AVENUEinsider February 1, 2010 by AVENUE Magazine

A Window of Opportunity with a Perfect View

T O W E R

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AVENUE

FEBRUARY 2010

VOL. 34 NO. 2

FEATURES 36

FROM FRANCE WITH LOVE Cécilia Attias, the former first lady of France, has moved to New York with a new husband, a new life and a new foundation. She talks about her upcoming global forum to help women worldwide, and what she loves about her adopted country. written by janet allon photographs by jack deutsch styled by cricket burns

WALL STREET, PART DEUX

Movie publicist Peggy Siegal takes us on the set of Oliver Stone’s sequel and back into the story of Gordon Gekko, where she and some friends were cast as extras. written by peggy siegal

Richard and Cécilia Attias

this page Cécilia Attias wears a navy blue cashmere dress by Ralph Lauren. Daisy cocktail ring in citrine by Asprey. Earrings by Tiffany & Co. Richard Attias wears a grey suit by Ermenegildo Zegna. Tie by Charvet. Watch by Patek Philippe. Photographed by Jack Deutsch. Styled by Cricket Burns.

SAVING NEW YORK Maria Bartiromo, Arianna Huffington, Dick Morris, Stephen M. Ross, Wilbur Ross, Jonathan Tisch and Robert Zimmerman offer ideas on how to bring the state back from the brink of bankruptcy.

on the cover

Cashmere scoopneck tiered trim sweater and Unagi Pencil Skirt, both by J.Crew. Chatelaine Y Necklace in 18-karat gold with amethyst, lavender amethyst and pave diamonds and Amethyst Cushion Cocktail Ring in 18-karat gold with pave diamonds, both by David Yurman. Photographed by Jack Deutsch. Styled by Cricket Burns. Hair by Andrew Deep for De Berardinis Salon. Makeup by Talia Shobrook with The Wall Group.

2 | AVENUE MAGAZINE · FEBRUARY 2010

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AVENUE

FEBRUARY 2010

VOL. 34 NO. 2

COLUMNS 8

CHRONICLES New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resolutions from some of our favorite New Yorkers. By Debbie Bancroft

OLD NEW YORK The show must go on at New Yorkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s historic theaters, the Barrymore and the Beacon. By Barbaralee Diamonstein-Spielvogel

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BOOKS TO LOOK AT The latest offerings from The Vendome Press. By Edward Ulmann

WORLD ACCORDING TO . . . Mega-developer Donald Trump talks about what he loves best about his hometown.

DEPARTMENTS Calvisius invites you to experience world renowned caviars of the highest quality from farm-raised sturgeon bred in the natural spring waters of Northern Italy. The White Sturgeon is delicate and fresh, and the Oscietra is lightly fruity and sweet with a faint nutty aroma.

The Italian Collection: Fresh, sustainable, and natural.

ON THE AVENUE Party pictures from recent events.

ARTS CALENDAR Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on view at galleries and museums.

Taste the ďŹ nest malossol caviar from Calvisius at the new lounge in New York City

#& 3Oab #&bV Ab`SSb <Se G]`Y <Se G]`Y % &

letters to the editor B] g]c` V][S W\ " V]c`a eee QOZdWaWcaQOdWO` Q][ 4 | AVENUE MAGAZINE Âˇ FEBRUARY 2010

AVENUE welcomes â&#x20AC;&#x153;Letters to the Editorâ&#x20AC;? Please address to Executive Editor Janet Allon, 79 Madison Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, NY, 10016 jallon@manhattanmedia.com

Generations of Jewels

Never Hear “You Shouldn’t Have” Again™ Forget-me-nots are the flowers of remembrance and eternal memories.

Cupid is the Latin word for “desire” and is often represented as the chubby mischievous son of Venus, the Goddess of Love. He is the emblem of strangers falling in Love. Cupid’s wings are often incorporated into jewelry as an allegory of how time flies but Love remains.

Pearls stand for perfection, purity, and innocent love. They are attributes of Venus, the goddess of Love, who was also born from the sea. Often, in Victorian jewelry, a white pearl represented light and a dark pearl represented darkness. Set on the two sides of this pink pearl, this “crown” ring represents the dark and light sides of love’s rule.

The Bow signifies the strength and bond of love. It originated from the True Lover’s Knot which is a series of two knots, that when tightened, appear to be one. Legend has it that Dutch sailers tied this knot to remind themselves of their loved ones during their voyages in the 16th century. Like true love, the simplicity is deceptive, as this knot is difficult to tie correctly and the resulting bond is very strong.

