HiGH RiSE LiFe
DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018-19 Yo u r E x c l u s i v e G u i d e To H i g h - R i s e L i v i n g
18 ON THE
COVER JOHN TERZIAN
KEEPING L.A. NIGHTLIFE SCENE FESTIVE
Featured Editorial by Selcen Kavruklar Editor-in-Chief
Photo Courtesy of The h.wood Group
HOME | INTERIOR DESIGN
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D-ZYN CORNER By Carol Townsend
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OCEANCO’S 109M/357FT PROJECT BRAVO BREAKS NEW GROUND
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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
ART | CULTURE
STYLE | BEAUTY
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NEW YEAR'S BEAUTY RESOLUTION
FERNANDO BOTERO A STILL LIFE RETROSPECTIVE
AUTOMOBILE | RIDES
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LAND ROVER CAMEO APPEARANCE
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By Jennifer Gonzales
FEATURED EDITORIAL
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JOHN LEGERE CEO OF T-MOBILE LAUNCHING UN-CARRIER MOVES & CHANGING THE WIRELESS INDUSTRY FOR GOOD By Jennifer Gonzales
ENTERTAINMENT | FOOD
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VANDERPUMP COCKTAIL GARDEN TO OPEN AT CAESARS PALACE
TRAVEL | LEISURE
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THE MURAKA CONRAD MALDIVES RANGALI ISLAND ANNOUNCES GROUNDBREAKING OPENING OF THE WORLD’S FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND RESIDENCE
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3 MUST-VISIT SOUTHWEST VACATION DESTINATIONS By Merilee Kern
REAL ESTATE
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PERLA ON BROADWAY NEARLY SELLS OUT IN FIRST MONTH OF RELEASE!
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HARLEY ELLIS DEVEREAUX CELEBRATES COMPLETION OF CIRCA RESIDENCES IN LOS ANGELES
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EXISTING-HOME SALES INCREASE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN SIX MONTHS
www.HighRiseLife.com
HiGH RiSE LiFe DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018-19 Yo u r E x c l u s i v e G u i d e To H i g h - R i s e L i v i n g
PUBLISHER
Online Enterprise, LLC.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Las Vegas
Los Angeles
San Diego
Long Beach
Selcen Kavruklar
San Francisco
San Jose
Silicon Valley
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Selcen Kavruklar Carol Townsend Jennifer Gonzales Merilee Kern
CREATIVE
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Murtaza Karimzada
PHOTOGRAPHY Francisco Martinez Justin Nicholas Ash Photography Patrick Pineda
CONTACT Editorial Inquiries selcen@highriselife.com Advertising Inquiries info@highriselife.com 702.944.8773
Copyright Online Enterprise LLC 2018. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. All information contained in this magazine is, as far as we are aware, correct at the time of going to press. Online Enterprise LLC cannot accept responsibility for errors or inaccuracies in such information. If you submit unsolicited material to us, you automatically grant Online Enterprise LLC a license to publish your submission in whole or in part in all editions of the magazine. High Rise Life Magazine endeavors to respect the intellectual property of the owners of copyrighted material reproduced herein. If you identify yourself as the copyright holder of material we have wrongly attributed, please contact our office. Publication of articles does not necessarily reflect the official position of the High Rise Life Magazine.
Proud member of Nevada Press Association
December/January 2018-19
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LETTER FROM THE
Editor
Dear readers, Welcome to our Holiday Issue. There is something innately soothing about the holidays. It’s been fun to proof these pages — from the bright and cheery holiday décor tips from our Dzyn Corner to the three festive holiday destinations we profiled in our Travel section. And our annual Holiday Gift Guide does not disappoint with an imaginative selection of presents for your nearest and dearest. Our cover star, John Terzian knows a thing or two about how to keep the holidays festive. Terzian, who is cofounder of The h.wood Group, is the visionary mind behind some of Los Angeles’ hottest, most exclusive restaurants, clubs, and bars – including Bootsy Bellows, SHOREbar, Blind Dragon, The Nice Guy, 40 Love, Mason and The Peppermint Club. Alongside, a thriving events business attracting A-list celebrities like Katy Perry, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Drake amongst many. And what better way to spend the holidays than to be in touch with those we love — even if it means over a long-distance call. So, we reached out to John Legere, CEO of T-Mobile US. In our exclusive interview, Legere dishes
out on the latest innovations and his mission to turn T-Mobile into an Un-carrier — essentially the opposite of any other mobile company and most importantly keep us connected during the holidays. Last, at the risk of “burying the lead,” as we say in journalism, I want to draw your attention to our feature about the internationally renowned Colombian artist, Fernando Botero. In an intimate conversation between Stéphane Custot and Fernando Botero, the artist pays tribute to the Old Master paintings he studied as a young student in Europe during the 1950’s. Botero shares for the first time from his own collection a major exhibition of still life paintings, drawings and watercolors displayed at Custot Gallery Dubai. In the spirit of what’s best about this season, we’d like to take the opportunity to thank our readers, contributors, advertisers and all-around friends of High Rise Life magazine. We wish you all a happy and fabulous New Year!
Selcen Kavruklar Editor-in-Chief selcen@highriselife.com
December/January 2018-19
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HOME | INTERIOR DESIGN
D-ZYN CORNER Written by Carol Townsend, A.S.I.D. Interior Designer
Deck The Halls! Tis the season to celebrate —your year, your beautiful home and give the gifts of Love. You have spent another year in your fabulous high-rise home. What did you say to yourself that you wanted for that one special spot in your home…to dress it up just that much more? Now is the time to get it. Put a bow on it and call it your holiday gift to you! Was it a new rug under that great sectional sofa you purchased last year? Was it a new dining suite for that great spot looking out over the city? Was it a cozy new bed to curl up in and enjoy the night lights streaming in from your floor-to-ceiling windows looking out on your private balcony? If you do not know where to start, look through the current magazines suggesting what your special gift should look like. Does anything stand out to you? Which look is YOU? Which look will spotlight your special place in the most special way?
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Look at the colors of this season’s magazines. I know you’ve heard me discuss color many times in the past three years, but every year I like to dress my home and tree in a new wardrobe. Silver and purple, lime green and fuscia pink, navy and gold… what fun it is to laugh and play this time of the year. Do you love birds? I recently saw a big fat, colorful wood pecker at my sister’s home in Montana, and thought “Oh, what a great ornament he would make!” There are fabulous bird ornaments in many colors that could make your holiday tree simply yours. Christmas is that perfect time for your unique collection to show off. Dress up your table and let the crystal shine! I love making special table cloths out of glittering fabrics and nestling my Christmas dishes there. This year I will use an old Irish linen table cloth from the 1800’s and dress it up with some of the newest contemporary dishes I have collected.
www.HighRiseLife.com
Stage This Interior Design You have a wide- open palette to work with. Find the spot for that beautiful tree or trees and let’s do this! I have trees in my living area but also a tree in the master bedroom. That way if I have our traditional ornaments on display for our friends to enjoy, I can have another beautiful special tree just for me to enjoy in our bedroom.
personalities, then go find that perfect gift for them. I have a friend who shares a Christmas birthday with me. When she puts up her holiday table, she buys perfect ornaments to match her current theme and places them at each dish. When everyone sits down, she lets them know the ornament is her gift to them.
Pile wonderful cozy throws and pillows in the holiday theme around your living room and see the delighted faces of friends who cuddle up to enjoy your holiday party. We may not need them for warmth, but those great faux fur throws look so inviting, thrown over the back of a chair or sofa. Light up your gas fireplace and kindle the memories from when you were a kid. Fill up those Moscow Mule copper mugs with hot apple cider, spiced with Captain Morgan rum and toast to the events of the year.
Share the joy of your new home with family and friends. Listen to their comments about what they love about your new space, so you can formulate your design plans for 2019!
What better way to start the holidays by sharing the joy of giving at your event? Think of your friends and their wonderful
carolstownsend@gmail.com
December/January 2018-19
LOVE the season, Share the JOY and enjoy your friends for that lifetime of love you have built with them. Happiest of Holidays to everyone!
