Spring time - Residential

Real Estate Weekly, Jan 21, 2004

Movers, shakers, leaders and tastemakers all have their eyes on the Spring, the spectacular new luxury condominium being developed at the corner of Lafayette and Spring Streets that is now 75% sold, according to Louise M. Sunshine, CEO of the Sunshine Group, the exclusive marketing and sales agent for the building.

Situated at the crossroads of Soho and Nolita, the 1924 Beaux Arts building designed by Cass Gilbert, architect of the legendary Woolworth, has become a destination address for boldfaced names in fashion, design and publishing.

"The worlds of fashion, design and culture intersect at Spring," said Ms. Sunshine.

"The result is a magnificent condominium residence that is defining a new renaissance of style and attracting tastemakers from around the world. That Spring is already 75% sold only three months after sales commenced is a powerful statement about its strong appeal."

Ms. Sunshine also pointed out that, along with the stunning residences, the building's 6,500 s/f ground floor at 60 Spring St., now home to Spring's Sales & Design Gallery, is drawing substantial interest for its upscale retail potential.

With interiors designed by the renowned architecture firm of Tsao & McKown, in collaboration with project architect Ismael Leyva, the 15-story former home of the East River Savings Bank offers 40 brilliantly conceived residences, with one, two and three bedrooms.

Marrying the organizing principles of pre-war apartment living with modern aesthetic, Spring offers well-proportioned layouts with crisp and minimal design. Sleek and sophisticated interiors include Brazilian walnut plank flooring, white-on-white Varenna kitchens, sumptuous spa-like baths, rich design details and oversized flit-and-turn picture windows that command the best views in the neighborhood. The Spring penthouses, custom designed by Calvin Tsao, sit high atop the historic tower, offering panoramic views from one of the tallest buildings in Soho and Nolita.

"I think a lot of people, deep down, want to have it all: to be in the middle of everything, but at the same time have a refuge--in the middle of everything," said Mr. Tsao.

"And I think to live in the vicinity of Soho and Nolita offers you that kind of safe haven within the action."

The extraordinary ground floor space--one block east of Balthazar restaurant--features intricately detailed 30-foot ceilings, majestic interior columns, dramatic chandeliers, massive windows and wonderful period details, including an original clock atop a bold marble entryway. A beautiful brass handrail graces a marble staircase leading to the building's lower level, where the original bank vault is still intact, providing an additional 3,900 s/f of retail space.

The condominium residences at Spring range in price from $1.48 million to more than $7 million. Occupancy is scheduled for March 2004.