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AVENUE EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Pamela Gross EXECUTIVE EDITOR Janet Allon jallon@manhattanmedia.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Cricket Burns cburns@manhattanmedia.com ART DIRECTOR Jessica Ju-Hyun Lee Ho jlee@manhattanmedia.com ASSOCIATE EDITOR Kari Milchman kmilchman@manhattanmedia.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Debbie Bancroft CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Jackie Astier

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Peter Davis

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Barbaralee Diamonstein-Spielvogel

Serena Boardman

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Lorinda Ash Ezersky

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Lacey Tisch-Sidney

Alex Hitz

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Bettina Zilkha

PALM BEACH CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Renée Morrison PRODUCTION MANAGER Mark Stinson mstinson@manhattanmedia.com ADVERTISING DESIGNER Monica Hsiao-Hsuan Tang mtang@manhattanmedia.com FACT CHECKER Elle Fure INTERN Jacob Meade PUBLISHER Julie Dannenberg jdannenberg@manhattanmedia.com LUXURY DIRECTOR Isabelle Kellogg ikellogg@manhattanmedia.com DIRECTOR OF NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Barbara Goodwin bgoodwin@manhattanmedia.com SALES DIRECTORS Amanda Redling aredling@manhattanmedia.com

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DEBBIE BANCROFT

You Say You Want a Resolution Some of my favorite New Yorkers are promising to be even better this year—others are more realistic Hoda Kotb Liz Smith and Jamie Niven

id you wake up on Jan. 1, 2010, swearing off champagne, foie gras, swinging on chandeliers and discussing the health care bill all in the same breath? You’re not alone. But did you also reflect, perhaps later that day, on the illusion of resolutions? Cheers. I asked a few of our favorite New Yorkers what their resolutions were, if any—we are surrounded by realists, maybe more now than ever. I also asked for predictions about what will really happen to those noble intentions, and for their thoughts on other matters. Here they are:

Liz Smith I resolved to begin again on my novel about life after death, because even if there is no such thing, just to imagine that there is makes one feel more cheerful. I got a million bucks for my memoir, Natural Blonde. Maybe I could get $1.50 for this fiction in the current publishing climate. What will really happen? In 2010, there will be events that are going to be so cataclysmic and important. My hope is that celebrity worship, which has reached revolting heights, may be vanquished forever. Then we can begin paying attention to the many heroes in our midst. Ken Auletta I no longer make New Year’s resolutions because I don’t keep them. Eat less pasta? Lose five pounds? Write shorter? Be more patient? I’m tired of apologizing.

Brooke Shields

Billy Norwich

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Annette Tapert

Annette Tapert I lost two very good friends last year. Friendship takes time and nurturing. It’s easy, in a place like New York City, to get caught up with meeting new people, making new friends, making plans with the next interesting person you meet and would like to know. But my New Year’s resolution is to spend more time nurturing my existing and meaningful, long-time friendships.

©PATRICKMCMULLAN.COM

Hoda Kotb My resolution is to get more organized. I can be a hot mess. Will it happen? I have made the same resolution for the past five years, and I’m still looking for the other shoe. Hmmm . . . maybe 2010 is the year.

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Daryl Roth

Cornelia Guest

Bob Colacello My New Year’s resolution is to finish volume two of my Ronald and Nancy Reagan bio, which will cover the White House years. Will I do it? Only if I “just say no” to the drug that is New York social life. Daryl Roth Mine remains the same as in past years: Try to encourage everyone I meet, and people I know, to support theater, both Broadway and off-Broadway. And then, of course, to limit my carbs. Billy Norwich My New Year’s resolution is always the same: Give daily thanks for this very lucky life.

John Demsey

Ross Bleckner and Bob Colacello

Richard Johnson

Patrick McMullan

Cornelia Guest My New Year’s resolution is to devote more time to my passion— green, healthy living—and doing what I can to educate people on how to do so with ease and style in an affordable way. I’ll also continue to raise money for The Humane Society of New York. Ross Bleckner For me, personally, I try not to think I am as sad as I often think I am. In reality, it’s all in our heads. I also resolve not to do things I don’t want to do, so that I can be totally present. What will happen is I’ll do many things that make me feel uncomfortable because there are a lot of people I like and love who will ask me to do them. (Note to the hoards of us who love him and his work: Bleckner’s show opens on February 11 at the Mary Boone Gallery.) John Demsey My New Year’s resolution is to try to drink less coffee. But with a new Nespresso machine, a Starbucks addiction and my love of espresso ice cream at Monkey Bar, I’m dead already.

Jamie Niven I didn’t make a New Year’s resolution. I can never keep them, so, two years ago, I said #@!?#! it. I do think, though, that 2010 will be a whole lot better than last year— good numbers, employment coming off 10 percent and American exports ballooning. Patrick McMullan My New Year’s resolution is to quit smoking . . . again. And to eat healthier. I also want to learn to use my new Canon s90 and Nikon D3 and to read the manuals. Reality? I won’t read the manuals. Christopher Mason To re-lose the 13 pounds I’ve gained since achieving my goal of losing 30 pounds by last June. Somehow it crept back. I’m confidant I can do it. I’m just as sure that by this time next year, I’ll be renouncing chocolate and vowing to repeat the same resolution. Richard Johnson I never make New Year’s resolutions, so I never come up short! Brooke Shields First, it was to have more patience . . . but it took too long to arrive! Then it switched to drinking less Duvel Beer, for which I celebrated and made a toast to such a great resolution! Then I ended up just accepting where I am in my life. Everyday, not to have regrets. It sounds simple, but I’ve never been one to let things go. I’m going to start in 2010. See how much good company you have? We all want to lose weight, be present, patient, wise and generous. Here’s to trying. I’ve got to go now because my pasta is getting cold, my Pinot Grigio warm and my daughter is swiping my Blahniks again, and they're mine, mine, mine!!! Resolution, schmesolution. �

©PATRICKMCMULLAN.COM

Ken Auletta

Christopher Mason

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CURE-ALL

Prostate Cancer Foundation dinner at The Plaza

The Prostate Cancer Foundation held its New York Dinner in the Grand Ballroom at The Plaza, raising more than $4 million to support research and the foundation’s grant program for Young Investigators, designed to encourage the next generation of scientific minds to dedicate their careers to the disease. Guests clad in black-tie included Mike and Lori Milken, Peter and Laurie Grauer, Whoopi Goldberg, David H. and Julia Koch and Richard and Karen LeFrak.

