GRACE AND ART IN ARCHITECTURE

53 West 53 rises high above the Museum of Modern Art as a step into the city’s next generation of residential living.

By GEOFF NUDELMAN

PHOTOS By EVAN JOSEPH AND GILES ASHFORD

MIDTOWN IS EXPERIENCING ITS OWN QUASI-RENAISSANCE THESE DAYS, AND THAT’S NO MORE APPARENT THAN WITH THE LAUNCH OF THE 82-STORY RESIDENTIAL TOWER AT 53 WEST 53. RISING HIGH ABOVE THE MUSEUM OF MODERN ART, THE BUILDING FEATURES 161 RESIDENCES, INCLUDING FULL-FLOOR HOMES AND DUPLEX PENTHOUSES WITH PRIVATE ELEVATORS.

One of the flagship attributes of 53 West 53 is its starstudded architectural approach, headlined by world-renowned architects Jean Nouvel and Thierry Despont. Both put their individual marks on a building that feels angular, modern, inviting and as much of a spectacle as the museum it presides above.

“From the moment you enter this property’s doors, it’s evident that every aspect of the living experience at 53 West 53 has been considered, and the result is on par with a five-star hotel,” says Shari Scharfer-Rollins, Licensed Broker at Douglas Elliman and Director of Sales at 53 West 53. “The building is an architectural masterpiece that will never be replicated and because of that, the building continues to capture the attention of ultra-luxury buyers who are seeing a one-ofa-kind home in the heart of New York City.”

Comprising the entire 64th floor at 53 West 53, this palatial residence features four bedrooms, four-and-ahalf bathrooms, and north-, south-, east-, and westfacing exposures. Gracious proportions and ceilings ranging up to approximately 11 feet set the awe-inspiring stage for world-renowned designer Thierry Despont’s masterfully conceived interiors.

While the design is certainly unlike anything else, the amenities on offer at 53 West 53 are also simply a cut above. No matter a resident’s interest, there’s something to meet their needs. Film fans can enjoy a private, state-of-theart viewing theater; residents and their guests can admire the breathtaking views from the 46th-floor double-height dining room and lounge; food enthusiasts can savor exquisite meals at 53, the new contemporary Asian restaurant by famed award-winning hospitality company Altamarea Group, located at the base of the building; and the building’s on-site staff are available 24 hours a day to cater to any and every possible need.

Continuing through the building, the architectural impression is as much indoors as it is on the exterior with bold lines in each home with striking marble and beautifully accented dark and white tones throughout. Residents will also find these cues in the building’s private spa and Wellness Center, which features products from the luxury brand Bulgari.

The wine room at 53 West 53 is more than a home for prized collections and labels, it’s an experience. Residents can enjoy that special vintage in a dramatic setting that feels as much in place in a Michelinstarred restaurant as it does within their own building. The building also offers temperaturecontrolled wine vaults, which residents can purchase to store their personal wine collections.

“Purchasing at 53 West 53 goes beyond buying a home, as residents have access to an unprecedented level of exclusive amenities and personalized services that truly set the building apart,” says Samantha Sax, Chief Marketing Officer of Pontiac Land U.S. “53 West 53 boasts one of the most comprehensive offerings at a private residential building in the city with over 30,000 square feet of sophisticated amenity spaces. Residents also enjoy a robust lifestyle partnership program that provides access to VIP services and priority status at a curated selection of internationally recognized luxury brands and famed New York establishments, including the John Barrett Salon, BLADE, Morrell Wine, Frette, and more.”

Perhaps the only thing more stunning than the grandiose architecture and amenities? The views. The building was purpose-built with sweeping floor-toceiling windows to visually explore every corner of the city from above, almost as a crystal-clear glimpse into the future.

“53 West 53 is unlike any other building in the luxury market today,” says Fredrik Eklund, Licensed Broker and Founder of The Eklund | Gomes Team at Douglas Elliman. “With its iconic location, internationally-recognized architecture, distinguished interiors, world-class lifestyle offerings, and much more, 53 West 53 checks every box and sets the bar for truly elevated living.”

Right: The striking lobby has multiple separate sections: two entry foyers, a main area, a library and an elevator bank guided by a ceiling covered in gold leaf. Despont’s inspiration for the lobby feels classic and timeless with just enough modern sensibility to be powered into the future and is a grand statement for all who enter — residents and guests alike.

Clockwise from left: In the library, residents can bask in the warm glow of a roaring fireplace; The full-floor Wellness Center at 53 West 53 is an oasis. Managed by the premier fitness lifestyle brand, The Wright Fit, the Wellness Center includes a full gym, golf simulator, and 65-foot lap pool, among other fitness-oriented amenities. Residents can also enjoy the tranquil, spa-like spaces within the Wellness Center, which are exclusively appointed with Bulgari products.