They say you can’t judge a book by it’s cover... but we all do. First impressions matter and residential developers understand that. Particularly as the current market weakens with oversupply, buyers need to be hooked from the minute they walk in the door.
A building’s lobby is the equivalent of a book cover. Developers can hook a buyer with class and elegance from the moment that buyer steps in the door. While developers used to build grand, sparse lobbies because the belief was that size mattered, the new trend in New York City are more intimate and quaint entryways that boast extremely costly and elegant finishes. The motto now is that good things come in small(er) packages.
207W79
207 West 79th Street
Buyers looking for prestige appreciate the feeling of lobbies that replicate a grand townhouse. Feeling like a private home can really appeal over mammoth lobbies. One developer who is betting big on first impressions is Anbau, a Manhattan-based full-service firm, who worked with architect Morris Adjmi for their boutique condo 207W79 in a Landmarked District of the Upper West Side. Entering the 16-story building, prospects and buyers are greeted by a unique Bianco Carrara Foliage Mosaic and a border of Bianco Carrara Marble. Walls have teak paneling with white bronze accents creating an intimate opulent entrance.
250 West 81st
250 W. 81st Street
At 250 West 81st, owners enter through an oval gallery designed by world-renowned Robert A.M. Stern Architects who are the leaders in old-school elegance. Complete with a 14-foot-high dome ceiling, a beautiful custom fireplace with an imported marble surround and oeil-de-boeuf-inspired flooring of marble with custom bronze- accented wood. There is also a marble reception desk for the 24-hour lobby attendant and a concierge.
27 East 79th Street
27 East 79th Street
Enter the chic lobby of this Cabinet Alberto Pinto-designed space and you may think you're walking through a private home in Paris. The look at 27 East 79th Street features custom ironwork, imported blonde limestone tiles and patinated bronze fixtures that create a warm glow against the backdrop of Noir Saint Laurent marble.
277 Fifth Avenue
277 Fifth Avenue
At 277 Fifth Avenue, a contemporary NoMad tower by Rafael Viñoly, residents will enter the bespoke modern lobby designed by Jeffrey Beers International with silver travertine floors with Absolute Black Granite accents and Bianco Dolomiti white marble borders; walls are lined with slabs of Absolute Black Granite in contrasting polished and flamed finishes complemented by dark stained White Oak panels.
Behind the concierge desk is a freestanding wall lined with leather panels with metal accent trims and featuring a sculptural art piece. Also in this intimate space is a curated Library with a dramatic double-height bookcase wall.