1. Ala Isham and Mark Gilbertson 2. Kristina Murphy and Ashley Whittaker 3. Hamish Bowles 4. Ian and Mary Snow 5. Clo Cohen, Diana Quasha and Kathy Angele 6. Jennifer Creel

FUN-RAISER

Asprey’s Fall Associates event at a private club

Asprey and the Associates Committee hosted a “celebrate the neighborhood” black-tie benefit for Lenox Hill Neighborhood House. Guests enjoyed cocktails at Asprey’s Madison Avenue boutique before heading to a private club for dinner and dancing. Mark Gilbertson, Clo Cohen, Diana Quasha, Hamish Bowles, Jennifer Creel and many others attended.

1. Mike Milken and Whoopi Goldberg 2. Charles Evans Jr. and BonniePfeiferEvans3.Dr.HowardSoulewithJoanandLarryFlax

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1. Steve and Patty Schram 2. Rona Landman, Dr. Kevin Plancher and Lisa Jackson 3. Kimberly Rockefeller and Steven RockefellerJr. 4.JayMcInerneyandAnneHearstMcInerney5.LaurieBeard,DanaFarringtonandPeterPollak6.MarkSmith and Melissa Berklehammer Beard

JOIN THE CLUB Notable New Yorkers mingle with Turks & Caicos Sporting Club members at Monkey Bar

Anne Hearst, Jay McInerney, Graydon Carter and Kimberly and Steven Rockefeller were among those at Monkey Bar greeting members of the Turks & Caicos Sporting Club, located on the 1,100-acre private island of Ambergris Cay. The resort has been visited by Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes and Roger Waters, who says the property’s pristine habitat supports the world’s best bone fishing. The Club’s managing partners, Steve Schram and Peter Pollak, whose notable projects include The Ford Plantation and The Greenbrier, greeted interior designers Lisa Jackson, Campion Platt, Rona Landman and Dr. Kevin Plancher, who were all impressed by the club’s airstrip and plane. 24 | AVENUE MAGAZINE · FEBRUARY 2010

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NEW BEGINNINGS A motley medley of events celebrated new projects and commemorated one classic New York TV show

Developer Janna Bullock celebrated her Plaza hotel project on the cover of New York Spaces magazine. Lighting guru Bentley Meeker marked the development of his new show with BBC Worldwide Productions, which will follow him around as he lights New York City’s top events. Last fall, he added his magic to Tim Burton’s exhibit at MoMA, the Whitney Gala and P. Diddy’s birthday. Jimmy Fallon channeled Michael Jackson on The Players club stage at a party for the cast of “Saturday Night Live” that was catered by Andrea Correale’s Elegant Affairs. The Bloc Group’s Matthew Isaacs opened CV at The Hotel on Rivington, where Madonna’s pal Jesus Luz has been lounging.

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6 1. Nicola Mar and Matthew Isaacs at CV 2. Isabelle Chester and Bentley Meeker at MoMA 3. Tony Ingrao and Randy KemperattheWhitney Gala4.HarrietteRose Katz at the Whitney Gala 5. Jimmy Fallon and Andrea Correale at The Players club 6. Janna Bullock at The Plaza

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What

She does for

by JANET ALLON

Love

�

photographed by JACK DEUTSCH

�

styled by CRICKET BURNS

Cécilia Attias, the most recent ex-first lady of France, has just landed in

New York with her new husband, her new life and the launch of her new foundation, which kicks off a global forum in New York in June. You may remember the story. It was not too long ago, a modern-day abdication, not unlike Edward VIII and Mrs. Simpson—just the other way around. Cécilia left Nicolas Sarkozy just a few months into his presidency, but not before she made headlines around the world for her courageous rescue of five Bulgarian nuns from torture and certain death in Libyan leader Col. Muammar al-Qaddafi’s prison, a feat that no one before her had been able to achieve. Her new foundation, the Cécilia Attias Foundation for Women, will continue her important work, rescuing women around the world who live in conditions that put them in desperate need of help. Janet Allon caught up with the new Mrs. Attias to find out more about her ambitious plans. Hair by ANDREW DEEP FOR DE BERARDINIS SALON � Makeup by TALIA SHOBROOK WITH THE WALL GROUP Opposite page: Suit by Barbara Bui. Shirt by Dolce & Gabbana. Necklace by Yael Sonia.

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“The thing about Cécilia is that she has no ego. She demonstrated that by leaving her position as first lady of France.” —Richard Attias

can meet someone and just click. That does not happen in France,” Cécilia explains. “New York is diverse, and I am diverse. My father was from Russia. My mother was from Spain. I have relatives everywhere. I am outside of the box. You cannot lock me in a box. Believe me, they tried.”