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ART | CULTURE
FERNANDO BOTERO
A STILL LIFE RETROSPECTIVE 12 November 2018 – 10 February 2019 Photos Courtesy of Custot Gallery Dubai and Fernando Botero Custot Gallery Dubai is pleased to present a major exhibition of still life paintings, drawings and watercolors by the internationally renowned Colombian artist, Fernando Botero. These works, which come from the artist’s own collection and are being exhibited for the first time, were created between 1980 and 2018. Throughout thirty still life works representing flowers, fruit, objects, musical instruments and fantastic scenes of everyday moments, the artist pays tribute to the Old Master paintings he studied as a young student in Europe during the 1950s. In 1956, Botero painted Still life with mandolin, the very incarnation of the artist’s interest in the age-old tradition of still life painting. The play of proportions and the distortion of volumes in this work marks a turning point in his career. Fernando Botero (born in 1932 in Medellín, Colombia) is a figurative artist and painter. His signature style of smooth inflated shapes with unexpected shifts in scale is today instantly recognizable. His first retrospective took place in 1970 in Germany at museums in Baden, Berlin, Dusseldorf and Hamburg. His work is held in important museum collections throughout the world, including The Museum of Modern Art, New York; The State Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg, Russia; The Baltimore Museum of Art, Maryland and Neue Pinakothek, Munich, Germany. A CONVERSATION BETWEEN STÉPHANE CUSTOT AND FERNANDO BOTERO Q: Firstly, starting from the beginning, how did you become an artist? I started painting when I was very young. I did my first watercolors of still life when I was 15. Then I moved to oils and interpretations of the human figure. At 19, I got to do my first one-man show in Bogotá, the capital of my home country Colombia.
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Q: What would you say are your inspirations? Can you describe your style? I would describe it as figurative, because it is not abstract. I like to think it’s a personal style, a different approach. People always recognize a Botero. Q: Still life with mandolin (1956) is said to be your first still life work. Can you tell us about this painting? How did it mark a turning point in your career? Still life with mandolin was important in my evolution. I did it with generous outlines, but the details were done much smaller. Then the forms became stronger and more sensual. Q: The still life is an important theme in your oeuvre. Why have you decided to exhibit these works from your private collection for the first time? These still lifes are being shown for the first time as I had kept them in my personal collection, because they are special to me. The reason is that artists today are no longer interested in this theme. It is a pity because the genre has such a great tradition of masterpieces. These works are not painted in the style of the great masters. They are in my own style using the same objects and fruits that were used by the masters. Art is to do the same thing but in a different way. Q: What are your expectations for the exhibition? How do you imagine the public will receive your work in Dubai and the region? I hope that the public will feel the sensuality of the forms in these paintings, the balance of the compositions, and the harmony of the colors.
www.HighRiseLife.com
Oranges, 2004, oil on canvas
Picnic, 2002, oil on canvas
Flowers, 2018, oil on canvas
Still life, 2002, oil on canvas
Still life with fruits and coffee pot, 2002, chalk, watercolour on paper
ABOUT CUSTOT GALLERY DUBAI Custot Gallery Dubai, founded by Stéphane Custot, opened in March 2016 in the heart of Alserkal Avenue, the city’s hub for arts. The gallery showcases modern and contemporary artists such as Josef Albers, Chu Teh-Chun, Ian Davenport, Jean Dubuffet, Nicolas de Staël, Barry Flanagan, Peter Halley, Robert Indiana, Jedd Novatt, Marc Quinn, Pablo Reinoso, James Rosenquist, Pierre Soulages, Franck Stella ans Bernar Venet. Custot Gallery Dubai represents the European and American artists Fernando Botero, Nick Brandt, Ian Davenport, Richard Höglund, Umberto Mariani, Jedd Novatt, Marc Quinn, Pablo Reinoso, Sophia Vari, Bernar Venet, Fabienne Verdier, Aaron Young and the Estates of Barry Flanagan and Robert Indiana. For more information, please visit www.custotgallerydubai.ae.
December/January 2018-19
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FEATURED EDITORIAL
Hospitality Expert
JOHN TERZIAN KEEPING L.A. NIGHTLIFE SCENE FESTIVE Written by Selcen Kavruklar Editor-in-Chief
John Terzian, cofounder of The h.wood Group, is the visionary mind behind some of Los Angeles’ hottest, most exclusive restaurants, clubs, and bars – including Bootsy Bellows, SHOREbar, Blind Dragon, The Nice Guy, 40 Love, Mason and The Peppermint Club and with a thriving events business attracting A-list celebrities like Katy Perry, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Drake amongst many. Terzian’s knack for hosting events started at a young age, but it took years of near-hits and total misses to build a successful lifestyle brand with his business partner Brian Toll.
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www.HighRiseLife.com
The Nice Guy, West Hollywood, CA December/January 2018-19
Photos Courtesy of The h.wood Group
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The Nice Guy, West Hollywood, CA Today, The h.wood Group has vastly expanded their nightlife portfolio with growing list of venues in Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Scottsdale, and Aspen with exceeding revenues of over $35 million.
Q: Which one is your favorite venue and why?
In our exclusive interview, John Terzian shares with us the latest developments with The h.wood Group and what it took to build successful venues.
Q: You also have an event division with your company, any memorable event(s) you would like to share with us?
Q: How did your company get so closely involved with the entertainment business? This is mostly because my partner, Brian Toll and I, both grew up in Los Angeles and happened to be around the entertainment business our whole lives. I developed a good sense of how to handle creatives in the entertainment business. Q: What are some lessons you have learned along the way? Two of the most essential things: 1. You cannot ever buy a reputation: Be good to all and stay loyal. 2. Never get too high with the highs or low with the lows. Q: What do you think has contributed to your success? My friends and family.
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SHOREbar. I believe it was the venue that gave me the confidence to continue and really build The h.wood Group.
Our events division has grown tremendously. I am most excited about the fact that I often can combine our event skills with good causes. I recently threw an event for the charity, Imagine LA, and was fortunate enough to have Serena Williams speak as well as Dave Chappelle and Chris Rock do surprise performances. Q: Are you hosting any festive events for the holidays we should know about? I will be hosting a personal NYE event. Q: What can you share that is next for The h.wood Group in 2019? We have a lot of exciting things coming up, which include but are not limited to Alice Kitchen (our marketplace/restaurant), Bootsy Bellows Dallas, and Mason (our American classic restaurant concept opening in Santa Monica and San Francisco). On our events side, we are gearing up to do some exciting things with AMAs and Billboards in 2019. For more information, please visit www.hwoodgroup.com www.HighRiseLife.com
AUTOMOBILE | RIDES
EXTERIOR Santorini Black, KBX wing-top vents, Satin Black chequer plate, SVX Grille, Front bumper DRLs, Mach 5 alloy wheels, BFGoodrich® AT KO2 tyres, Raptor Satin Black steering & front differential guard, Satin Black fire & ice side steps, Rear LED work lamp, NAS rear step (2” receiver type) INTERIOR Beechwood brown leather trim, Modular heated front seats, 4 Tip-up seats in load area, Matching leather door cards, Brushed alloy gear knobs & door furniture, Evander 15” wood-rimmed steering wheel, Ice White LED lighting package, Pioneer® Premium sound system with Apple® CarPlay, Air conditioning
Land Rover Cameo Appearance Leading independent Land Rover Defender specialists, Arkonik, have been bringing the British classic to clients in North America and across the globe since 2007. Working with D90 and D110 models, each vehicle that receives the Arkonik treatment will be of a 15-25-year-old vintage, depending on its destination. Arkonik performs a full restoration whilst retaining as much of the original vehicles as possible, to render a ‘better than new’ vehicle tailored to clients’ exact specification.
