Not incidentally, these design moves expanded the living units and increased the value for the investors and developers in two ways: with more space and by maintaining the Art Deco appeal while providing contemporary living features. Nothing is more admirable than Walker’s original Art Deco entrance of nickel and brass sunbursts and electrical motifs. In deference and empathy, CetraRuddy extended this aesthetic into the lobby through a rich experience of materials, including geometric dark marble.
As architects and designers, our aim was to create a seamless connection between Walker Tower’s outstanding pedigree and its newness. The design process focused on the building’s extraordinary virtues—large expansive spaces, unimpeded and unmatched views of the theater that is Manhattan in all directions, enormous outdoor spaces and its solid masonry construction. The large, deep floor plates allowed CetraRuddy to concentrate on the core principles of architectural proportions and the basis for good living spaces. Then we choreographed the experience of moving from the street through the lobby, to the elevators and hallways, and ultimately to the residences.
The architecture and interiors, crafted together by CetraRuddy with exceptional involvement by the developers, find other ways to improve the function of the building by adding modern materials and amenities. For example, more than half of the residences have private terraces and there are 11 units with wood-burning fireplaces. All are fitted with radiant-floor heating topped by French herringbone oak flooring. For the finish package, modern features include a home-automation system, complemented by high-end wood-and-glass cabinetry, marble bathrooms with steam showers, and top-line fixtures and hardware, as well as a built-in zoned humidification system. Kitchen and dryer exhaust are vented to the exterior. Amenities in the building include shared spaces, such as a library lounge with pantry and bar; children’s playroom; fitness center with yoga room; sauna; and landscaped common roof deck with dining area, sun lawn, observation area and cabana room.
Individual and Community Value
With these features, Walker Tower has become a destination building. The latest news was that the penthouse in Walker Tower, which had set a downtown Manhattan sales record in 2014 of about $51 million, was again listed for sale—this time at $70 million.
Just as important, the value of these historic bones has been preserved for all to enjoy in a city where many classic towers are demolished before retrofit plans are even considered. Teaming up again, JDS Development Group, Property Markets Group and CetraRuddy have reimagined Stella Tower—another Ralph Walker landmark that was first a telephone building—to become 51 of the finest condominium residences in town. The 1930 structure presents “solid pre-war construction with intricate, handcrafted brick masonry, dramatic setbacks, and remarkable ornament,” according to the development team.
Yet some of the building’s beauty had been lost to time and neglect. JDS Development Group’s founder Michael Stern noticed the parapet was inconsistent with the rest of the building, constructed with mismatched brick in unlikely proportions. By finding historic photographs of the exterior, the project team discovered that an elaborate Art Deco crown had previously graced the
tower dome. “We were very intrigued by putting the glory back on top of the building,” Stern told The Architect’s Newspaper. Using a combination of research, 3-D modeling technology and cast-stone fabrication on a light steel base, the design team recreated the crown with a matching finish, reclaiming the original Walker design.
It was a big effort, and one that arguably was not required to make Stella Tower a successful multifamily venture. Yet by seeing the inherent worth of our history, retrofit projects may rise from mere profitability to become a longstanding legacy of value creation.
Retrofitting and reimagining existing buildings offers opportunities to preserve and restore historically significant structures, but also affords these buildings a new narrative, repurposing to meet a changing building program and contemporary users’ needs while adding value through innovative design and function.
PHOTOS: DAVID SUNDBERG/ESTO