She is sitting in the conference room of her foundation on the Upper East Side wearing a grey wool pants suit, which highlights her stunning silhouette. In other rooms of the townhouse, multilingual employees unpack boxes and set up shop. She gives a tour of her office, chicly adorned with white lacquer tables, mirrored file cabinets and colorized photos of the Eiffel Tower. On the wall of the conference room is simply a huge map of the United States, her adopted home. “You have a fabulous country here,” she says. “Because you are American, you might not appreciate it. You have all kinds of climates, all kinds of terrain, all kinds of light. We are trying to go to every state because every one is so different. I love this country. I feel at home here. It is not like other countries.” And she has been to many of them. She travels the world widely, giving speeches on behalf of women’s rights and earning humanitarian awards. But one of the things she loves about her newly adopted home is the positive, can-do attitude. “Even when it is raining here, there is energy,” she says. “People are positive. That is why I believe you will pull out of this economic crisis before we will.” The belief that it is possible to achieve difficult things on behalf of others is very much a part of who Cécilia Attias is, and it underpins the foundation she has started with its bold mission to “change the world.” She also firmly believes that it is women who will be in the vanguard of that change. As the apt French expression says, women are “le pouvoir derrière le rideau.” Translation: the power behind the curtain. The Cécilia Attias Foundation for Women seeks out, supports and partners with organizations all over the world that are on the frontlines of helping women in dire straits. In

Above: Cocoa brown double-faced wool denim dress by Melograno Editions (to order, please call 646.368.0282). Cable and Tapestry Silver Ice Cuff in sterling silver and diamonds and Amethyst Cushion Cocktail Ring in 18-karat gold with pave diamonds, both by David Yurman. FEBRUARY 2010 · AVENUE MAGAZINE | 39

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ARIANNA HUFFINGTON Co-Founder and Editor in Chief of The Huffington Post (www.huffingtonpost.com)

In the midst of a financial crisis that has brought us over 10 percent unemployment, record bankruptcies and the worst foreclosure year in history, I wouldn’t put Stephen Schwarzman’s idea of creating a “tax-free zone” for well-to-do foreigners at the top of my to-do list. For me, the best first step for bringing New York back from the brink of bankruptcy is to reform the financial system that brought us all to the edge of that precipice in the first place. That means no more welfare for Wall Street. No more slavish fealty to our “too big to fail” financial institutions. And no more of the

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casino-like banking schemes that got us into this mess. Instead, I propose shifting the power from Wall Street to Main Street by having New Yorkers move their money out of the big six banks (which do more than 97 percent of the risky derivatives business, and which took trillions in taxpayer money, only to return to the risky behavior that created the Great Recession) and into a smaller, local, community bank or credit union that is more likely to reinvest in the community in which it is located. By doing this, we, the people, will have taken a big step towards greater competition, which is at the heart of a well-functioning capitalist system—and towards revitalizing our economy from the ground up. This is not a left-wing idea or a rightwing idea. It’s citizen empowerment at its best. Empowering citizens to encourage local investment is as important for New York as it is for the country.

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WILBUR L. ROSS JR. Chairman and C.E.O. of leading private equity firm WL Ross & Co.

DICK MORRIS Fox News political commentator and co-author of the book, Catastrophe Don’t make New York a wasteland. The pattern is as familiar as it is deadly: States like Michigan and California, regions like upstate New York and cities like Detroit find themselves in fiscal straits. They raise taxes, particularly on the “wealthy,” in order to continue to offer a plethora of services to their poorer citizens and to avoid sharp budget cuts. These new taxes drive the rich out of their states, regions or cities, further cutting tax revenues and necessitating more taxes, which just accelerates their downward spiral. They become wastelands where nothing lives. Consider the states of Texas and California, similarly large and growing, each with large Latino immigrant populations— and each with a budget deficit. California’s response has been to raise taxes, while Texas has kept them down. Yet California’s unemployment rate has been consistently about 50 percent higher than that of Texas. While each goes up and down with the national economy, Texas’ rate is always lower. In November 2009, Texas suffered from 8 percent joblessness, while California faced 12.3 percent unemployment. Or look at the depopulation and destruction of upstate New York due to higher taxes and out-migration of the wealthy. The populations of such cities as Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and Utica have dropped by 30 to 50 percent in the past 30 years. About 40,000 people pay half of the city income tax revenues in New York. Raising taxes on them, or a surcharge on their state taxes, would drive them out in droves. It would be great news for Texas and Florida, which thrive precisely because they have no income taxation at all. Don’t let the liberals kill off the golden goose and drive the wealthy out of New York. Don’t make this precious, wonderful city a wasteland.