www.arkonik.com December/January 2018-19
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Oceanco’s 109m/357ft Project Bravo Breaks New Ground Oceanco’s 109m/357ft ‘Project Bravo’ was launched on 17 November 2018. Bravo is a prime example of Oceanco’s new wave of forward-thinking yachts.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS LENGTH 109M / 357FT BEAM 16.3M / 53FT EXTERIOR DESIGNER NUVOLARI LENARD
Photos Credit Francisco Martinez With her naval architecture by Lateral Naval Architects, exterior design and layout by Nuvolari Lenard and interior by Reymond Langton Design, Bravo is unlike any preceding Oceanco. She is the first Oceanco to utilize its innovative LIFE (Lengthened, Innovative, Fuel-efficient, Eco-friendly) design. LIFE revolves around intelligent naval architecture that leverages several fundamental principles, which create a harmonious balance between weight, power, technical areas and luxury interior on board. James Roy, director of Lateral Naval Architects comments, “The LIFE design’s use of advanced hybrid propulsion incorporating significant battery capability, combined with a single tier engine room allows novel use of space to deliver areas of outstanding luxury accommodation.” Bravo embodies Oceanco’s expertise in building large complex yachts, whereby project management proficiency played an integral part in Bravo’s success. “A bespoke project of such magnitude and splendor will always present interesting challenges and opportunities” says owner’s representative, Burgess. “With Project Bravo we created a truly spectacular
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yacht whose excellence is a clear reflection of the commitment of a dynamic and professional project team.” After the innovations introduced with “Alfa Nero”, Oceanco asked us to “raise the bar” and create another remarkable and revolutionary design, says Dan Lenard, senior partner of Nuvolari-Lenard. “Our approach with Bravo was to maintain a stunningly sleek profile without sacrificing any interior space. This new exterior style concept is bound to create a new design stream. It is important to us that we started this new stream together with Oceanco.” The yacht’s elegant contemporary interior compliments the exterior design. Pascale Reymond, partner in Reymond Langton Design, says, “We worked with artisans and craftsmen to create bespoke artworks, fabrics and signature furniture pieces that all combine to create a warm, inviting environment on board for the Owner’s family and guests.”
INTERIOR DESIGNER REYMOND LANGTON DESIGN NAVAL ARCHITECTURE LATERAL NAVAL ARCHITECTS OWNER’S REPRESENTATIVE BURGESS
Bravo pushes the limits within the world of superyachts to a new level! For more information, please visit www.builtbyoceanco.com. www.HighRiseLife.com
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
1. The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Book, $125 at www.ahalife.com 2. Handcrafted Pewter Shaving Brush, $75 at www.ahalife.com 3. Leather Weekender Duffel Bag, $549 at www.ahalife.com 4. House 99 by David Beckham Sharp Shaver Set, $25 at House99DavidBeckham-USA.com 5. Mille Miglia 2018 Race Edition, $5,620 at chopard.com
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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
1. 49 Rose Box, $425 at saayarose.com 2. Decorté Holiday Coffret, $70 at www.saksfifthavenue.com 3. Beauty Massage Roller “Issimo”, $75 at www.ahalife.com 4. Poison Rose Signature Silk Kimono, $310 at www.ahalife.com 5. Composition Perfume Oil No.6, $135 at www.ahalife.com 6. Decorté Vi-fusion Specialist Collection, $335 at www.saksfifthavenue.com
December/January 2018-19
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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
1. Bar Tool Set, $150 at www.mgbwhome.com 2. Bacall Old Fashioned Glass – Set of 4, $45 at www.mgbwhome.com 3. Amber Agate Tray, $265 at www.mgbwhome.com 4. Louis XIII “The Legend” 750ml, $3,500 at www.louisxiii-cognac.com 5. Espadin Copper Flask, $125 at www.ahalife.com
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www.HighRiseLife.com
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
1. Cuadrado Figurine Gold at www.simmonslv.com 2. Clear Clock Gold at www.simmonslv.com 3. Walnut & Brass Tic-Tac-Toe Set, $195 at www.ahalife.com 4. Eye Mirror Gold at www.simmonslv.com 5. Snake Skin Tall Vase Brown at www.simmonslv.com
December/January 2018-19
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STYLE | BEAUTY
Written by Jennifer Gonzales
As we end another fantastic year and welcome in a new one, it’s important that we start to know the importance of having healthy skin. There’s not much to a skin care if you have the right products in hand, a few minutes in the morning and a few minutes at night is all you need. Let’s all make a vow to ourselves that in 2019 we will have more youthful glowing skin. CLEANSE A cleanser is one of the most important steps in a skin care. A cleanser is used to remove make-up, dead skin cells, oil, dirt and any other things that gets built up in the face. A good one, also, helps unclog pores and can help reduce acne. Depending on what type of skin you have whether it’s oily or normal to dry it is best to purchase your products according to what your skin care needs are. Having a cleanser is one of the best investments you can make for your skin. Ex: Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-Aging, Lancome Confort Milky Crème Cleanser, Chanel L’huile Cleansing Oil
TONE A toner is optional but recommended, it’s the step after a cleanser, it helps get rid of built up dirt, excess oils, make-up that your cleanser might have missed and helps restore your PH balance. Depending on the type of product your purchase some may even leave your skin feeling conditioned and moisturized. A toner may be used either as a part of a skin care regiment or by itself. Ex: Lancôme Comfort Toner, Chanel Le-Tonique Toner, Derm Institute Toner
EXFOLIATE Exfoliating your skin is one of the best things you can treat yourself to that leaves your skin looking radiant and feeling healthy. The purpose of exfoliating your skin is to remove dry skin cells, it also helps target other things as well such as, clogged pores, blemishes and hyperpigmentation. For dry
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skin, especially during the winter, exfoliating is important. Also, exfoliating the skin can help slow down the skins aging process. Ex: Chanel Gommage Microperle Eclat, Kate Somerville Exfolikate, Exuviance Triple Microdermabrasian
MOISTURIZE A moisturizer is a must have to your skin care routine. Its purpose is to keep the skin hydrated all day long and to feel soft and smooth. It also helps improve the way the skin looks, prevents redness and irritation. A moisturizer also needs to be purchased according to your skin type, so whether you have oily skin or normal to dry skin its best to buy what you need. Also, just a friendly tip, make sure to apply your moisturizer to the neck area as well, to help slow down the process of aging. Ex: Chanel Le Blanc Moisturizing Cream, Elizabeth Arden Skin Illuminating Firm and Reflect Moisturizer
NOURISH Taking care of your skin doesn’t have to be boring either. Have you tried 24k gold masks? It’s a luxurious firming and lifting treatment, meant for all skin types, from oily to dry. It helps target loss of firmness and elasticity, dullness and uneven texture and dryness. The 24k gold masks also come in different forms, you can purchase them as a cream, a peel off, or a mask. Ex: Peter Thomas Roth 24k gold mask, ISO 24k DMAE Instant Lifting Mask, Miriam Quevedo Gold Mask www.HighRiseLife.com
December/January 2018-19
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FEATURED EDITORIAL
Written by Jennifer Gonzales Photos Courtesy of T-Mobile US, Inc.
With over 32 years of experience in the U.S. and Global Telecommunication and technology industries, John Legere CEO of T-Mobile has been changing the wireless industry for good. Motivated by providing the best wireless service in the industry, Legere has made it his top priority to alleviate customer pain points by delving in deep on finding out what the issues are and finding solutions. With over 76 million customers and being heavily focused on his next “Un-Carrier” move at all times, Legere plans on making T-Mobile an “Un Carrier” experience… eventually becoming the exact opposite of all mobile carriers. With hard work and determination Legere will stop at nothing into becoming the best. T-Mobile was recently recognized by J.D. Powers to have ranked the highest in its 2018 U.S. Business Wireless Satisfaction Study. Which means that T-Mobile met all expectations: performance and reliability, customer service, sales representatives and
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account executives; billing; cost of service; and offerings and promotions. T-Mobile has also won a few consumer-focused customer care awards from J.D. Powers as well this year. Since joining the company in 2012, Legere has made it his goal into creating an unstoppable network combined with offering carrier freedom, which in return not only shakes things up for its competitors but has taken T-Mobile from where it first began, to making it one of the fastest growing carriers in the U.S. Aside from breaking records and rocking magenta, John Legere, enjoys running, slow cooking (slow cooker Sundays) and spending time with his daughters. Here is what he had to say in his exclusive interview with High Rise Life magazine.
www.HighRiseLife.com
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We should cherish and value what we’ve already done… But know the next 5 years will be even bigger! John Legere
December/January 2018-19
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Q: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how your career got started in the wireless industry?
incredible results – I couldn’t be more proud of what our team has accomplished!
