AVENUEinsider June 1, 2010

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JOIN US TO SUPPORT CARE’S WORK TO HELP EMPOWER WOMEN WORLDWIDE.

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AVENUE Editorial Director Pamela Gross Executive Editor Janet Allon jallon@manhattanmedia.com Creative Director Cricket Burns cburns@manhattanmedia.com Art Director Jessica Ju-Hyun Lee Ho jlee@manhattanmedia.com Associate Editor Kari Milchman kmilchman@manhattanmedia.com Contributing Writers Debbie Bancroft ● Peter Davis Barbaralee Diamonstein-Spielvogel Lacey Tisch-Sidney Contributing Editors Jackie Astier ● Serena Boardman Lorinda Ash ● Alex Hitz ● Bettina Zilkha Palm Beach Contributing Editor Renée Morrison Production Manager Mark Stinson mstinson@manhattanmedia.com Advertising Designer Monica Hsiao-Hsuan Tang mtang@manhattanmedia.com Fact Checker Alexandria Symonds

Maya Kurz

Interns Jasmine Lombardi

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Avenue Media, LLC 79 Madison Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10016 Subscriptions are $100 in U.S., $150 overseas Tel: 212.268.8600 Fax: 212.268.0577 E-mail: avenue@manhattanmedia.com www.avenuemagazine.com

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PA L M B E A C H

237A Worth Avenue 561.802.4410

N E W YO R K

485 Park Avenue

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NANTUCKET 47 Main Street 508.325.5806

W W W. S E A M A N S C H E P P S . C O M

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AVENUE Publisher

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Events Coordinator Stephanie Musso smusso@manhattanmedia.com Avenue Media, LLC 79 Madison Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10016 Subscriptions are $100 in U.S., $150 overseas Tel: 212.268.8600 Fax: 212.268.0577 E-mail: avenue@manhattanmedia.com www.avenuemagazine.com

8 | AVENUE MAGAZINE ¡ JUNE 2010

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PETER DAVIS

Time Travels Ambrosi Lim

Valerie Boster

Rachel Roy

Ca sey Fre mo nt

Cator Sparks

Whitney Smith and Sarah Jessica Parker Arianna Huffington and Caroline Rhea

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I

’m not a lad who lunches, but I was thrilled to be one of the only males in a room at the benefit for First Step, which helps homeless women get back on their feet. Lunch at The Pierre drew pretty girls and power chicks like Bettina Prentice (a huge supporter of the Coalition for the Homeless, the organization behind First Step), Genevieve Bahrenburg, Valerie Boster, Lauren Remington Platt, Casey Fremont and Lisa Salzer. Comedian Caroline Rhea kept the mood light, while enigmatic, brainy and sexy Arianna Huffington raised awareness.

“This is an extraordinary moment, with the crisis our country’s going through,” she began. “But that crisis can be used as an opportunity for us to step up to the plate, to make our lives about something more than our own private concerns, successes and preoccupations, and create a critical mass for us to give back and that will transform not only the lives of people in trouble—not only the lives of homeless men, homeless women and homeless children—but our own lives, and the life of our country.” Can someone please elect Huffington to public office? She has my vote.

The American Museum of Natural History’s “Spring Safari” is always a must on every social’s calendar.

Walking through the front door was like timetraveling to 1960s Palm Beach—the evening’s sponsor was Lilly Pulitzer. Everywhere, candy-colored, swirling psychedelic patterns popped. Loads of supermodels and movie and T.V. stars showed up, including Claire Danes, Emmy Rossum, Coco Rocha, Julie Henderson, Jessica White and Michelle Tratchenberg. I also spotted HRH Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia, Susan Fales-Hill, Bettina Zilkha, Ivanka Trump, Zani Gugelmann, Christian Cota, Lesley Schulhof, Jill Kargman and New York City’s most popular DJ team, Harley Viera Newton and Cassie Coane.

In a Lilly-like short number of her own design, Shoshanna Lonstein Gruss won my award for best dressed. “It’s always fun to have a night out with the girls,” she beamed, hanging with pals Ali Wise and Charlotte Ronson. “And how often do we get to dance among the dinosaur bones?” Supermodel Maggie Rizer arrived with writer Anisha Lakhani and T.V. newswoman Kimberly Guilfoyle. “We had to steal a limo outside of the ASPCA benefit to get up here,” Rizer confided. The booze flowed all night. And lots of money was raised for the museum, too.

Fashion documentaries are the new rage. The premiere of the latest fashu-doc, Ultrasuede: In Search of Halston, hosted by Andrew Saffir’s The Cinema

© PATRICK MCMULLAN

Lunching with women who inspire, partying with the dinosaurs and remembering Halston

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search and you shall find

sagaponack — ocean views Magnificent traditional home on 1.84 +/- acres. The 1st level has a great room with soaring floor to ceiling windows, a newly renovated, eat-in kitchen with coffee bar and french doors opening to a dining and viewing deck and a screened in porch.

