NEW YORK, Oct. 8, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Hines, the international real estate firm, together with development partners Goldman Sachs Investment Group and Singapore-based Pontiac Land Group, today announced the grand opening of the sales gallery for 53W53, the gracefully tapered, 1,050-foot-high condominium tower adjacent to The Museum of Modern (MoMA) at 53 West 53rd Street. Designed by New York-based Thierry Despont, 53W53's interior architect, the 10,000-square-foot sales gallery, located at 745 Fifth Avenue, offers a unique architectural context through a fully-built-out model residence enclosed inside a portion of the building's intricately woven silver, black and gold metallic facade, designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel.
"53W53 is the most architecturally significant addition to the New York skyline in recent years," said David Penick, managing director at Hines. "We are proud to have assembled a stellar development team, including two of the world's most talented architects, to create a limited, one-of-a-kind opportunity to own a piece of this architectural and technical masterpiece, which shares a special connection to The Museum of Modern Art, one of the most respected cultural institutions in the world."
Mr. Nouvel created a sculptural, exposed structural system for the building, known as the diagrid, complementing the building's angular, tapering shape -- a form derived by using zoning requirements to their most exciting advantage. As a result of this design, each of the building's 139 residential units – ranging from one-bedroom to full-floor residences to duplex penthouses with private elevators -- is one-of-a-kind. Triple-glazed, floor-to-ceiling windows minimize exterior noise and temperature variations; and horizontal and vertical soundproofing provides acoustic privacy. All windows are fitted with custom-designed, motorized solar shades, which are on display in the model residence's living room, along with additional blackout shades in bedrooms.
"I approached the design of 53W53 as if each residence was a private home commission," explained Mr. Despont. A celebration of quality and attention to detail, each residence features elegantly crafted, furniture-grade mahogany doors throughout, complemented by the architect's custom-designed bronze hardware inspired by the tower's distinctive silhouette and manufactured by E.R. Butler & Co.
Mr. Despont's custom-designed kitchens feature backlit, translucent statuary classic marble backsplashes and back-painted white glass cabinetry with polished-nickel detailing designed by Mr. Despont and built in Italy by Molteni & C. Polished statuary marble countertops and islands with beveled edges complement fully-integrated Sub-Zero refrigerators/freezers and Miele ovens and low-profile cooktops.
Master bathrooms combine rich Noir Saint Laurent marble with Peruvian gold polished travertine on feature walls. Lefroy Brooks cast-iron soaking tubs and carved Verona limestone vanity sinks complement Mr. Despont's custom-designed round, polished nickel automated, adjustable height mirrors with interior storage and LED sidelights.
Impeccably curated amenities, staff and services elevate the living experience at 53W53. The Wellness Center, operated by The Wright Fit, will include a 65-foot lap pool, cold-plunge pool and hot tub with elaborate poolside vertical gardens designed by noted French botanist Patrick Blanc, as well as a regulation squash court. Floors 46 and 47 feature a double-height lounge with sweeping views and a private formal dining room overlooking Central Park. Residents will also enjoy in-home private-dining service from the in-building restaurant. Other amenities include a library, a double-height Oenology suite for wine tasting, temperature-controlled wine storage vaults available for purchase, a private screening room, children's playroom and private storage available for purchase.
53W53 has the unique distinction of being integrated into The Museum of Modern Art's architecturally distinguished urban campus. Three new gallery levels will be created within the base of 53W53, each accessed from and connected with the museum's existing exhibition spaces. Residents will receive deeded memberships at MoMA, including the potential for the building to host private events in the museum's iconic Sculpture Garden.
The building's 24-hour staffed lobby, designed by Mr. Despont in a palette of cerused oak, marble, alabaster, bronze and gold leaf, is an interpretation of Mr. Nouvel's bold architecture. Entrances on both 53rd and 54th Streets provide discrete, convenient and secure access to and from the building.
53W53 is in the epicenter of New York's global business, arts and cultural districts and a short walk to Central Park. Luxury shopping destinations lining nearby Fifth Avenue include Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, Prada and Chanel. Renowned restaurants, including La Grenouille, Le Bernardin, The Modern and The Polo Bar, cultural landmarks such as New York's vibrant Theater District, Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, and the headquarters of numerous international financial institutions are all within a close radius.
Prices at 53W53 range from approximately $3 million to over $70 million. The sales gallery is located at 745 Fifth Avenue, Suite 601. For additional information or to schedule a private appointment, please contact Corcoran Sunshine Marketing Group at 212.688.5300 or visit www.53W53.com