New York City and State are driving out the small number of wealthy people, mainly Wall Streeters, on whom their tax revenues depend. As financial service companies become increasingly electronic, location decisions are driven more and more by economics, rather than location. Hedge funds flee to Connecticut, reinsurance companies to Bermuda and the largest bank in the United States is now headquartered in North Carolina. Unfortunately, these wake-up calls go unanswered. The state’s chronic inability to deal with deficits other than by one-shot revenues and accounting gimmicks can be overcome at the local level, thanks to legislation successfully promoted by Attorney General Andrew Cuomo. Local voters can now abolish the expensive spider web of commissions, authorities agencies and other entities that exist mainly to provide political patronage. Eliminating the most costly 5,000 of the 10,000 such entities at an average $1 million-cost per year would reduce New Yorkers’ tax burden by $5 billion per year without compromising such essential services as police, fire, sanitation and water. Since incumbent elected officials created the present wasteful system, they are unlikely to initiate its appeal. What is unclear, in view of widespread sentiment against taxes and wasteful spending, is why insurgent candidates and local civic organizations have not taken the initiative to put such measures onto ballots and enact them. What is clear, however, from outward migration data, is that if New York’s citizens do not vote this way by pulling ballot levers with their hands, they will do so with their feet by moving out.

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Above: Brooks Brothers’ Generations of Style Left: East 60th Street Antique Dealers’ booth, designed by Richard Mishaan

Inside AVENUE Antiques & Art at the Armory, December 2009

Below: M.S. Rau Antiques Above: From left, Designer Breakfast panelists Guy Regal, Mario Buatta, moderator Susanna Salk, Maureen Footer and Miles Redd Left: Dr. Ulrich Leben delivers a Royal Oak Foundation lecture Below: Hubert Gallery

Photos by John Peden and Andrew Schwartz

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ask hall f. willkie

The real estate expert shares his wisdom on… financing in a challenging market

ortgage rates have been rising since December, and the consensus is they will continue to increase. Rates are still historically low, however. Most banks have strict requirements when purchasing in a cooperative or condominium, and satisfying these conditions takes time and often delays closings. Buyers should approach their banker or mortgage broker early in their search to qualify themselves, to know what documentation will be required and to begin gathering the necessary information. Banks prefer financing established product, and look for borrowers with a credit score of at least 725 (750 being optimal) and a debt-to-income ratio of no more than 25 percent. Co-op boards are more focused than ever on an applicant's financial profile. Boards are more likely to favor applicants who are able to put down as much cash as possible and who finance less than the building's allowable amount. ✦

Hall F. Willkie, President, Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales; hwillkie@bhsusa.com 56 | AVENUE MAGAZINE · FEBRUARY 2010

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gift guide

MADELINE WEINRIB ATELIER www.madelineweinrib.com 212.473.3000 x780 The Hot Pink Vintage Suzani Floor Pillow at Madeline Weinrib Atelier is the perfect Valentine’s Day gift. Produced historically throughout Central Asia for use as dowries and in marriage customs, these Suzani embroideries have deep romantic symbolism. They display a vibrant and whimsical design vocabulary intended to invoke prosperity, fertility and an auspicious future for happy lovers.

DUMONT ESTATE JEWELRY

Love is in the Air This Valentine’s Day, indulge in one—or all—of these luxuries

CALVISIUS CAVIAR www.calvisiuscaviar.com/lounge.htm 212.207.8222 Located in the Four Seasons Hotel New York, the Calvisius Caviar Lounge is the perfect spot to escape for a romantic occasion. Here, caviar connoisseurs enjoy a taste of the exquisite Calvisius Malossol Caviars from an eco-friendly aqua farm in Italy. Designed by James D’Auria Associates, the sophisticated lounge exudes a 1930s Art Deco elegance. The menu of small plates features Calvisius caviar served the Italian way with warmed potato purée and Solamente with blinis or toast points. Couple it with a choice of fine French Champagne, Italian sparkling wine or premium vodkas and the delicacy’s aphrodisiac qualities will surely work their magic.

58 | AVENUE MAGAZINE · FEBRUARY 2010

www.dumontestatejewelry.com 212.988.0888 DuMont Estate Jewelry’s Very Fine Victorian Ruby Earrings make a stunning present any day of the year, but are particularly precious on Valentine’s Day. Like a dozen red roses, rubies symbolize love. They are often used in romantic jewelry to express the giver’s passion and affection. The lovely floral motif of these earrings is more beautiful than any fresh bouquet and, like the deepest loves, will last forever.

Manhattan ProPerties

Local Experts Worldwide

19 East 70th strEEt townhousE: 30ft wide, 20,000± sq. ft. residential/commercial zoned. Sun-filled 7 floors with original details and high coffered ceilings. $59,500,000. WEB: A0016691. Eva Mohr, 212.606.7736

thE PIErrE hotEL: Rare entire tower floor in mint condition. 5,000± sq ft, 3 bedrooms, 4½ baths. Spectacular Central Park and city skyline views. $27,500,000. WEB: A0016598. Roger Erickson, 212.606.7612

DraMatIC PEnthousE: 641 Fifth Avenue, Olympic Tower. Large duplex condo with sweeping skyline views. 10' ceilings. $15,000,000. WEB: A0016614. Serena Boardman, 212.606.7611, Meredyth Smith, 212.606.7683

EXCEPtIonaL PrIVatE hoME: 4-story, 18.9'-wide brownstone designed by Harvey Stevenson. 5 bedrooms, landscaped garden. $12,250,000. WEB: A0016468. Stan Ponte, 212.606.4109, Robin Reardon, 212.606.4118

FIFth aVEnuE GoLD Coast: Unique full-floor 3 bedrooms, 3 baths in distinguished co-op. Beautiful Central Park views. High ceilings, 2 fireplaces. $10,000,000. WEB: A0014598. Jerry Miller, 212.606.7712