Also on this level is an open dining area, a billiard room, den, a wet bar and powder room. The 2nd level has a spacious master with its own deck and bath, a junior master suite and 2 additional guest rooms with another bath. There are ocean views from the second level and the loft area. A full basement and 2 car garage complete the house. The landscaping, designed and installed by Harmonia, features a 20 x 40 gunite pool, tennis pavilion and Har Tru tennis court.

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water mill — waterfront This wonderful custom designed residence is 4,300 +/- sq. ft. and is located on Hayground Cove. The one acre property is beautifully landscaped and has a private floating dock with access to Mecox Bay. There is a large entrance hall, living room with fireplace, library with fireplace, a well laid out and fully equipped kitchen, butler’s pantry, dining room, powder room and one ensuite bedroom on the first floor. The second floor has three ensuite bedrooms including a spacious master with fireplace and private balcony. There is also a heated gunite pool with built in spa, 2+ car garage with a pool bath and finished 700 +/- sq. ft. bonus space on its 2nd floor.

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on the avenue

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1. Laura Remington Platt 2. John Galantic 3. Fabiola Beracasa 4. Lauren Santo Domingo 5. Amanda Brooks 6. Shala Monroque 7. Selma Blair and Jane Rosenthal

FASHION MEETS FILM Annual Chanel dinner for the Tribeca Film Festival Artists Awards Program at The Odeon

Chanel honored 11 contemporary artists who went on to donate pieces to the Tribeca Film Festival’s 2010 Artists Awards Program with an annual dinner. Filmmakers whose films were selected as the winner in their respective categories were presented with a work of art by a participating artist. Robert De Niro and Jane Rosenthal were joined by Hope Atherton, Tory Burch, Chiara Clemente, Marjorie Gubelmann, Jay McInerney and Julian Schnabel, amongst many others.

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PHOTO BY THOS ROBINSON/GETTY IMAGES FOR CHANEL

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MERRY-GO-ROUND Grand opening of Carousel Cuts Center on the Upper East Side

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Countess Nathalie von Bismarck, Katharina Otto-Bernstein, Arianna Boardman, Kalliope Karella Rena, Karolina Kurkova, Simone Levinson, Michaela Cordes Rickmers, Christine Schwarzman and Vanessa Weiner von Bismarck hosted the grand opening of Carousel Cuts Center on Third Avenue.

Adults enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, while the salon offered “sweets for the little sweets.”

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OUT OF AFRICA Opening night of “Artists for Africa” at the Oakham Gallery in London

An art exhibition was held at the Oakham Gallery in St. James’s, London, to support Friends of Africa. The nine participating artists were Judy Kudlow, Gabriella Denny, Marc Dalessio, John Springs, Missy Dewing, Andrea Smith, David Bachmann, Jerker Andersson and Romanos Moukarzel. The Friends of Africa charity specializes in micro-financing for small start-up businesses in Africa. After the gallery reception, guests headed to the Carlton Club for dinner and an auction.

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1. Count Carl-Eduard and Countess Nathalie von Bismarck 2. Vanessa von Bismark and Nina Junot 3. Countess Barbara von Bismark and Karen Santo Domingo

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it’s 65th Annual Gala Dinner at the Union League Club. Swiss Ambassador to the U.S. Urs Ziswiler and former U.S. Ambassadors to Switzerland Mercer Reynolds and Faith Whittlesey discussed the importance of the relationship between the two countries. Author and attorney Mark W. Smith, fresh from an appearance on CNN, introduced Syngenta AG’s C.E.O. Michael Mack, who gave the evening’s keynote address entitled “Vision 2050.” Smith, a rising public intellectual, is being talked about as a possible candidate for Attorney General in New York (www.marksmithlawgroup.com).

HAIL TO THE HOUSE Hale House honored Judith Giuliani and Frederick Anderson at Guastavino’s. Leading the applause were Rudolph Giuliani, Marcia Gay Harden and noted painter Hunt Slonem (www.huntslonem.com), whose work is shown at the Marlbourough Gallery. At The Plaza, Tory Burch and Chris Cuomo added their support to helping troubled schools in New York at Turnaround for Children. Sarah Jessica Parker, Natalie Portman, Mikhail Baryshnikov and Elaine Sargent stepped out at the New York City Ballet Gala, which opened the Architecture of Dance season. At The Pierre, Boys’ Towns of Italy gave its Mother of the Year award to Francesca Gumina Braschi.

GEOFFREY BRADFIELD JOINS THE JUNIOR LEAGUE Interior designer Geoffrey Bradfield threw open the doors of his chic townhouse for the New York Junior League’s Annual Spring House Tour. During the past 15 years, the League (www.nyjl.org) has showcased the homes of Jamie Drake, Campion Platt and Vicente Wolf. Among the design elite checking out Bradfield’s inventive ideas was Monique Breaux of Posh Exclusive Interiors, who just launched www.buyposhrooms.com, where you can buy an entire room in one click. Why not buy two?

