The Stephen Sills-designed penthouse at 101 West 78th Street, a prewar masterpiece reimagined for contemporary living, has just closed for $20.15 million which makes it the most expensive new development condominium sale on the UWS in the past three years and the highest price ever achieved on Columbus Avenue above 72nd Street.
“We saw an opportunity to create a space so grand that it would define what this property represents in terms of size, elegance, and convenience,” said Rob Vahradian, Senior Managing Director and head of U.S Investments at GTIS Partners, developer of 101 West 78th Street. “We knew the penthouse would resonate with the right buyer, and the fact that it sold so quickly is a testament to Stephen’s brilliant design, the apartment’s unique and expansive outdoor space, and 101 West 78th Street’s phenomenal location.”
The limestone clad four-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom residence was developed by GTIS Partners, who had to receive special permission from the Landmarks Preservation Commission to build it on top of 101 West 78th Street as it is a protected site. Designed by "AD-100" designer Sills, the penthouse features 4,742 SF of grand living spaces, an expansive kitchen, ceiling heights of up to 10', a formal dining room, a living room with a gas fireplace, and an eat-in kitchen. Flooded with light from four skylights, the custom-made Smallbone of Devizes chef's kitchen incorporates Stephen Sills-designed cabinetry in a white, hand-painted finish, accompanied with glass-fronted upper cabinets and polished nickel hardware, an array of Miele appliances, and White Carrara honed marble countertops with full-height slab backsplash. Herringbone floors grace spaces for living and entertaining, with plank floors found in the bedrooms. Marble bathrooms feature radiant heated floors, with sinks, fittings and accessories from Waterworks and Stephen Sills custom-designed millwork. Outside offers a 3,398 SF wraparound terrace, which is accessible from nearly every room, as well as a private 2,500 SF private roof terrace with an outdoor kitchen and outdoor gas fireplace, with spectacular views of the Upper West Side, the American Museum of Natural History and Theodore Roosevelt Park across the street, and Central Park.
Originally constructed in 1886 and designed by Belgian-born architect Emile Gruwe, 101 West 78th Street is described in the AIA guide to New York as “a big, bold symphony in reds.”