PErFECtIon on FIFth aVEnuE: Exceptional 11-into-9 room prewar co-op with 3 bedrooms, 4½ baths. Perfect for entertaining. $9,950,000. WEB: A0016020. Sheila Ellis, 212.606.7691, Patricia Wheatley, 212.606.7613

162 East 63rD strEEt: Exceptional 5-story home with beautiful limestone façade. Impeccably renovated with 5 fireplaces, elevator, terrace, 5 bedrooms, 5½ baths. $8,250,000. WEB: A0016674. Olga Neulist, 212.606.7707

1 wEst 67th strEEt: New to market. Historic Hotel des Artistes offers opulent 12-room prewar co-op duplex. Newly renovated, 28ft great room. $7,900,000. WEB: A0016682. Nikki Field, Patricia Wheatley, 212.606.7613

Mt. MorrIs Park wEst townhousE: 18th century inspired French-style, 25ft wide, 5-story residence. 7 bedrooms, 6 renovated baths. $7,995,000. WEB: A0016673. Michael Pellegrino, 212.400.8731

158 MErCEr strEEt: Stunning 4,700± sq. ft. condo loft with 11' ceilings, 17 oversized windows with 4 exposures, fireplace, 5 bedrooms, 4 baths. $6,950,000. WEB: A0016299. Heléne Alexopoulous Warrick, 212.606.7701

25 sutton PLaCE: Magnificent 8-room in premier Candela co-op with water views. Double size wood paneled library, 2 fireplaces. $6,800,000. WEB: A0016467. Mary Kent, 212.606.7705, Patricia Patterson, 212.606.7740

MoDErn MastErPIECE: Palatial 14-room on high floor in acclaimed United Nations Plaza. Spectacular East River and skyline views. 5 bedrooms. New Price. $4,995,000. WEB: A0015820. Nikki Field, 212.606.7669

east Manhattan Brokerage I sothebyshomes.com/nyc 38 EAST 61ST STREET, NEW YORk, NY 10065 T 212.606.7660 Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc., is Owned and Operated by NRT LLC. Les Bords de l’Epte a Giverny, used with permission.

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42 EAST 74TH STREET

John Burger

Kathryn Steinberg

Craig Filipacchi

70s/E. Excl. Extremely desirable 20’ wide 5 story TH w/Doctors office on built full ground flr + 2 duplexes, delivered vacant or w/tenants. Large south terrace. CAC, elevator. $11.9M. WEB# 1074380. Caroline E. Y. Guthrie, ELC Div. 212 396-5858

SPLENDOR, SCALE ON FIFTH

REMARKABLE HOME

Fifth Ave. Excl. Stately 12 Rm, 5BR apt in one of NYC’s bst bldg. 12’ ceil, beaut renov, new systems. 102 linear DT on 5th, mgnfcnt views of Met’s facade. South facing view of Central Park. $34M. WEB# 1059198. Kathy Sloane 212-906-9258

70s/Park Ave. Excl. Private elev landing, 37’ gallery, all major rms on Park, 4 wbfp, EIK, 5BR, 5.5 bths, staff rms & bths, laundry. One of a kind. Fine bldg. $27.5M. WEB# 970002. Nancy J. Elias 212- 906-9275 Cathy Franklin 212-906-9236

GRAND UES TOWNHOUSE

SKY HIGH PENTHOUSE

4 EXPOSURES, 4 PLUS BEDROOMS

70s/Bet Park & Madison Ave. Excl. Grandscale, best block. 5 story, 6,000+/-SF, elevator. Oversized rooms, 11’ ceilings. Large Southern terrace. 5 fps. $9.995M. WEB# 783831. John Burger 212-906-9274

57th/W. Excl. Park, river & city views from 5 bedrooms & 6 marble baths. Large LR/FDR/ Kit. White glove building w/ private dining. $9.425M. WEB# 1015072. Elizabeth Lee Sample 212-906-9299 Brenda S. Powers 212-906-9237

79th/Lexington Ave. Excl. 11 Rm (orig 13), 5BR + libr, 5 bth, 2 maids, huge EIK. 2 wbfp. Hi flr. Bright & sunny. W/D. Thru wall AC. FS prewar Co-op. $7.8M. WEB# 1058824. Edith F. Tuckerman 212-906-9228 Katharine Tuckerman 212-906-9222

HUGE TERRACE WITH PARK VIEWS

DESIGNER TOWNHOUSE

FULL FLOOR IN PREWAR CONDO

Park Ave. Excl. Wraparound terraced home with views of Central Park. Meticulously renovated Park Ave PH. 3BR, 2.5 baths, wbfp, perfect EIK, great views. $7.5M. WEB# 1035895. Kathy Cooper 212-906-9260 Samuel Thomas Milbank 212-906-9248

West Village. Excl. Coveted Charles Street, approx 2,880SF interior, outdoor zen garden, 3 wbfps, 20’ ceil living room, XXX mint. $6.995M. WEB# 1059402. Wendy Maitland 212-317-3660 Reid Price 212-317-3670

70s/W. Excl. Full flr FS prewar condo on quiet treelined W71st! Approx 4,800SF. 6BR, 6.5 bath, XXX new interiors, WEIK, new HVAC, new tilt-n-turn windows, gym, playrm. $6.4M. WEB# 912910. Lisa Lippman 212-588-5606 Scott Moore 212-588-5608

67 du G bt W A

Elaine Clayman

Erin Boisson Aries

Russell Miller

F en co Sq D L

Elizabeth Sample

Candace Roncone

Irene Lowenkron

Carmelo Paglialunga

We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin.

