The program specified a library and private office suite, living space, formal dining space, kitchen/dining/family room, exercise space and spa, master bedroom suite, three guest bedroom suites, a sculpture terrace and gallery. The entry floor is organized around a modulating circulation/gallery space separating the double-height living volumes, with their views, from the service spaces and building cores. The entry gallery, accessed from the north elevator lobby adjacent to the two-bedroom guest pavilion, opens to the sculpture terrace and extends the circulation procession to the family spaces which are revealed sequentially.

The second level, accessed by two stairs, one from the living and the other from the family room, accommodates the master bedroom suite, with its balcony terrace overlooking the city and river, and a guest bedroom suite, with a balcony sitting area over the library. The counterpoint between wall and glass, solid and void, establishes a dynamic and hierarchal layering of space which is simultaneously enriched and reinforced by the integration of the art collection into the architecture.

It represents the vision of acclaimed architect, the famed Charles Gwathmey.
This is the only apartment Gwathmey ever designed from the ground up, and required over four years to complete.

According to the architect, the intention was to

“physically maintain and visually exploit the volumetric integrity and structural expression of the existing barrel vaulted space, while adding a master bedroom suite and study/library balcony, and integrating an eclectic painting and sculpture collection.”

Located in the coveted Police Building, in New Yorkâ€s Little Italy, within the walls of the former gym, this architecturally unique condominium thus features soaring ceilings and many large skylights, making for a light and airy feel. With tons of contemporary flare, the gorgeous 6,600 square foot residence consists of 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. Once offered at a hefty $26 million, the loft-apartment is now at a bargain price for the posh SoHo neighborhood. Amenities at the building include a 24-hour doorman and concierge, fitness center, and stunning outdoor garden space.

Originally offered at $30 million in May 2008, this unique apartment is now tagged at $14,5 million.

On the main level of the twenty-five foot high, steel trussed volume, is the multi-use living/dining/ entertainment/gallery articulated by custom designed, space defining furniture. At the east end of the space is the master bedroom suite, and study/library balcony accessed by an exposed stair, which rotates at the landing, and runs parallel, behind the existing longitudinal steel truss, to attic guest bedrooms, over the kitchen, master baths and dressing rooms.

The study/library balcony is suspended under the east end of the barrel vault and revealed from the master bedroom below, by a continuous radial skylight in the floor, articulating its separation while maintaining the volumetric extension.

The floor of the balcony defines the bedroom ceiling, floating asymmetrically within the existing orthogonal building frame, articulating its objectiveness and sectional variation.
Three large skylights were inserted into the south side of the barrel vaulted roof, providing natural light into the longitudinal internal façade of the space and revealing the classic building pediment above.

Interesting Facts:

On May 6, 1905, amid the pomp and ceremony of a police band and mounted troops, mayor George B. McClellan wielded a silver trowel and laid the cornerstone for what was to become one of New Yorkâ€s enduring landmarks. Hoppin and Koenâ€s design was majestic indeed. Influenced by Londonâ€s Old Bailey Courthouse, it went far beyond its original inspiration to incorporate architectural and artistic elements from Europeâ€s grandest chateaus and palazzos. With its magnificent façade and soaring interior spaces, this new Police Building was an achievement to rival showplaces as the Frick and Vanderbilt Mansions.

In 1978, the Police Building was designated a New York City Landmark, and in 1980, it was singled out for national significance when it was officially listed in the National Register of Historic Places. In 1984, the city chose Fourth Jeffersonian Associates to restore the landmark structure and convert itâ€s grand civic space into a unique private residence.

In 1997 Gwathmey-Siegel & Associates was retained by the current owners of the former gymnasium to create a space unparalleled in size and design that would fit their desire to move from a Park Avenue prewar to a new home in SoHo.

The design strategy visually unifies these random punched openings within a “sky zone,” a recessed linear slot that dynamically wraps the perimeter of the apartment. Painted grey/blue, it visually blends with the actual skyline. The duplex is programmatically sub-divided into two living strips that run parallel to this window wall. A darker inner band, lined with natural materials – walnut paneling and banquettes upholstered in deep blue mohair – defines the entry, stairwell and second floor pool/guest room.

A bright outer zone, lit by windows, defines the double height corner living/media room and kitchen/dining area on the first floor and the master bedroom suite above. Itâ€s contrasting neutral palette of white and grey synthetic materials – concrete, fritted-glass, and stainless and powdercoated steel – focuses attention on the “sky zone” that frames city views. Interior apertures frame views between these contrasting areas.