Elaine Sargent and Mikhail Baryshnikov at the NYC Ballet Harry and Laura Slatkin at the New York Stock Exchange

Melissa Berkelhammer at the American Museum of Natural History

Bentley Meeker at Ampersand Studios

Dr. Robert Grant, Chele Chiavacci and Muffie Potter Aston at Hale House

THE WIZARD OF LIGHT Lighting guru Bentley Meeker celebrated the 20th anniversary of his company at Ampersand Studios, a new event space that features state-of-the-art lighting panels capable of transforming the space at will. Restaurant Associates created food stations that served up everything from lobster rolls to shawarma. Bentley has illuminated the city’s top events, including galas for ABT, MoMA and the Whitney Museum. Robert De Niro, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas all tapped him to do their weddings, and P. Diddy chose him for his 40th birthday. Bentley’s book, Light x Design: 20 Years of Lighting (www.bentleymeeker.com), hits stores this fall.

AND THE AUDIENCE AWARD GOES TO . . .

Paper Street Films’ producers Bingo Gubelmann, Benji Kohn and Austin Stark took home the “gold” at the Gen Art Film Festival in New York City for happythankyoumoreplease. They won the same Audience Award at Sundance. The funny film, directed by Josh Radnor, opens in August and is this years best date movie. Joining the producers on the red carpet were the flick’s stars: Malin Akerman, Michael Algieri, Kate Mara, Pablo Schreiber and Zoe Kazan. The talented trio’s other productions include Peter and Vandy, My Biodegradable Heart and My Son, My Son, What Have Ye Done. The answer, in their case, is . . . plenty! Check out www.paperstreet.tv to learn more. ✦

Frederick Anderson, Marcia Gay Harden and Douglas Hannant at Hale House

Monique Breaux at the Junior League

Jan Chipman and Francesca Braschi at Boys’ Towns of Italy

Malin Akerman and Austin Stark at the Gen Art Film Festival JUNE 2010 · AVENUE MAGAZINE | 35

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11.7 acres of highland amid hundreds of acres of marsh grasses.

15,000 sf heated/cooled • 5,000 sf decking, porches, pool, balconies.

7 bedrooms, 11 baths (his & hers master baths).

Mature, well-tended Lowcountry gardens, forested areas.

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OBTAIN THE PROPERTY REPORT REQUIRED BY FEDERAL LAW AND READ IT BEFORE SIGNING ANYTHING. NO FEDERAL AGENCY HAS JUDGED THE MERITS OR VALUE, IF ANY, OF THIS PROPERTY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. AN OFFERING STATEMENT HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. A COPY OF THE OFFERING STATEMENT IS AVAILABLE, UPON REQUEST, FROM THE SUBDIVIDER. THE FILING OF THE VERIFIED STATEMENT AND OFFERING STATEMENT WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK DOES NOT CONSTITUTE APPROVAL OF THE SALE OR LEASE OR OFFER FOR SALE OR LEASE BY THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE OR ANY OFFICER THEREOF, OR THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE HAS IN ANY WAY PASSED UPON THE MERITS OF SUCH OFFERING. THIS PROJECT IS REGISTERED WITH THE NEW JERSEY REAL ESTATE COMMISSION. REGISTRATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN ENDORSEMENT OF THE MERITS OR VALUE OF THE PROJECT. OBTAIN AND READ THE NJ PUBLIC OFFERING STATEMENT AND READ IT BEFORE SIGNING ANYTHING. (NJ REG #89/15-175). SQUARE FOOTAGE AND ACREAGE IS APPROXIMATE. INFORMATION ON THIS SITE IS DEEMED RELIABLE BUT NOT GUARANTEED.

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“This year’s dinner was huge fun. You couldn’t turn around without bumping into a celebrity from the Obama administration or Tinseltown. The mixture was striking—the Jonas Brothers with David Axelrod, for example. The dinner has turned into the biggest night by far in the Washington calendar; an amazing weekend of mutual stargazing, with political types loving to rub shoulders with Hollywood actors, and vice versa. The president was lucky to go before Jay Leno. They told several of the same jokes, which meant Obama got the laughs and Leno fell flat. But not as flat as Rich Little doing Nixon and Ford impersonations a couple of years ago— that was excruciating.” —Hugo Gurdon, editor in chief, The Hill Dr. Sanjay Gupta and Kiran Chetry

Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Commerce Secretary Gary Locke

Jon Meacham, Lally Weymouth and Dana Delany

Clinton Aaron

“It was such an honor to be invited. I have always read the president’s comments the day after, roasting himself in front of a press corps that has scrutinized his every move. It’s a tradition that is unique to the United States, and to be there in person was so much fun. I was invited by Politico, an inspiring group of young entrepreneurs who are changing the face of political journalism. It was an incredible atmosphere where journalists are applauded and talented journalism students receive scholarships.” —Tory Burch, designer

Dennis Quaid and Wolf Blitzer Dr. Sharon Malone and Attorney General Eric Holder

Arianna Huffington Raj and Indra Nooyi

Kate Capshaw and Steven Spielberg

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An American Masterpiece: A new life for one of history's great estates

by MICHAEL GROSS

H

enry Clay Frick 2nd was the only grandson of the first man to bear that illustrious name, the industrial baron once one of America’s most controversial citizens, but ever since hailed as one of its greatest philanthropists and art-lovers.