I began my career at AT&T, and then spent several years at Dell, followed by Asia Global Crossing and Global Crossing as CEO. I actually never expected to find myself in this position at T-Mobile! In fact, I only interviewed with Deutsche Telkom for this role because the headhunter who approached me was a friend of mine. But the more I dug into the opportunity at T-Mobile and the potential to change wireless – I knew I had to do it!
Q: As of September 2018, Metro is now Metro by T-Mobile, what does this mean for consumers?
If I’m not working on our next Un-carrier move, you’ll probably find me running, slow cooking, or spending time with my daughters – and I’ll always be decked out in Magenta! Q: What do you enjoy most about being CEO of T-Mobile? My favorite part of my job is what I spend all my time doing – visiting with and learning from customers and employees. I run T-Mobile with a simple philosophy: Listen to your customers. Listen to your employees. Shut up and do what they tell you! Myself and my entire team spend every minute just listening and learning from customers and employees. We take their feedback and we act – FAST! It’s been a blast listening to customers, launching Un-carrier moves, and changing the wireless industry for good! Q: Can you share with us some of your recent accomplishments within the last year or so? It’s been an incredibly busy year at T-Mobile! We began the year on a nationwide #Unstoppable Tour to lay out the vision of T-Mobile to our employees across the country. In April we announced a plan to merge with Sprint and take what we’ve been doing to an entirely new level. It’s been incredibly time consuming, but even more exciting! Couple this with another Un-carrier move and another year of
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This means our customers will get an even better experience! This is what we’re all about at T-Mobile! We give more to our customers without asking more from our customers. Metro by T-Mobile is redefining the prepaid category with all new unlimited plans and offering Google One and Amazon Prime in some of our plans. Both are firsts for a prepaid brand! Metro by T-Mobile is for the customer who refuses to compromise. Q: Sprint and T-Mobile are planning to merge sometime in the near future, how does this add value to the wireless industry? The benefits to customers will be extraordinary. We will create the nation’s first broad and deep nationwide 5G network, supercharge our pro-consumer Un-carrier strategy, and be a net job creator on day one! I am so excited about the prospects for New T-Mobile and it will allow us to deliver even more to customers – way more than either standalone company could deliver on their own.
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Our proposed merger with Sprint will be incredible for both consumers and the country. The New T-Mobile will have a world leading 5G capability that will ensure America’s wireless leadership in 4G LTE continues into the 5G era. John Legere
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Q: Since the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas has been established, how has this contributed to economic growth? The T-Mobile Arena is incredible! It lights up Las Vegas with Magenta and it’s attracted some of the best performers in the world! Q: Can you explain the benefits of T-Mobile’s Team of experts and how this has positively impacted the way we communicate? Customer Care is the most important part of T-Mobile. It was a critical part of our turnaround and it will be an even bigger part of our future! T-Mobile is doubling down on Customer Care with Team of Experts and it has completely changed the traditional model of care! We’re eliminating the bots, the bouncing, and all the BS that customers hate about traditional customer service. We connect you with REAL people, and they are part of a team that specifically takes care of you and others in your city. Team of Experts has been an absolute game changer, and we’re just getting started!
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The NHL’s newest team, the Las Vegas Golden Knights, call the T-Mobile Arena home, and they’ve been off to an incredible start. The economic benefits of attracting a major league sports team to a city are huge, and we’re proud to be part of that in Las Vegas. John Legere
Q: T-Mobile is all about “Carrier Freedom” what are some major benefits that T-Mobile has to offer to its consumers? We’ve now delivered 15 Un-carrier moves, and our 4th Un-carrier move allowed customers to switch to T-Mobile, and we’d pay off their contract. We gave customers the freedom to leave their carrier and join T-Mobile. This has been an absolute game changer. Customers are no longer locked into contracts and they have the freedom to switch anytime they want!
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Now, every wireless provider in the country (and even more across the world) has moved away from contracts! When we launched Un-carrier 4.0, T-Mobile’s momentum skyrocketed, and we’ve never looked back since! Q: As CEO of T-Mobile what advice would you give others who are looking to advance in their careers in the mobile industry? As I mentioned above, my advice is simple: Listen to your employees. Listen to your customers and do what they tell you! But there are a few other important qualities. Always be YOU and don’t take yourself too seriously. If you’re not authentic, your employees will notice, and you’ll get voted off the island. Aim for what’s possible, not probable. We knew disrupting the wireless industry was not probable, but we did know it was possible. Always aim as high as you can. Never be complacent always disrupt the status quo. If you don’t someone else will. If there are 5 ways to do something, go find the 6th and 7th. Q: What’s Next? Any exciting news you would like to share with us? We’re always working on something big and exciting. While I can’t share any news today, one thing you can count on – our customers will love it and our competitors will hate it!
ABOUT J.M. GONZALES J.M. Gonzales has a strong passion for writing. She has recently published novel number 2 “Wild Card,”which can be found and purchased on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. She is currently a full-time student at Ashford University and is on her way to receiving her BA in Journalism. Meanwhile, she continues to maintain her personal blogs and enjoys traveling in her spare time.
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ENTERTAINMENT | FOOD
Photos Courtesy of Caesars Entertainment
Vanderpump Cocktail Garden to Open at Caesars Palace Television star and restaurateur Lisa Vanderpump to open first Las Vegas venue serving cocktails, food and wine; set to open early 2019. Lisa Vanderpump and Caesars Palace will partner to open Vanderpump Cocktail Garden, set to debut early 2019. Bringing a taste of Los Angeles to Las Vegas, the cocktail garden will take a page from Vanderpump’s highly successful restaurants and lounges, Villa Blanca, SUR, Pump and Tom Tom. “I have always loved Las Vegas— ¬it has always been a dream of mine to see our brand in lights at the iconic Caesars Palace,” said Lisa Vanderpump. “Vanderpump Cocktail Garden will combine the sexy atmosphere of our other establishments
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injected with the Vegas energy that brings millions of guests who visit year after year.” “Caesars Palace has a long history of working with notable names; from renowned chefs to legendary music icons—we’re proud to now partner with Lisa Vanderpump to bring her first venture to Las Vegas,” said Caesars Palace regional president, Gary Selesner. “We look forward to Vanderpump bringing Los Angeles flair combined with the extravagance of the Strip.”
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Marrying natural elements with industrial touches, Vanderpump Cocktail Garden will have an indoor patio welcoming guests upon arrival, transporting them to an al fresco-style garden with towering trees and romantic lighting. Inside, the romantic elements continue, including Lisa’s signature touches of pink, with contrasting masculine details. The lounge area will feature booths as well as a full bar that focuses on craft cocktails, Vanderpump branded Sangria and RosÊ as well as a carefully selected wine list. Small bites will be available to be shared or perfectly paired with libations. Vanderpump Cocktail Garden is sure to be a Vegas hotspot, perfect for a casual gathering or for a big night out. Guests may even run into their favorite stars, including Lisa or cast members from her hit reality shows. The design inspiration for the space comes from Lisa, husband Ken Todd and creative director Nick Alain, who collaborated on their newest LA hit, Tom Tom. Vanderpump will be located in between The Colosseum and the entrance to The Forum Shops. For more information please visit, www.caesarspalace.com
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TRAVEL | LEISURE
Photos by Justin Nicholas
THE MURAKA Conrad Maldives Rangali Island Announces Groundbreaking Opening of the World’s First-of-its-Kind Residence Extraordinary Destination Resort Further Builds its Legacy of Innovation with Trailblazing Indian Ocean Experience Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton hotel portfolio for the smart luxury traveler, announces the official debut of THE MURAKA this month at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. Now welcoming guests to dive into an extraordinary experience both above and below the surface of the Indian Ocean, THE MURAKA is a triumph of modern design and technology, delivering a truly transformative journey suited to amaze the most sophisticated explorers across the globe. “The completion of THE MURAKA is a personal lifetime achievement,” said Ahmed Saleem, a Director at Crown Company and chief architect and designer of the residence. “After years in the making, my team and I are proud to officially present THE MURAKA residence and its accompanying Maldivian experience to worldly travelers who crave the extraordinary.”