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GRAND ENTERTAINING

SOAR IN THE SKY

GRAND SCALE 7 RMS, VIEW

67th/W. Excl. Rare oppty for a 4BR, 2,700SF duplex, 3 wbfp, double LR on landmark block. Gourmet kit, bkfst rm, MBR suite, Waterworks bths. Hi ceil, CAC. $4.895M. WEB# 1065430. Wendy Singer Spotts 212-588-5612 Arabella Greene Buckworth 212-588-5614

69th/Third Ave. Excl. Smashing views along w/a full renov from the 42nd floor! A 2BR, 2.5 marble bath measuring over 1,750SF w/ Poggen Pohl EIK & sep oversized dining room. $3.85M. WEB# 973558. Penny Toepfer-Guttman 212-906-9250

60s/CPW. Excl. This Superb 7 rm home features exquisit Prewar details 11’ceilings, 48’ windows framing the Park. The Prasada was one of the first grand project on CPW. $3.75M. WEB# 786156. MacRae Parker 212-906-9205

Wolf Jakubowski

Nancy Candib

Lisa Lippman

UNRIVALLED OPPORTUNITY

ART & ARCHITECTURE

LANDMARKED BEAUTY

Fifth Ave. Excl. This rare H-line corner unit enjoys a prime location in an exceptional FS condo bldg. S & W views spanning to Wash. Sq. Arch & Hudson. $3.25M. WEB# 1082558. Daniela Rivoir 212-906-9276 Linda Gawley 212-508-7289

50s/W. Excl. Stunning design and lovely park & city views. 1,490SF, 2 BR, 2 baths + office. Incredible Venetto glass flooring and beautiful designer kitchen. $3.25M. WEB# 1046225. Howard L. Morrel 212-396-5880

UWS. Excl. Beautiful five story, 5,100SF Beaux-Arts style townhouse with abundant original details, and large extension. $2.8M. WEB# 1066955. David Kornmeier 212-588-5642 Gregory Roache 212-588-5662

Richard Wallgren

Joanne Greene

Cathy Franklin

SPECIAL PENTHOUSE

GLAMOUROUS TRUMP WORLD TOWER

ELEGANT DUPLEX PENTHOUSE

77th/E. Excl. Light filled 2BR, 2 bath + library triple mint penthouse with 42’ terrace. Chef’s kitchen, loft like living room/dining room, every detail perfection! $2.8M. WEB# 1056237. Martha Kramer 212-906-9371

UNP. Excl. The jewel of Trump Condos offers stunning 2MBR, 2.5 bath; Breathtaking views from the 47th floor, elegant details, 5 star services. 1,613SF. $2.68M. WEB# 1044385. Margaret H. Bay 212-906-9308 Shem Nowak 212-906-9252

Midtown. Excl. Duplex PH w/ 3 terraces, 3BR, LR, DR, gourmet kit. 2 full marble baths, custom built-in cabnetry and mahogany thruout. City/river views. Full service DM building. $2.495M. WEB# 1067618. Kyle Blackmon 212-588-5648

Joan Goldberg

Kyle Blackmon

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Gary DePersia, the corcoran group Senior Vice President and Associate Broker

REAL ESTATE YEARBOOK

The Hamptons real estate market seems stronger than most expected it to be now. What do think accounts for the Hamptons’ successful rebound? A “perfect storm” of great inventory, reduced prices coupled with more negotiability and excellent mortgage rates has combined with pent-up demand. Astute buyers realize that it is risky to try to time the bottom of the market. Also, a renewed confidence in their general financial situations has added to the upswing in sales. What is the most popular area among buyers and renters in the Hamptons? Have you noticed more activity north or south of the highway? Each buyer or renter has their own idea of what their Hampton experience should be, with many areas of the Hamptons enjoying popularity. For some, it is the beachy feel and central locations south of the highway, from Wainscott to Bridgehampton. Yet others look forward to being near the villages of East Hampton, Southampton or even Sag Harbor, where they can walk to both shopping and waterfront/beachfront locations. Amagansett, both north and south of the highway, has seen some very strong sales in the last months, contradicting the commonly held belief that people are reluctant to drive that far east in summer traffic. How have sales grown in the past year? One sector of the market that has seen tremendous renewed activity is vacant land and teardowns. Both builders and end users have been responsible for this resurgence. I have had eight of my own exclusive land or teardown listings sell or go to contract within the last six months, all south of the highway and ranging anywhere from $2.3 million to more than $11 million, five of which are going to end users who will be constructing new houses on these parcels within the next year. Is this a good time to buy? Can you offer any advice to potential buyers? It’s a great time to buy, for all the reasons I listed above. Today, with the Internet, it is much easier for buyers to get up to speed on the market than it was a number of years ago. Find a broker you feel comfortable with and resist the urge to jump from broker to broker if you don’t find what you are looking for right away. It is a learning experience for both buyer and broker to understand what works and what doesn’t work for any particular buyer. Lastly, don’t look for years for the mythical “perfect property.” Buy something that works, even if you have to make some compromises, enjoy it and build some equity. Then if you still want to, use that as your base to move up to your dream situation. Having owned a home in the Hamptons, you will be in a far better position to discover that property when it becomes available.