Born and raised in the public eye, Frick lived a private life, despite familial fame, inherited wealth, and position as the president of The Frick Collection, the great art museum housed in his grandfather’s Fifth Avenue mansion.

Though Frick spent decades accumulating vast, pristine acreage on the west bank of the Hudson River and grooming it into one of the most magnificent estates near New York City, its very existence was barely known until after his death in February 2007.

In 1947, just home from Germany, where he’d served as an Army doctor after World War II, Henry 2nd bought his first property in Alpine, New Jersey, and over subsequent years, as other Gilded Age families saw their domains in suburbs like Westchester and Long Island’s Gold Coast shrink and disappear into anonymous developments, Frick expanded his into one of the last great New York estates—just over 60 acres in total, occupied not just by his family, but horses, wild turkeys, deer, coyote and a pair of swans, all eight miles north of the George Washington Bridge.

Today, Frick’s Alpine property is becoming a private compound that will be shared by several families, but little else of significance has changed. It still represents the ultimate mix of location, grandeur, privacy and security.

Frick’s 13,000-square foot 1937 English Manor-style house still stands and is for sale along with 27 acres overlooking the seventh hole of the Alpine Country Club, a swimming pool, an aviary, a pond (complete with footbridge and those swans) that will take your breath away, a cutting garden, three greenhouses where rare orchids were raised and a distinguished carriage house, complete with caretaker’s quarters and a three-car garage.

Nearby, a brand-new stone mansion worthy of this great estate has been carefully placed in its own landscaped six-acre park. It is a house that fires the imagination, a contemporary masterpiece that captures past glories while promising 58 | AVENUE MAGAZINE · JUNE 2010

Richard Kurtz

magnificent tomorrows: solitary rides at dawn through this equestrian paradise, romantic dinners a deux beneath a sky full of stars, grand entertainments for today’s most fabulous Four Hundred.

Beside them, a handful of special residences will soon be built to share this prestigious enclave gracefully situated on some of the most beautiful, best-located property on

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the eastern seaboard. All of them will be surrounded by concentric circles of security; when you can afford the best, you get it.

This private hamlet, the Estates at Alpine are the creation of Richard J. Kurtz, a noted New Jersey real estate investor; he owns about 14,000 apartments and has lived in Alpine himself for more than two decades.

In August 2004, he heard that the Frick family was willing to sell the estate, but only if Frick could continue to live on there until his death.

Seventeen months later, Kurtz finally closed on a deal to buy the

The magnificent entry foyer in the manor house.

This private hamlet,

dubbed Millionaires’ Row atop the cliffs. One early arrival, a cereal manufacturer, built a house above his mill just below. Soon he was joined by others, like John Ringling, owner of the eponymous circus known as The Greatest Show on Earth and, Charles Nordhoff, the editor-in-chief of the New York Herald, who famously sent reporter Henry M. Stanley to Africa to find the long-lost missionary Dr. David Livingstone.

Another wealthy, if less-known, resident was Franklin Whetstone Hopkins, who helped save the Palisades, the now-protected rock formation that was threatened with extinction at the close of the 19th Century; it was being blasted to smithereens to turn its stone into roads and buildings.

On Christmas Eve 1900, the blasting was stopped by government decree.

Soon, the wealthy of New York and New Jersey, many of whom had homes or owned land along the Hudson and treasured its views, were competing to finance the purchase of land from the quarrymen, and succeeded in saving 13 1/2 miles of those majestic cliffs. Among the heroes in the affair were local property owners J. Pierpont Morgan, who had a partner on the Palisades park commission, his neighbor Mrs. E.H. Harriman, widow of the great railroad financier, and John D. Rockefeller Jr. With the cliffs preserved, the New Jersey bank of the Hudson River became a popular weekend and summertime escape with ferries plying the local waters and soon, a bridge was planned; named for George Washington, it would open in Fall 1931, and immediately changed Alpine from a snug harbor for the wealthy into a still-exclusive, still-bucolic, but suddenly far more accessible adjunct to Manhattan, only minutes away.

the Estates at Alpine are the creation of Richard J. Kurtz, a noted real estate investor;

he owns

14,000 apartments and has lived in Alpine

himself for more than two decades. property for $58 million—a national record for a private home sale at the time. He’d bought the Frick Estate to subdivide it, and keep at least part of it for himself. He began to dream about building not just a new house but the ultimate house—a magnificent mansion that harkened back to the greatest American estates, yet had, as the saying goes, all the most modern (and luxurious) conveniences. So Kurtz travelled, studying residential architecture throughout the modern ages, researching houses across the country and in Europe and obsessing over every detail.