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EXPERIENCES THE MURAKA features four curated menu suggestions packed with exclusive and customizable experiences tailored to varying desires of today’s travelers. Defining the core ethos of THE MURAKA journey these experience menus – The Wanderers, The Flavors, The Soul and The Thrill – complement the once in a lifetime opportunity to explore one of the world’s most breathtaking natural environments from an entirely new perspective. More information on the experiences included in THE MURAKA experience can be found here. PERSONALIZED SERVICE Guests who stay at THE MURAKA will have devoted butlers who are dedicated to hyper-personalization and
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attention to detail for each expertly crafted stay in the residence. Available 24 hours a day - 7 days a week, these butlers deliver exceptional service and stand out as ambassadors of Conrad Maldives Rangali Island as they guide guests through their own unique Maldivian journey. Beyond that, they are equipped with the ability to educate guests about the options available in THE MURAKA and in the Maldives. THE MURAKA butlers are also able to accommodate any circumstances and requests for guests ranging from the need for privacy to exclusive culinary experiences and soul-enriching journey’s designed to add dimension to the MURAKA experience. Among the most important qualities, these butlers share a passion for culture, environment and adventure.
has invested US $8.3 million in redeveloping its 42 award-winning Deluxe Beach Villas, which also launch this month. Each villa is set amid the dense tropical flora and fauna offering the utmost in privacy. Rich natural and understated interiors are accented throughout the spacious living areas that are illuminated with natural light and a Japanese-inspired garden with outdoor seating area, and private access to the palm fringed beach are key design features of the Deluxe Beach Villas.
“Our philosophy of innovation is supported by several triumphs at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island,” said Stefano Ruzza, General Manager of Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. “From the first construction of Ithaa Undersea Restaurant to our second venture under the Indian Ocean, THE MURAKA, we are continuously making powerful enhancements to the property that are designed to attract the world’s most connected and knowledgeable travelers.”
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island offers the popular Conrad Concierge mobile app, which gives global luxury travelers the ability to customize details of their hotel stay before, during, and after each visit via a smartphone or tablet. Whether it’s pre-selecting bath amenities or checking-in while in-transit from the airport, guests can access a variety of features by using the app.
SET AMIDST THE CONRAD MALDIVES RANGALI ISLAND Among the new enhancements being made at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, the property is also now welcoming guests to stay at the newly redeveloped Deluxe Beach Villas. Designed by MURAKA’s design collaborator Yuji Yamazaki, the Deluxe Beach Villas are a celebration of the natural environment and continue to be one of the resort’s most popular villa categories. With a new design that is focused on creating a space that invites and inspires, the resort
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Conrad Maldives Rangali Island participates in Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest-loyalty program for Hilton’s 14 distinct hotel brands. Members who book directly have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount, free standard Wi-Fi and the Hilton Honors mobile app.
More information and reservations for THE MURAKA are available by direct phone at +960 792 9119 or email at TheMuraka@conradhotels.com. Details on the resort and overall reservation queries can be directed to www. conradmaldives.com.
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TRAVEL | LEISURE
MUST-VISIT SOUTHWEST
VACATION DESTINATIONS Written by Merilee Kern
Whether for a stress-relieving holiday getaway or vacation in the New Year, or for experiential gift-giving targeted to those on your “nice list,” travel is top of mind for many this time of year. With that in mind, I wanted to share a collection of my top travel picks of late in the American southwest that are all tried-and-true...by yours truly. I can personally attest that these are three locales you’re sure to love.
KONA KAI RESORT & SPA First, I hope you can make it over to San Diego, as America’s Finest City boasts some extraordinary properties. This most certainly includes the recently-expanded Kona Kai Resort and Spa, a Noble House resort that I recently experienced. Located on the tip of San Diego’s Shelter Island, it offers a range of amenities and experiences unique to its beautiful waterfront location and rich history. The property has 170 luxurious guest rooms, including 41 brand new suites that feature contemporary island-inspired decor, deep soaking tubs and oversized balconies. The new suite I stayed in had an elegant and dramatic glass fireplace with lighting that can be set to the color of your choice. I love Kona Kai because it’s intimate, especially with décor touches like this, yet all-encompassing. The resort boasts its very own private beach replete with multiple cozy gas fire pits where you can make s’mores each evening (with kits the hotel offers) as well as multiple swimming pools, waterfront restaurants, an award-winning spa, a superbly picturesque 500-slip marina and the renowned private Kona Kai club. For groups, there’s 55,000 square feet of versatile indoor and outdoor event space. You can sip and savor at the Paloma pool and bar, Kona Kai’s new and exclusive adults-only pool area allowing guests to enjoy poolside craft cocktails and California coastal cuisine while overlooking the marina and some of the region’s most breathtaking sunsets just beyond. Take advantage of their bicycle rental option and take a refreshing cruise along the sparkling bay in front of the resort, which is replete with impressive sea craft. The property is also extremely well-situated in the city, located just minutes away from San Diego
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International Airport, the historic downtown Gaslamp Quarter and all of the area’s top attractions. In all, Kona Kai Resort and Spa is a prime destination for both locals and visitors, and a perfect choice for families and couples looking for a convenient getaway. For more information and reservations, visit www.resortkonakai.com. LUXE RODEO DRIVE HOTEL Head north a bit and land at the Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel—the only hotel on Beverly Hills’ iconic Rodeo Drive. A blend of modern style, relaxed southern California spirit and the elegance of Beverly Hills, this boutique hotel features inspired spaces from famed designer Vicente Wolf and genuine hospitality from a dedicated staff. Revel in unmatched access to world-class shopping, dining and entertainment even just steps from the front door. You’ll also enjoy partaking in the hotel’s exclusive Luxe Club amenities. Like a home-away-from-home, the hotel’s Luxe Club benefits include delicious breakfasts, light lunches, evening tastings with happy hour house wines and cocktails. The happy hour in particular is a fun, lively and communal atmosphere among guest, and there’s plenty of affable staffers on hand to ensure every craving and necessity is met. This hotel also features complimentary bicycle rentals, a second floor outdoor mezzanine and a 360-degree rooftop view that provides incredible sights of the Los Angeles hills and skyline. That fresh outdoor space also hosts the fitness center and weekend “cinema under the stars” events. Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel is certainly a premier choice for an immersive visit to Beverly Hills. For more information and reservations, visit www.LuxeHotels.com/Hotels/Rodeo. www.HighRiseLife.com
Photo Courtesy of JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa
Photo Courtesy of Kona Kai Resort & Spa
Photo Courtesy of Kona Kai Resort & Spa
Photo Courtesy of Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel
JW MARRIOTT SCOTTSDALE CAMELBACK INN RESORT & SPA For those who love a southwest desert-chic ambiance is the legendary JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa. Nestled on 125 acres, this AAA Four Diamond resort’s tranquil setting, private hiking trails, world-class amenities and dynamic interior and exterior architecture offer an authentic Arizona getaway. It features 453 pet-friendly casita-style accommodations and suites with private patios, seven restaurants, a 32,000 square foot award-winning spa, two championship golf courses, tennis courts and sparkling pools. It even offers a myriad of outdoor hiking and biking adventures. It’s only minutes away from downtown Scottsdale, and just a 20-minute drive to both downtown Phoenix and the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. If you’re a gastro-traveler like myself, food and beverage is a downright essential part of a vacation experience and, fortunately, Camelback Inn delivers on this front as well with seven eateries at your disposal. Their signature on-site restaurant—Lincoln, a JW Steakhouse—is unequivocally one to not be missed. It offers a traditional steakhouse concept with modern touches, including decadent dishes and processes that exemplify culinary ingenuity. The resort also houses
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Rita’s Kitchen for fabulous breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner either indoors or al fresco, as well as Sprouts at the Spa and the pool-side Hoppin’ Jacks, which offers casual options such as pizza and sandwiches. In addition to the dining options on the main property, Acacia at Camelback Golf Club has an open-air lounge with an outdoor fireplace where patrons can partake in American style fare. In addition to its unique setting and fabulous amenities, the resort is known for its impeccable customer service, which workers credit to the company’s philosophy that taking care of its employees will result in an enhanced ability to best care for customers. The satisfaction among staffers is exuded in every touch-point throughout a guest’s experience, throughout which smiles and “above and beyond” service abound. For more than 82 years, this destination has maintained a legacy and standard of excellence by welcoming generations of guests, Hollywood celebrities and U.S. Presidents since its opening in 1936. It’s a favorite vacation spot for the Marriott family, and myself, to this day! For more information and reservations, visit www.LuxeHotels.com/Hotels/Rodeo.
