50 UNITED NATIONS PLAZA

Photo by Hayes Davidson and James Euwing

By Daniel J. Bollinger

Rising high above the sky across from the United Nations is a shimmering modern glass tower—50 United Nations Plaza. It is an 88-unit development comprised of one-to-seven bedroom residences designed for New Yorkers seeking privacy, luxury, and the finest amenities. Citizens of the world including diplomats and heads of state feel at home here as well. The property features lower floors with only four apartments per floor, mid-floors with two apartments per floor, and from floors 35 to 43 there are seven full-floor penthouses and one breathtaking duplex penthouse.

Photo by Chuck Choi

A GLOBAL EXPERIENCE
Zeckendorf Development again partnered with Eyal Ofer’s Global Holdings (15 CPW) and here with renowned architecture firm Foster + Partners to bring this one-of-a-kind development. If I had only two words to describe these units they would be bay windows which provide incredible views. Bay windows in every apartment provide for panoramic views of the East River, the Chrysler Building, Empire State Building, UN Secretariat Building, as well as all five boroughs. Externally they are a defining characteristic of the beautiful glass façade of the building, and a distinctive element of the Foster + Partners design.

The units are thoughtfully and expertly designed. There are giant 11-foot plus ceilings throughout. One unique design detail present in the three bedrooms and larger apartments are Notch windows situated at the end of a hall Gallery. The Galleries are wider than standard hallways, and the windows have been strategically located to allow natural light and views into even most interior portions of the residences. Kitchens have integrated cabinetry outfitted with Miele and Sub-Zero appliances. Master bedrooms are oversized with large walk-in closets and a bay window. The powder rooms have a custom Corian knife edge sink, and the cabinetry is a stand-out design element. The master baths highlight Foster + Partners design acumen, featuring an open layout with a bay window providing an airy feel with panoramic views. Custom-rounded cabinetry and a large mirror complement the ample space. A bidet in the personal closet and a deep soaking tub with shelf space speak of ultra-luxury. The design finishes in the wet rooms include a recessed Dornbracht rain shower head, a great niche factor, and three body sprays with a handheld shower. The glass curtain wall of the wet room is curved to match the curved bay windows of the building façade. You can also see this matching curve detail in the custom cabinetry. This master bath certainly outshines most others on the NYC market. It would be the defining design of this building, if not for the penthouses in this development, which are beyond compare.

Photo by Hayes Davidson and James Euwing

GRAND SPACES
There are eight penthouses, seven full floor penthouses, and one duplex penthouse. The full-floor penthouses feature a 75-foot-long living room with three full bay windows, five bedrooms, two staff rooms, a laundry room, and a steam shower. The kitchens are grand and fitted with dual appliances: two sinks, refrigerators, ovens, etc. The flow of the full-floor penthouses is exceptional, and with the 75-foot living room, there are extraordinary views and an abundance of natural light.

Photo by Paul Warchol

A double-height wall of glass provides an elegant backdrop to the sculpted stainless steel staircase that links to the duplex penthouse on the 42nd and 43rd floors. The residence also has a 75-foot main living room with a spacious terrace and 13-foot ceilings. The duplex master bath has an elongated 30-foot wide bay window featuring unobstructed city views. This duplex penthouse has an outdoor 35-foot long heated infinity pool flanked on both sides by a master lounge and grand entertainment room complete with a gas fireplace. The outdoor deck is made of Ipe Brazilian wood. For added convenience, there is an interior elevator and an entertainment room with full catering kitchen. Any resident who owns this duplex is not only going to be the talk of the town but the envy of the world. What would a development such as this be without additional building amenities?

A large gym, sauna/steam, and massage therapy rooms with lockers are available for residents along with wine storage, children’s playroom and more. Another distinct amenity available for residents is the 75-foot Olympic size pool encased with marble walls, exuding pure elegance. The building has a gated entrance with a 10,000 square-foot landscaped motor court. In additional to valet parking, residents can purchase a parking space.

Photo by Hayes Davidson and James Euwing

Vacant at present and also available for purchase is a three-bedroom turnkey apartment. Designed by Bennet Leifer, this fully furnished unit is move-in ready with extras including robes, slippers, and luxurious bath products. One can purchase this unit and subsequently host guests only hours later.

This ultra-luxury development is for those who demand the very best. Zeckendorf Development, Global Holdings, and Foster + Partners have collaborated on designing a New York City icon quite worthy of being located across the street from the United Nations.

For more information on 50 United Nations Plaza, visit 50unp.com.