THE HISTORY OF ALPINE he Frick estate sits on Alpine’s Closter Dock Road which dates back to Colonial times when it began at The Closters, a cluster of houses set around a dock on the Hudson riverbank—the barest hint of a village on a hundred-yard-wide strip of land at the bottom of the monumental 550-foot-high Palisade cliffs.

After the Civil War, the area’s beauty attracted its first wealthy residents who built mansions on what was

T

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THE STONE MANSION AT ALPINE ver the succeeding years, whenever a contiguous piece of property came on the market, Frick added it to his estate until he owned a massive swath of Alpine and nearby Demarest, New Jersey, twelve properties in all, ranging from a tiny quarter-acre lot, to five others of five to eight acres apiece. As he acquired those dozen parcels of land, Frick tore down the houses on them and expanded his sylvan domain until it had grown to 60 acres. He also took over leadership of the family’s museum after his father’s death in 1965.

Frick died at age 87 on his beloved estate. For Kurtz, who declined to comment on Frick’s private life other than to say he was “an endearing gentleman,” it was time to make his dream for the estate a reality. Having waited almost four years to put his plans into effect, now there was work to be done. Though Kurtz had no plans to change the estate’s topography, he did need to decide how to divide it to retain its elegance but add the sort of security, convenience and of course splendor that contemporary buyers would expect.

Though he could have built 60 homes, one per acre, he decided to keep its private character by putting only twelve on the property. His next move was to find and quarry 5,000 feet of granite from Tuxedo, New York, and hire masons to build by hand a regal wall around the estate and

O

The manor house

The wealthiest zip code in America,

downtown, no mail delivery, and very few houses have visible street numbers; Alpine homeowners really do value their privacy. And those residents are still as attractively diverse as they are astonishingly accomplished—only more so. Once and still a home for America’s bloodline aristocracy, Alpine also welcomes the meritocracy from all nations, colors and creeds.

Over the last quarter century, its 2,000 residents have come from around the globe, everywhere from China and Japan to Israel and the Middle East, and have ranged from low-profile corporate officers, arbitrageurs and investment bankers to high-profile types like investor Bennett LeBow, Nobel Prize-winner Eric Maskin, LASIK inventor Dr. Joseph Della Russo, athletes Patrick Ewing, A.J. Burnett, C.C. Sabathia, Johnny Damon and Stephon Marbury, comedians Joe Piscopo, Eddie Murphy and Chris Rock, musicians Stevie Wonder, Jay-Z, Britney Spears and the Jonas Brothers, and multi-talented entrepreneurs like Sean Combs and Damon Dash. They all see Alpine just as Clay Frick did—as an enclave, an escape from the spotlight, a cherished home, albeit one in what Forbes magazine calls the wealthiest Zip Code in the United States, where non-waterfront property is worth more money (almost $3 million an acre in 2008) than anywhere else in the nation.

Any of them would be proud to own the hand-carved stone

Contemporary Alpine is both

similar and different from the town that first attracted the

elite of a century ago.

Today, it still has low taxes, good schools, and easy access to transportation; just eight miles from new York City, there’s even an airport,

Teteboro, twenty minutes away. an electronically sophisticated gate house worthy of what it would soon protect. Over 150 mature trees, some as tall as 35 feet, and impressive boxwood hedges have been added to the already densely forested property. Even the entrance driveway was built to impress—Kurtz laid down aesthetically pleasing Belgian cobblestones and erected intricate iron scrollwork gates.

Contemporary Alpine is both similar and different from the town that first attracted the elite of a century ago. Today, it is still a mere eight miles square, still has low taxes, good schools, and easy access to transportation; there’s even an airport, Teteboro, twenty minutes away. But there’s no 60 | AVENUE MAGAZINE · JUNE 2010

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manor house James Paragano designed for Kurtz, who calls it the eminent architect’s “masterpiece.” A classic Georgian estate, with a main house complex, secondary service wings and a carriage house attached via a turreted porte-corchere, it looks like it could have been built a hundred years ago, but its creators had the next hundred years in mind.

Its merger of old and new is as unique as it is breathtaking.

Its 30,000 square feet includes twelve bedrooms, nineteen bathrooms including his and hers master baths of Pompeiian splendor, a pair of his-and-hers master dressing room suites (hers is larger, but his has a built-in espresso machine with its own water supply), a movie theater, exercise and massage rooms, a sauna, and an indoor basketball court with a 23-foot ceiling, locker room and fully-functioning electronic scoreboard.