About Author As the Executive Editor and Producer of “The Luxe List,” Merilee Kern is an internationallyregarded consumer product trends expert and hospitality industry voice of authority—a travel, dining, leisure and lifestyle expert who spotlights noteworthy marketplace innovations, change makers, movers and shakers. She reports on exemplary travel destinations and experiences, extraordinary events and newsworthy products and services across all categories. Reach her online at www. TheLuxeList.com, on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/LuxeListEditor, on Facebook at www.Facebook. com/TheLuxeList and on Instagram at www.Instagram. com/LuxeListReviews.
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REAL ESTATE | DEVELOPMENT
PERLA ON BROADWAY Nearly Sells Out in First Month of Release! With Strong Interest from First Time Homebuyers, Second Phase of Sales is Scheduled for Early 2019. Downtown Los Angeles condominium tower Perla on Broadway first made its stylish residences available September 15 with the launch of its sales center. With studios starting in the high $400s and going up to two-bedroom Sky Homes on the top floors for up to $1.5M, Perla provides a wide range of home options in the historic Broadway Corridor.
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www.HighRiseLife.com
Photos Courtesy of Perla On Broadway
With an attractive price point and a trove of unexpected amenities promised to future residences, it’s no surprise that sales have taken place in a much more rapid pace than expected. SCG America, the developer behind the new condominium tower, announced that the first phase of the development has almost completely sold out, with 85 percent of the first phase’s 120 condos sold in just two weeks. Following this success, the developers plan to unveil phase two early next year, with hopeful buyers already lining up to join the growing waiting list. “Due to unprecedented interest in our new homes, we will be releasing the second phase ahead of schedule to meet the growing demand,” the SCG America development team said, in a statement. “We’ve found our buyers are representing the future of Downtown Los Angeles, with young couples, first time homebuyers, and those looking to invest in the future of the area.” Perla is part of the decade-long “Bringing Back Broadway” initiative that has seen revitalization in the historic corridor. It is the first
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residential high rise to be built in the neighborhood in over a century. With 35 stories of stylish interiors, modern amenities and a colorful neighborhood of walkable hotspots, Perla is poised to be the first and only high-rise residence in the storied neighborhood. Located at 400 South Broadway, on the corner of 4th and Broadway, the residential tower will feature 7,000 square feet of ground level retail and commercial space, surrounded by today’s leading brands, such as Apple and Urban Outfitters, which have taken up residence in converted historic theaters nearby. Perla plans to release the next phase of development in the first quarter of 2019. For more information and to join the list for Phase 2, visit the sales center at 359 South Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013 or online at www.perlaonbroadway.com.
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REAL ESTATE | DEVELOPMENT
Photo Courtesy of Harley Ellis Devereaux
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Harley Ellis Devereaux Celebrates Completion of CIRCA Residences in Los Angeles Harley Ellis Devereaux (HED), a national architecture and engineering firm, is pleased to announce the substantial completion of the Circa residential towers in Los Angeles' LA Live district. Totaling two million square feet on 2.7 acres at 12th Street between Figueroa and Flower, Circa includes 648 luxury rental units in two 35-story towers set on a 100-foot podium, along with 48,000 square feet of prime, ground-level retail and 2,000 parking spaces. The podium houses a two-acre amenity deck and 18,000 square feet of visually exciting LED displays along Figueroa Street to achieve an urban synergy of entertainment and residential activity that rivals New York City’s Times Square. In addition to the LED displays, there is a 12,500-square-foot static display facing Flower Street and at the crown of the towers. HED, working for a client partnership led by the Hankey Investment Company, Jamison Services, Inc. and Falcon California Investments, was responsible for the complete architectural and urban design of the project. In addition, for the shared amenity spaces HED also handled the Interior Design and FF&E. “The initial client goal focused on maximizing the property’s leasable square footage, and since the northern edge was an ‘S-curved’ street, we chose a foundational curve concept for the project in response to this goal,” said Daniel Benjamin, HED’s Principal leader on the project. “This curvilinear structure established a design concept for the project that was also well-aligned with the neighboring Staples Center, and of course it also makes for expansive view opportunities for the tenant, some with 180-degree fields of view.” Anchored by STAPLES Center, LA Live and the Los Angeles Convention Center, the development
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achieves an urban synergy of entertainment and residential activity. The project also represents the first residential option within the boundaries of the official LA Live District, an important milestone in the success of the 10-year-old development plan. “CIRCA has redefined what it means to play, work and live in the South Park area,” said Scott Dobbins, president of Hankey Investment Company, one of four investment entities that own 1200 Circa LLC. “The circular design sets it apart from any other structure. From the circular pool to the curves in the twin towers, which maximize the view corridors for each residential unit, this complex will provide a lifestyle that is unparalleled in the downtown Los Angeles area.” Circa’s 648 rental units were created with luxury and European high-end finishes. The residential units begin above the 100-foot high amenity deck on the eighth floor, rising to three penthouse levels, topping out at 400 feet on the 35th floor. Units range from 600 to 4,000 square feet in the penthouses, with rents expected to range from $3,000/month to $24,000/month. HansonLA served as the interior architectural firm. An expansive amenity level, atop the 8-story podium, features a resort pool, a 75’ lap pool, private cabanas, outdoor fire pits, spas, a clubhouse, two indoor-outdoor bar spaces, dog parks, a business center, an outdoor yoga and Pilates area, and more. All outdoor amenity spaces were designed in collaboration with LRM Landscape Architecture. For more information please visit, circala.com.
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REAL ESTATE | MARKET TRENDS
Existing-Home Sales Increase for the First Time in Six Months Existing-home sales increased in October after six straight months of decreases, according to the National Association of Realtors®. Three of four major U.S. regions saw gains in sales activity last month. Total existing-home sales, which are completed transactions that include single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, increased 1.4 percent from September to a seasonally adjusted rate of 5.22 million in October. Sales are now down 5.1 percent from a year ago (5.5 million in October 2017). Lawrence Yun, NAR’s chief economist, says increasing housing inventory has brought more buyers to the market. “After six consecutive months of decline, buyers
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are finally stepping back into the housing market,” he said. “Gains in the Northeast, South and West – a reversal from last month’s steep decline or plateau in all regions – helped overall sales activity rise for the first time since March 2018.” The median existing-home price2 for all housing types in October was $255,400, up 3.8 percent from October 2017 ($246,000). October’s price increase marks the 80th straight month of year-over-year gains.
