Landmark TriBeCa building gets 2 new penthouses

Real Estate Weekly, May 7, 2003

In the culmination of an unusual two-part restoration and conversion program, the top two floors of the landmarked Gary Building at 89 Reade St. in TriBeCa, one of the city's oldest cast iron structures, have been transformed into two extraordinary duplex penthouse loft residences. They have been put on the market for prices of $5 million and $5.35 million respectively.

According to Natalie Rakowski, vice president of Douglas Elliman, exclusive sales agent for the residences, the North Penthouse comprises 5,290 SF of living space and features a private terrace (579 SF) and roof deck (495 SF). The South Penthouse offers 5,669 interior SF plus a private terrace (464 SF) and roof deck (425 SF). Each home has been custom crafted with superb finishes highlighted by a woodburning fireplace, custom designed steel stairs, soaring ceilings and a spacious roof deck with dramatic skyline views.

Built in 1857 and designated a New York City landmark in 1980, The Gary Building remains a structure of enormous architectural importance, according to Andrew Gerringer, managing director of Douglas Elliman's development marketing group.

"This was an incredibly meticulous renovation that not only maintained the building's architectural integrity but provided contemporary amenities and conveniences for today's lifestyle," he added.

Interiors of the air conditioned penthouses, for example, feature custom historic-style wood casement windows, solid wood doors, five-inch red oak plank flooring, exposed steel and oak plank staircases, wood burning fireplaces and enormous custom steel and glass skylights.

The kitchends feature Bulthaup cabinetry in larch wood, counter tops of Impala dark granite, stainless steel and butcher block and stainless steel backsplashes.

Also included are top-line stainless steel appliances including 48" SubZero refrigerators, Gaggenau 6-burner cooktops with Buithaup range hoods, Viking 27" double gas wall ovens, double Bulthaup sinks and Bosch dishwashers.

The master baths feature "Solar" honed marble flooring with honed and polished marble walls. There are double sink washstands with "St. Germaine" marble vanities framed by wall sconces, 6-foot cast iron soaking tubs, separate stall showers, Robern medicine cabinets, Toto water closets and skylights. There are second and third baths in addition to a powder room in the North penthouse.

Catherine Mikic of Li/Saltzman Architects designed the residences and oversaw the exterior restoration for the building's developer, Chambers Street LLC.