Beginning to decorate the house for themselves, Kurtz and his wife Patti purchased $2 million worth of chandeliers and sconces from the renowned antiquarian Cedric Dupont of Palm Beach, Florida; a magical and majestic Venetian-plastered entry hall; mahogany, walnut, oak and cherry paneling; exquisitely detailed millwork and banisters; carved Spanish marble fireplace surrounds of the sort usually found only in historic houses; onyx-trimmed bathrooms, some detailed with mosaic-hand-tiled showers and heated backrests in the tubs; walnut, herringbone, marble, quarter-sewn white oak, onyx, and limestone floors; a vast Christopher Peacock-designed main kitchen (there’s another in the basement, a third in a fully equipped staff apartment, a fourth in the separate pool house and a stone-walled butler’s pantry besides); three bars; a coffered-ceiling library, and a beamed den. Other

details arrayed around the house include a six-car garage (with lifts for five more cars so it’s car-buff-ready); lavish terraced gardens; a lovely in-law apartment, and of course, a southern-facing back yard (for all-day sun) complete with a dramatic dining terrace, pergola, pool and tennis court. And needless to say, it’s all smart-house-capable, fully wired to meet the most advanced technical needs.

Even the guts of the house are better than state-of-theart—“stone this thick,” in the “overbuilt” foundations, says Kurtz, “the structural steel is massive, the limestone and granite voluminous.” Then there’s the slate roof, the leadedcopper exterior fixtures, the subterranean drainage system.

“It’s built to last centuries,” he says.

So far, Kurtz has put eight of what will eventually be twelve home sites on the market, with all but the original Frick home site ranging between 1.5 and six acres. Offering proximity, exclusivity, safety both personal and financial and unprecedented magnificence, four of these Estates at Alpine have already been sold, and with the economy starting to hum again, and buyers already expressing interest in the remaining home sites, Kurtz fears that “his” house won’t remain his for long.

“It’s the most magnificent house in America,” he says, adding with a certain satisfaction that the upper reaches of the high-end home market are buzzing about the almost-finished house. Kurtz already has a beautiful Alpine home and recently added another in the estate section of Palm Beach. The question still looms, though, whether he and Patti will move into their masterpiece. He shakes his head, speechless, when he’s asked, wondering, perhaps, which would be crazier: keeping it or selling it. ✦ JUNE 2010 · AVENUE MAGAZINE | 61

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TOP THE T A

BROWN HARRIS STEVENS 1873 ESTABLISHED

Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales Executives: Ruth McCoy, Hall F. Willkie, Kevin Kovesci, Peter R. Marra, Christopher Thomas, James M. Gricar, MaryAnn Albano and Caroline E. Y. Guthrie.

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HE LEGACY OF Brown Harris Stevens, New York City’s premier residential real estate services firm, dates back well over a century. Established in 1873, the

Owners: Top to bottom: Co-chairmen of Terra Holdings William Lie Zeckendorf, Arthur W. Zeckendorf, Kent M. Swig and David A. Burris

firm has proved its great staying power, and continues to thrive in its position at the top of the industry.

President Hall F. Willkie heads the New York offices of Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales, and is one of the industry’s

Managers and brokers offer a wealth

most respected and successful executives. Willkie is a recipient of the Real Estate Board of New York Henry Forster Award for

of experience and knowledge unmatched in the industry. With an

outstanding achievement and display of exemplary character in

average of more than 18 years of

the profession. His strong leadership inspires trust, and his

experience

commitment to discretion is absolute.

“Every client and customer relationship with a Brown Harris

estate, they have the highest rate of

broker is forged in trust and founded in privacy,” says Willkie.

“As guardians of our clients’ interests, we consider our responsibilities and ethical standards to be the equivalent of those of a private banker. Our senior management and our brokers are governed by the guiding principle that the welfare of the client always outweighs everything else. It is such a privilege for me to work with the most successful, the most professional brokers in the industry.”

Brown Harris Stevens’ goal is to maintain an exceptionally high degree of professionalism and client satisfaction.

in

residential

real

success in arranging advantageous transactions for their clients.

Working with Brown Harris Stevens brokers provides clients with the benefits of each broker’s extraordinary qualities. They know the city intimately, and often live in the same neighborhoods as their clients. Understanding their clients’ needs, brokers bring a passion to the search for and sale of a residence, to the preparation for a cooperative board approval and to those important issues of sensitivity and discretion.

“As specialists with deep roots in their communities, Brown Harris Stevens agents have an extraordinary knowledge of their respective markets,” states Alan J. Kersner, chief operating officer of Terra Holdings.

“This makes them extremely valuable to clients as advisers when facilitating the complex process of buying or selling residential real estate. Our agents are very experienced and have the benefit of the best marketing and technology in the industry.”

Over the past 137 years, Brown Harris Stevens has earned its position at the top of residential real estate.

Hall F. Willkie President 445 Park Avenue 212.906.9203 hwillkie@bhsusa.com

JOSH LEHRER

Alan J. Kersner

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exploring new york

the east side

NEW YORK’S UPPER EAST SIDE has long been synonymous with the best the city has to offer. The grand Fifth and Park Avenue apartments, stately townhouses and elegant shops are without equal. The area also boasts some of the world’s most prestigious schools, renowned art institutions and fabulous restaurants, all amid a backdrop of classic prewar cooperative buildings and new condominiums that constantly redefine the parameters of luxury.