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Total housing inventory at the end of October decreased from 1.88 million in September to 1.85 million existing homes available for sale, but that represents an increase from 1.80 million a year ago. Unsold inventory is at a 4.3-month supply at the current sales pace, down from 4.4 last month and up from 3.9 months a year ago. Properties typically stayed on the market for 33 days in October, up from 32 days in September but down from 34 days a year ago. Forty-six percent of homes sold in October were on the market for less than a month. “As more inventory enters the market and we head into the winter season, home price growth has begun to slow more meaningfully,” said Yun. “This allows for much more manageable, less frenzied buying conditions.” Realtor.com®’s Market Hotness Index, measuring time-on-the-market data and listings views per property, revealed that the hottest metro areas in October were Midland, Texas; Fort Wayne, Ind.; Odessa, Texas; Boston-Cambridge-Newton, Mass.; and Columbus, Ohio. According to Freddie Mac, the average commitment rate for a 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate mortgage increased to 4.83 percent in October from 4.63 percent in September. The average commitment rate for all of 2017 was 3.99 percent. “Rising interest rates and increasing home prices continue to suppress the rate of first-time homebuyers. Home sales could further decline before stabilizing.
The Federal Reserve should, therefore, re-evaluate its monetary policy of tightening credit, especially in light of softening inflationary pressures, to help ease the financial burden on potential first-time buyers and assure a slump in the market causes no lasting damage to the economy,” says Yun. First-time buyers were responsible for 31 percent of sales in October, down from last month and a year ago (32 percent). NAR’s 2018 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers – released in late 2018 revealed that the annual share of first-time buyers was 33 percent. “Despite this much-welcomed month over month gain, sales are still down from a year ago, a large reason for which is affordability challenges from higher interest rates,” said NAR President John Smaby, a secondgeneration Realtor® from Edina, Minnesota and broker at Edina Realty. “Prospective buyers looking for their dream home in this market should contact a Realtor® as a first step in the buying process to help them navigate this more challenging environment.” All-cash sales accounted for 23 percent of transactions in October, up from September and a year ago (21 and 20 percent, respectively). Individual investors, who account for many cash sales, purchased 15 percent of homes in October, up from September and a year ago (both 13 percent). Distressed sales5 – foreclosures and short sales – represented 3 percent of sales in October (the lowest since NAR began tracking in October 2008), unchanged from last month and down from 4 percent a year ago.
HOUSING SUPPLY AT A NATIONAL LEVEL
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Two percent of October sales were foreclosures and 1 percent were short sales. SINGLE-FAMILY AND CONDO/CO-OP SALES Single-family home sales sit at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.62 million in October, up from 4.58 million in September, and are 5.3 percent below the 4.88 million sales pace from a year ago. The median existing single-family home price was $257,900 in October, up 4.3 percent from October 2017. Existing condominium and co-op sales were recorded at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 600,000 units in October, up 5.3 percent from last month but down 3.2 percent from a year ago. The median existing condo price was $236,200 in October, which is down 0.2 percent from a year ago. REGIONAL BREAKDOWN October existing-home sales in the Northeast increased 1.5 percent to an annual rate of 690,000, 6.8 percent below a year ago. The median price in the
Northeast was $280,900, which is up 3.0 percent from October 2017. In the Midwest, existing-home sales declined 0.8 percent from last month to an annual rate of 1.27 million in October, down 3.1 percent overall from a year ago. The median price in the Midwest was $197,000, up 2.4 percent from last year. Existing-home sales in the South rose 1.9 percent to an annual rate of 2.15 million in October, down 2.3 percent from last year. The median price in the South was $221,600, up 3.8 percent from a year ago. Existing-home sales in the West grew 2.8 percent to an annual rate of 1.11 million in October, 11.2 percent below a year ago. The median price in the West was $382,900, up 1.9 percent from October 2017. The National Association of Realtors® is America’s largest trade association, representing 1.3 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries. For more information about NAR, please visit www.nar.realtor.
SKY LAS VEGAS TAKES HOME THE GOLD Sky Las Vegas residents and management team came together to celebrate as they brought home the “GOLD”, winning Best of Las Vegas 2018 in both categories: Best High Rise & Best Condo.
Sky Las Vegas, NV November 19, 2018 Photo credit Sky Las Vegas
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SOCIAL | EVENTS
RICHARD MACDONALD ARTIST RECEPTION CELEBRATING 30 YEARS An artist reception was held as Richard MacDonald marked thirty-years of courage, creativity, passion & legacy as a world-renowned artist, sculptor, and mentor at The Art of Richard MacDonald at Gallery Row at Aria on, November 2nd. Celebration featured some of MacDonald’s most iconic works and unveiling of his most recent creations.
The Art of Richard MacDonald, Gallery Row at Aria, Las Vegas, NV November 2, 2018 Photos by Ash Photography
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EXPERIENCE THE WORLD OF PORSCHE DESIGN HOLIDAY PARTY Porsche Design invited residents at Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas, to experience the world of Porsche in partnership with High Rise Life Magazine. Residents enjoyed a spectacular evening celebrating the holiday season with savory bites, and cocktail infusions by Effen Vodka. Phil Maloof joined in on the festivities and shared with cigar aficionados’ samples from Maloof Bros Cigars. Donald Bowman, General Manager at Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas took on judge duty as residents competed to make the “BEST” resident martini.
Waldorf Astoria Residences, Las Vegas, NV November 29, 2018 Photos by Ash Photography
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CALENDAR November 30th December 9th , 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show – LA Convention Center, Los Angeles, CA. the Los Angeles Auto Show (LA Auto Show), is one of the most influential and bestattended autos shows globally. Each fall show creator gathers the who’s who of the auto industry to unveil the future of mobility in the car culture capital of the world. This year the show opens its doors to the public and hosts hundreds of thousands of car shoppers and auto fans for ten exciting days.
December 2nd, 2018 Marc Anthony – LA Forum, Los Angeles, CA. Marc Anthony is one of the greatest salsa artists of all times, capturing the heat and passion of Spanish music. He is one of the hottest Latin musicians in the world, with chart-topping songs like "Vivir Mi Vida," "I Need to Know," and "You Sang to Me." His music is largely responsible for the increased popularity of salsa music, and he continues to write deeply emotional Latin ballads.
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December 8th, 2018 Griffith Park Festival of Lights Hike 2018 – Griffith Park, Los Angeles, CA. Participate in a hike through Griffith Park on Dec. 8 with a collection of others with holiday lights to create a glistening display of night wanderers! The event will see participants starting at the Merry Go Round Lot 2 and finishing at Dante’s Peak, with a brief stop at The Helipad at Griffith Park.
December 29th, 2018 UFC 232: Jon Jones Vs. Alexander Gustafsson II – T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, NV. In 2013, Jon Jones and Alexander Gustafsson engaged in a battle for the ages that is one of the greatest UFC bouts of all-time. The two rivals finally meet again in a UFC 232 main event that will determine who will wear the light heavyweight championship belt.
December 30th 31st, 2018 Bruno Mars & Boyz II Men – T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, NV. Multi-Grammy award-winning superstar Bruno Mars with very special guests, Boyz II Men will ring in 2019 with two performances at T-Mobile Arena Sunday, December 30 and Monday, December 31. Both shows are scheduled to begin at 8 p.m.
December 30th 31st, 2018 Maroon 5 – Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, NV. Three-time Grammy Award-winning multi-platinum band Maroon 5 announce their annual New Year’s Eve shows at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino Events Center. Maroon 5 have also announced new details of their Red Pill Blues World tour. International run with opener Sigrid is produced by Live Nation and will kick off on 19 February in Brisbane, Australia and wrap on 11 June in Paris, France. www.HighRiseLife.com
December 31st, 2018 Queen Mary NYE 2018 – Queen Mary Events Park, Los Angeles, CA. Head down to The Queen Mary to celebrate The New Year! The event will allow guests to travel throughout the famous vessel to tis various ballrooms and salons for a variety of different themed parties and offerings, including a Black Light Party, White Party, burlesque shows, laser shows, and much more.
