fredrik Eklund, John Gomes and Noble Black of Douglas Elliman are the brokers for the property.
ARO’s Twists & Turns
Not since Lady Gaga played the last electrifying show at the famous Roseland Ballroom has 242 West 53rd Street in Manhattan been this newsworthy. ARO, the new 62-story Midtown West skyscraper designed by Cetra Ruddy Architecture (and developed by Algin Management), will house 426 luxury rentals over the music landmark’s former site.
The tower beautifies Midtown West living, highlighted by its cantilevered design of fluid twists and curves (which “accentuates transparency and light”) and distinctive white metal grid projecting from its sculptural glass form. ARO will feature studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom residences (some with balconies), with light-filled floor-to-ceiling windows, oak floors, chef’s kitchens, and spa-inspired baths.
Studios are priced from $2,900 per month; one-bedrooms (from $3,695), two-bedrooms (from $5,995), and three-bedrooms (from $7,995 to $17,500-plus). Also, ARO will have two premier duplexes, including a three-bedroom duplex residence and one four-bedroom duplex penthouse. Triumph Property Group handles exclusive leasing.
A 24/7 concierge lobby includes a swirling reception desk that emulates the curved skyscraper, and a custom James Greco sculpture with the letters A, R and O from old Roseland signage (Greco is a former Roseland Ballroom bartender).
ARO features outdoor landscaped terraces featuring by Balmori Associates and more than 40,000-plus square feet of indoor and outdoor amenities, including glass mosaic pools, basketball court, golf simulator, fitness center, and ARO Club, indoor-outdoor space with three distinct lounges, and ARO Sky Club, a glass-enclosed rooftop lounge with a outdoor pool and sweeping city views.
“In creating a tall, slender tower, we were able to bring more space, light and air around the building, incorporating plentiful outdoor spaces and amplified views,” says John Cetra, FAIA, managing principal of CetraRuddy. “The building twists and cantilevers as it grows to optimize spectacular views and light within the residences, and its rounded corners create unique interior layouts and views. Its form allows for larger apartments at the top of the building reaching out, and the building amenities in the ARO’s base, or podium, cascading down the rooftops.”
Panorama Tower Sneak Peak
Florida’s current tallest tower is finally completed—soaring 85 stories over Miami. Developed by East Coast Realty, the skyscraper houses 821 luxury rental apartments, a Hyatt boutique hotel, and commercial space.