THE CORCORAN GROUP 516.380.0538 gdp@corcoran.com

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real estate

Park Avenue Opportunity First residents move into condominiums at historic Gramercy Building

or 31-year-old David Stern, buying his current residence was neither a lengthy process, nor one fraught with the typical compromises and hesitancy. On the contrary, he knew immediately that the pre-war conversion at 254 Park Avenue South in Gramercy would be home. “I fell in love—the location is simply fantastic and the ceiling height is unique in the city,” he says. The residence has a lofty feel thanks in part to the building’s original ceilings, which soar up to 14 feet—a rarity, even among pre-war Park Avenue buildings. In fact, select units at 254 PAS incorporate a lofted area that looks out to the living and dining space to maximize the height. Stern, a real estate investor, recently moved into his 1,415-squarefoot, 2-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home on a high floor of this neoclassical Beaux Arts building with incredible sunlight and Park Avenue views. “It’s all about location, location, location for me,” says Stern of the building’s address on the northwest corner of Park Avenue and 20th Street. “It’s situated in the center of it all, and I love being steps away from the city’s best restaurants and shopping,” he notes. Stern enjoys an easy commute to his work on the Upper East Side and evenings out in Tribeca. “I couldn’t be happier,” he adds. Location and ceiling height, as well as the large picture windows that distinguish this 123-unit building, are not all that make it such a complete package. Modern interiors include dark, hardwood floors and custom kitchens, which are finished with stone countertops and feature a Leibherr refrigerator, stainless steel Bosch appliances and a Miele hood. The en-suite master bathroom features floors and walls clad in stone and contemporary accents like Kohler bath fixtures and chrome accessories. The bathrooms in the larger homes, such as Stern’s, feature a rain showerhead, glass-enclosed shower and separate soaking tub. Intimate lighting at the entryway, together with the ebony-stained wood flooring, complete the inviting and sophisticated atmosphere. The common areas of 254 PAS likewise received creative touches. In the lobby, complete with a 24-hour concierge, warm 70 | AVENUE MAGAZINE · FEBRUARY 2010

ebony-stained wood details echo the design of the residences, and neutral tones achieve a classic look. Richly appointed elevators provide access to all floors and the amenity spaces, which include a private gym and Park Lounge, the building’s 1,400-square-foot social space complete with a bar, billiard tables and a first in New York City: a poker room. “Park Lounge is an excellent example of a unique amenity that we think works seamlessly with the uptown-downtown, historical-yetmodern feel that the building embodies,” says Daniel Rosen, principal of Rosen Partners, a third-generation family-owned real estate development company and one of the building’s developers. Like Stern, other buyers began moving into their new homes this December. In addition to the elegant two-bedrooms, the building offers grandly proportioned combined apartments that run up to approximately 2,500 square feet, as well as studios and many one-bedrooms, several of which come with a home office. The mix of studio and one bedroom units—some lines with starting prices at $550,000—boast the same attention to detail and craftsmanship as the building’s grander homes. “It’s rare to find such a variety of apartments in a pre-war condominium on Park Avenue,” points out Karen Mansour, director of sales and marketing at Prudential Douglas Elliman Developments, the exclusive sales agent for 254 PAS. Homes are now available for immediate occupancy. For more information, please contact the on-site sales center by calling 212.254.2552 or visiting www.254PAS.com. ✦

The complete offering terms are in an offering plan available from sponsor. File No. CD-060224.

Photos courtesy of 254 Park Avenue South

Left to right: Spacious living rooms boasts tall picture windows; master bedrooms offer generous light and views; lofted areas maximize pre-war ceiling heights; custom kitchens are finished with gourmet bells and whistles.

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gift guide

DUMONT ESTATE JEWELRY

Love is in the Air This Valentine’s Day, indulge in one—or all—of these luxuries

72 | AVENUE MAGAZINE · FEBRUARY 2010

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A C T U A L

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D E G R E E

V I E W S

"It isn’t like a ﬁve-star hotel; it’s better.""- NY Daily News The leading choice amongst today’s discerning buyer, The Rushmore is New York’s unsurpassed lifestyle opportunity. Offering sweeping views of the New York skyline and Hudson River and over 15,000 square feet of resort-style amenities and sought-after services, this impeccable condominium is New York City’s best-selling new condominium of 2009. 2 TO 5 BEDROOMS FROM $1,400,000

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IMMEDIATE OCCUPANCY

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EXCLUSIVE MARKE MARKETIN T G & SALE SALES AGENT:

PHO OGRAPHY BY EVAN JOSEPH. THE COMPLETE OFFERING TERMS ARE INN AANN OFFERING PHOT PLAN AVAILABLE FROM SPONSOR. PL R FILE NO. CD 05-0600. EQUAL HOUSING OPPO PORT RTUNNITY.

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