January 12th, 2018 Monster Jam – Angel Stadium, Anaheim, CA.
etc. It is a unique experience in the world of motorsports gives you access to see the trucks up close, take pictures, meet the drivers and get their autographs.
January 23rd - 27th, 2018 LA Art Show – LA Convention Center, Los Angeles, CA.
January 26th, 2018 Calibash Las Vegas – T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, NV. Calibash Las Vegas will feature a retro concept from the 80s to the present. Calibash will turn the T-Mobile Arena into a giant disco, with a giant dance floor and vip lounges. The lineup includes Enrique Iglesias, Wisin, Yandel, Becky G, Bad Bunny and many more artists.
Los Angeles has emerged as a global epicenter of art & culture, with a distinct, interwoven multi-cultural influence unique to the city. To celebrate our diversity as a city and a fair, we’re engaging and working with local and international museum curators and galleries to develop innovative programming, engaging dialogs and cutting-edge exhibitions with an ecumenical resonance.
The Monster Jam Anaheim features gravedigger, maximum destruction, monster mutt, captain’s curse and blue thunder, a variety of tricks, hitting obstacles most of the track including cars, buses, caravans and mounds, factor spectacular acrobatics
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HIGHRISE
Los Angeles
Long Beach
Las Vegas
D I R E C T O RY
ALLURE LAS VEGAS 200 W Sahara Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89102
PALMS PLACE 4381 W Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89103
SKY LAS VEGAS 2700 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109
TURNBERRY PLACE 2747 Paradise Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
WALDORF ASTORIA LAS VEGAS 3750 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89158
PANORAMA TOWERS 4525 Dean Martin Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89103
SOHO LOFTS 900 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89101
TURNBERRY TOWERS 222 Karen Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89109
METROPOLIS 360 E Desert Inn Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
PARK HOUSE 8925 W Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89147
THE MARTIN 4471 Dean Martin Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89103
VDARA 2600 W Harmon Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89158
MGM SIGNATURE 145 E Harmon Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89109
PARK TOWERS 1 Hughes Center Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89169
THE OGDEN 150 N Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89101
VEER TOWERS 3722 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89103
NEWPORT LOFTS 200 Hoover Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89101
PLATINUM 211 E Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89169
ONE LAS VEGAS 8255 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89123
TRUMP LAS VEGAS 2000 Fashion Show Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89109
ONE QUEENSRIDGE PLACE 9103 Alta Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89145
REGENCY TOWERS 3111 Bel Air Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89109
JUHL LAS VEGAS 353 E Bonneville Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89101
LOFT 5 2715 W Pebble Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89123
AQUA 388 East Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90802
INTERNATIONAL TOWER 700 East Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90802
QUEENS SURF 1750 Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90802
THE SOVEREIGN 360 West Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90802
COOPER ARMS 455 Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90802
LAFAYETTE BUILDING 140 Linden Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90802
THE ROYAL PALMS 100 Atlantic Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90802
HARBOR PLACE TOWER 525 East Seaside Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
THE VERSAILLES 2601 East Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90803
OCEAN CLUB 1310 East Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90802
THE ROYAL PALMS 100 Atlantic Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90802
1100 WILSHIRE 1100 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90017
METROPOLIS CONDOS 899 Francisco Street, Los Angeles, CA 90017
THE CENTURY 1 Century Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90067
WESTVIEW TOWERS 1155 North La Cienega Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90035
PERLA ON BROADWAY 359 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013
RITZ-CARLTON 900 West Olympic Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90015
THE MERCURY 3810 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90005
WILSHIRE REGENT 10501 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90024
EASTERN COLUMBIA LOFTS 849 Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90014
SIERRA TOWERS 9255 Doheny Road, Los Angeles, CA 90069
THE REMINGTON 10727 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90024
EVO CONDOS 1155 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90015
SKYLOFTS 801 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90017
THE WILSHIRE COMSTOCK THE LINE LOFTS 865 Comstock Avenue, 1737 N Las Palmas Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024 Los Angeles, CA 90028
LOS FELIZ TOWERS 4411 Los Feliz Boulevard, Los Feliz, CA 90027
TEN50 CONDOS 1050 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90015
W HOLLYWOOD 6250 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90028
December/January 2018-19
WALDORF ASTORIA BEVERLY HILLS 9850 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
CROWN TOWERS 10701 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90024
65
HIGHRISE
San Francisco
San Diego
D I R E C T O RY
ACQUA VISTA CONDOS 425 West Beech Street, San Diego, CA 92101
THE GRANDE 1199 Pacific Highway, San Diego, CA 92101
THE MARK 800 The Mark Lane, San Diego, CA 92101
RENAISSANCE 645 Front Street, San Diego, CA 92101
BAYSIDE AT THE EMBARCADERO
1325 Pacific Highway, San Diego, CA 92101
HARBOR CLUB 100-200 Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
MERIDIAN 700 Front Street, San Diego, CA 92101
TREO 1240 India Street, San Diego, CA 92101
CITYFRONT TERRACE 500 West Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
HORIZONS 555 Front Street, San Diego, CA 92101
THE METROPOLITAN 165 Sixth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
SMART CORNER 1080 Park Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92101
DISCOVERY AT CORTEZ HILL ICON 850 Beech Street, 321 Tenth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101 San Diego, CA 92101
PARK PLACE 700 West Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
ELECTRA 700 W E Street, San Diego, CA 92101
LA VITA 300 West Beech Street, San Diego, CA 92101
PINNACLE TOWER 550 Front Street, San Diego, CA 92101
829 FOLSOM 829 Folsom Street, San Francisco, CA 94107
ARTERRA CONDOS 300 Berry Street, San Francisco, CA 94158
ONE MISSION BAY Channel St. & 3rd St. San Francisco, CA 94158
THE BRANNAN 219-239 Branna Street, San Francisco, CA 94107
170 OFF THIRD 170 King Street, San Francisco, CA 94107
BAYCREST TOWERS 201 Harrison Street, San Francisco, CA 94105
ONE RINCON HILL 425 1st Street, San Francisco, CA 94105
THE HAMILTON 631 Ofarrell Street, San Francisco, CA 94109
333 BUSH STREET CONDOS 300 Bush Street, San Francisco, CA 94104
BLANC CONDOS 1080 Sutter Street, San Francisco, CA 94109
RITZ CARLTON RESIDENCES
690 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94105
THE HARRISON 401 Harrison Street, San Francisco, CA 94105
2006 WASHINGTON
2006 Washington Street, San Francisco, CA 94109
BRIDGEVIEW 400 Beale Street, San Francisco, CA 94105
ROCKWELL CONDOS 1688 Pine Street, San Francisco, CA 94109
THE HAYES 55 Page Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
69 CLEMENTINA 69 Clementina Street, San Francisco, CA 94105
LUMINA CONDOS 201 Folsom, San Francisco, CA 94105
SOMA GRAND CONDOS 1160 Mision Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
THE SUMMIT 999 Green Street, San Francisco, CA 94133
888 SEVENTH STREET 888 Seventh Street, San Francisco, CA 94107
MONTGOMERY
ST. REGIS RESIDENCIES 188 Minna Street, San Francisco, CA 94105
THE WATERMARK 501 Beale Street, San Francisco, CA 94107
San Jose
ARDEN CONDOS 738 Long Bridge Street, San Francisco, CA 94158
66
WASHINGTON TOWER 611 Washington Street, San Francisco, CA 94111
360 RESIDENCES 360 South Market Street, San Jose, CA 95113
MONTEBELLO CONDOS 20488 Stevens Creek, Cupertino, CA 95014
PASEO PLAZA & VILLAS 130 East San Fernando Street, San Jose, CA 95112
PLANT 51 88 Bush St. San Jose, CA 95126
AXIS HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION
ONYX CONDOS 912 Campisi Way, Campbell, CA 95008
RYLAND MEWS 400 North 1st Street, San Jose, CA 95112
PARK TOWNSEND 46 West Julian Street, San Jose, CA 95110
38 North Almaden Boulevard, San Jose, CA 95110
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