Private Penthouse

Previously known for its sketchy pastiche of meat factories and night clubs, the Meatpacking District today is in the middle  of a social and cultural transformation. The High Line, for example, an elevated railway in use until 1980, was converted into a public park or the new Whitney Museum, a spectacular museum designed by Renzo Piano. Frank Gehry upgraded the neighborhood further with wonderful new buildings (the headquarters of IAC, a global automobile shipping company) as did Jean Nouvel (“Nouvel Chelsea”, a luxurious atelier and apartment building). But it’s not just New York’s art and architectural scene that has discovered the district in recent years; designer labels and top gastronomy destinations have also arrived. In the middle of this vibrant spirit of optimism, a 3,440 sq ft penthouse located directly on High Line Park is going to be adapted to the needs of its new residents, both in terms of function and design. The result is a mix of styles from European design circles and the New York lifestyle: high-quality materials and discreet colors convey value and a casual urbanity. Each room draws life from the direct visual reference to the fascinating world outside. A massive Marilyn Monroe relief in the living area serves as the heart of the apartment, a spatially functional yet artistic tribute to the city that never sleeps. The lighting design includes light curtains and JUST spotlights to match the countless points of light that illuminate New York’s nighttime skyline. Arranged in the shape of a grid, the lights multiply in the mirrors and bathe the rooms in a clear glow that envelops the space and its occupants, creating a pleasant, soothing noblesse and helping Marilyn with an appearance that is all the more effective for being so reserved.