The Brown Harris Stevens flagship, Manhattan’s most important residential real estate office, is managed by President Hall F. Willkie and Executive Vice President, Managing Director of Sales Ruth McCoy. Known for her welcoming manner and more than 20 years of experience in residential real estate, McCoy is a well-respected industry leader and has been elected to many senior positions in the industry’s trade association, The Real Estate Board of New York.

The formidable East Side sales force comprises some of the most respected professionals in the field, offering extensive market knowledge and a wealth of expertise. “The East Side is one of the world’s most prestigious and prominent address,” says McCoy. “Yet despite its stature, it still retains its warm and inviting character.”

RUTH MCCOY Executive Vice President, Managing Director of Sales 445 Park Avenue 212.906.0501 rmccoy@bhsusa.com

new york and brown harris stevens history 1873

In Lower Manhattan, Charles S. Brown founds an appraisal company that later becomes Brown Harris Stevens.

1873

Central Park construction is completed.

1875

Wall Street becomes the center of banking as the city’s population exceeds one million.

1882

The city is lit with electric light for the first time.

1883

The Brooklyn Bridge is built on the East River on land sold to the city by Charles S. Brown.

1895

Stanford White’s Washington Arch in Washington Square Park is completed.

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upper east side BROWN HARRIS STEVENS has three East Side offices. The Carnegie Hill office, the company’s first storefront office, deftly handles many of the city’s important sales. The allure of the community is visible in everything from the immaculately maintained quiet side streets to the luxury residential buildings that embody the most innovative elements of prewar and postwar design.

Led by Executive Vice President, Managing Director of Sales Peter R. Marra, the Carnegie Hill office is in very capable hands. He is the former President of William B. May Company and a recipient of the Real Estate Board of New York Henry Forster Award for outstanding achievement and exemplary display of character and ethics in the profession.

“Carnegie Hill has the distinction of being an oasis of calm amid the constant hurried pace of Manhattan life,” says Marra. “The proximity of Central Park and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, along with the charming bistros and boutiques along the avenues, set the tone for a lifestyle of relaxed elegance unique to this alluring community.”

PETER R. MARRA Executive Vice President, Managing Director of Sales 1121 Madison Avenue 212.317.7777 pmarra@bhsusa.com

EDWARD LEE CAVE DIVISION THE EDWARD LEE CAVE DIVISION offers an impressive addition to the luxury sales and marketing brand of Brown Harris Stevens. For almost 30 years, Edward Lee Cave’s name has been synonymous with the sale of the finest residential properties in the most prestigious buildings in Manhattan. Coming under the Brown Harris Stevens umbrella offers the division the chance to continue to excel at the high end of the market, while providing a broader range of services than ever before.

Division President Caroline E. Y. Guthrie explains, “The Edward Lee Cave ethos of discretion and professionalism dovetails perfectly with that of Brown Harris Stevens.”

CAROLINE E. Y. GUTHRIE President, Edward Lee Cave Division of Brown Harris Stevens 790 Madison Avenue 212.396.5858 cguthrie@bhs-elc.com

new york and brown harris stevens history 1901

The new Tenement House Law forces new construction for 70 percent of the city’s population.

1902

The Flatiron Building becomes the tallest building in the city.

1901

Charles S. Brown and the brother-in-law of thenPresident Theodore Roosevelt expand the company.

1907

The 800-room Plaza Hotel opens at Central Park South and 58th Street.

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exploring new york

the west side

WHETHER IT’S A CHARMING BROWNSTONE on a coveted Central Park block, a sprawling prewar cooperative on Riverside Drive or an exquisite condominium at 15 Central Park West, Manhattan’s Upper West Side offers the finest in luxury city living. An area of town where these architectural treasures coexist beautifully, the West Side is an inspiring hub of art and culture. In the heart of it all is the Brown Harris Stevens West Side office, located just across from another architectural landmark, the mid-century marvel that is Lincoln Center.

Here, Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Sales James M. Gricar, a gifted and dynamic leader, heads a team of top-flight professionals. Brown Harris Stevens is the dominant force in the upper end of this exciting market.

“It’s a very exciting neighborhood in which to live,” says Gricar.

“It’s diverse. It’s accessible. And whether you prefer Jean Georges or H&H Bagels (or both!), there’s something for everyone. It’s little wonder that we work with generation after generation of Westsiders, as well as the many buyers from other parts of the city who flock to our parks, shopping and restaurants. Come let us show you all the West Side has to offer.”

1910

Pennsylvania Railroad Station is opened on acreage assembled by Charles S. Brown.

