THE WOOLWORTH TOWER RESIDENCES
By Daniel J. Bollinger
The Woolworth Tower, a celebrated New York City landmark, is being transformed into 33 luxury condominium residences aptly named The Woolworth Tower Residences with homes ranging from one to four bedrooms. Located right next to City Hall Park—in Parkside Tribeca to be exact—this location is prime.
When the tower was completed in 1913, it was the tallest building in the world and would be for the next forty years. Now, thanks to developer Alchemy Properties who commissioned famed French architect Thierry W. Despont, the Woolworth Tower is going to help define luxury living with residences that are as sophisticated as they are grand. Alchemy Properties has created a limited collection of apartments from the 29th floor and above. Grandeur design that is both traditional and classic, these homes are helping re-define what full-service luxury living means in New York.
HISTORIC LUXURY: REDEFINED
All units have at least three exposures including vistas of cityscapes and water views. Ceilings range from 11’ to 15’+ in height, with large windows framed by the signature polychromatic terra cotta surrounds—making that much more spectacular. The layouts are spaciously proportioned and boast a massive great room ideal for entertaining. There is a wet bar in the living area with a refrigerator, ice maker, and freezer. The kitchens and baths also have a modern and tasteful aesthetic.
The kitchens are of a beautiful pure white palette. Classic designed custom-made Dada cabinetry from the Molteni Group marry well with the Calacatta Caldia marble countertops and back splashes. With solid oak herringbone floors, a suite of integrated Miele appliances, and Dornbracht fixtures, this is an excellent example of a traditionally designed kitchen. One unique design detail is the original elevator transoms were saved and mounted above the range as part of the backsplash. It is a subtle tribute to the Beaux-Arts design of the building.
The master, secondary, and powder rooms show the craftsmanship and thought that went into this project. The secondary baths and even the powder rooms have floor-to-ceiling marble walls. The master bath has 7’ marble wainscoting with picture rail marble moldings atop with Nero Marquina accent trim, resonating stately pre-war design. The Molteni Group also custom built the bathroom cabinetry and matched it with custom platinum-finish Dornbracht fittings as in the kitchen.
ULTIMATE DETAILS
Architects, designers, and developers should take notes for the wet room design in the master baths. The wet rooms have all the elements that a luxury wet room should have. A huge double shelved niche offers functionality, and the size of this niche matches the proportions of these units. There is a marble bench for seating, which is the proper way to enjoy a steam bath. And the oversized rain shower head is ceiling mounted. These are all the elements of a good wet room, and Alchemy Properties has combined all of these elements well. The last design detail to mention is the trim. Marble trim outlines the wet room and also frames out his and her sinks and medicine cabinets. This small design detail accentuates the exceptional design of this project.
Other design details that confirm The Woolworth Tower Residences are continuing its historic status in these new residences are the doors which are solid core and oversized to match the grand proportions of the residences. All hinges and doorknobs are custom and have some excellent level of details like the ribbon patterns on the knobs. There are plenty of closets. With only two units per floor maximum, personal privacy was factored into this design. Smart wired Lutron lighting systems are standard in all units.
What would a project such as this be without luxury amenities to match the units? Full concierge services, of course, align with a 24-hour door attendant who is pretty standard for a project like this. Also, there is a bike storage, a fitness center, and the Gilbert Lounge which is a residents-only gaming lounge with billiards table and catering pantry. The two most sought after conveniences are available as well: on-site parking and a pool. The 50’ salt water lap pool has a history as well. It was originally commissioned by F.W. Woolworth in the original design. Thierry Despont has reimagined it in Bisazza Mosaico tiles; Alchemy Properties has even added a sauna, hot tub, and changing rooms. Another offering that is half amenity/half included with a residence is, each home includes private cellar wine storage of approximately 185 bottles. The added convenience is a wine tasting room for private gatherings.
The Woolworth Tower is once again making history thanks to Alchemy Properties and Thierry W. Despont. The units are as elegant as they are grand. The craftsmanship and detail are evident in the designs and materials. Another example of the care that went into this project: Alchemy replaced 22,000 terra cotta pieces on the façade at the cost of $22 million. And that was just on the outside of the building. One-bedrooms start at $4.575 million, and full-floor residences start at $26.4 million.
For more information on The Woolworth Tower Residences, visit thewoolworthtower.com.