JAMES M. GRICAR Executive Vice President, Managing Director of Sales 1926 Broadway 212.588.5665 jgricar@bhsusa.com

1920s The mansions and townhouses along Park and Fifth Avenues give way to fashionable apartment houses designed by the illustrious architects of the time, including McKim, Mead & White; Warren & Whetmore; Delano & Aldrich; and Rosario Candela.

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ROWS OF NOBLE BROWNSTONES, graceful tree-lined streets and parks brimming with lush green landscape—this is the Brooklyn of Brown Harris Stevens. Brooklyn Heights and Park Slope are among New York City’s fastest growing areas, offering a peaceful retreat just minutes from Manhattan.

exploring new york

brooklyn

1932

Rockefeller Center’s first two buildings are completed.

1940

Tiffany & Co. moves to its famous 57th Street and Fifth Avenue location.

1946

John D. Rockefeller donates land developed by William Zeckendorf Sr. for the erection of the United Nations building, securing its New York City headquarters.

1950

Greater New York becomes the largest metropolis in the world with 12.3 million people.

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brooklyn heights CHRISTOPHER THOMAS Executive Vice President, Managing Director of Sales Brooklyn Heights 129 Montague Street 718.858.4629 cthomas@bhsusa.com

WHEN NEW YORK CITY DESIGNATED BROOKLYN HEIGHTS as its first historic landmark district, it did so with good reason. The community’s handsome 19th-century architecture creates a serene setting, and is complemented by contemporary building designs peppered throughout the area. These streetscapes are among the most picturesque in the city.

Christopher Thomas, Executive Vice President, Managing Director of Sales of Brown Harris Stevens’ Brooklyn Heights office is a longtime Brooklynite himself. Thomas heads a team that is passionate about the community and acutely aware of the many benefits this area offers.

“Brooklyn Heights is steeped in history, yet there’s also a modern sensibility woven into the lifestyle,” says Thomas. “It’s a wonderful blend of qualities, which you’ll find only here in one of New York’s most treasured communities.”

park slope

MARYANN ALBANO Executive Vice President, Managing Director of Sales Park Slope 100 Seventh Avenue 718.399.4111 malbano@bhsusa.com

LIKE ITS NEIGHBOR BROOKLYN HEIGHTS, Park Slope is one of New York City’s most enchanting areas. Home to a 24-block historic district, Park Slope’s magnificent Victorian mansions on Prospect Park’s Gold Coast offer some of the best views in the city. Just as impressive is the rich cultural community, which draws inspiration from the nearby Brooklyn Academy of Music, Brooklyn Museum and Brooklyn Botanical Gardens.

In the center of it all is the Brown Harris Stevens Park Slope office, led by Executive Vice President, Managing Director of Sales MaryAnn Albano. Her experienced team of residential real estate brokers exhibit highly specialized market expertise, and are fully versed in the subtle nuances that make this area so special.

“To fully appreciate Park Slope, you have to take time to stroll through the community,” says Albano. “People here take pride in their surroundings, and it shows. You see everything from beautifully maintained brownstones and apartments with colorful window flower boxes to bustling streets lined with charming little bistros and shops.”

new york and brown harris stevens history 1959

Construction of Lincoln Center begins.

1965

Galvanized by the 1963 demolition of Pennsylvania Station, the Landmarks Preservation Commission is established.

1970

The first New York City Marathon—126 runners—do laps in Central Park.

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Amagansett 167 Main Street 631.267.7100 Bridgehampton 2408 Main Street 631.537.2727 East Hampton 27 Main Street 631.324.6400 East Hampton 37 Newtown Lane, Suite 1 631.324.6400

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Sag Harbor 96 Main Street 631.725.2250

exploring new york

hamptons and north fork RENOWNED FOR ITS NATURAL BEAUTY and for wide, sandy ocean beaches and open bay waters, the Hamptons and the North Fork offer a tranquil refuge for urban dwellers that is easily accessible from Manhattan and the surrounding area.

With premiere East End locations, Brown Harris Stevens is uniquely positioned to provide focused expertise in each of the local markets with a sales force of savvy real estate agents with true understanding of their respective communities.

Brown Harris Stevens Hamptons and North Fork agents enjoy a close relationship with their Manhattan-based colleagues, as well as those in Palm Beach, and draw from their national and international Christie’s Great Estates affiliate network to provide the very best coverage for their elite caliber of clientele.

Southampton 24 Main Street 631.287.4900 Westhampton Beach 70 Main Street 631.288.5500 Cutchogue 31855 Main Road 631.734.5657 Greenport 120 Front Street 631.477.0551

PETER TURINO President pturino@bhshamptons.com

CIA COMNAS Executive Managing Director acomnas@bhshamptons.com

ED REALE Senior Managing Director ereale@bhshamptons.com

1971

Soho’s phenomenal transformation begins when artistresidents win a zoning victory to keep their homes and studios.

1981

Battery Park City is built.

Executives: Peter M. Turino, Cia Commas and Ed Reale

1995

David A. Burris, Kent M. Swig, Arthur W. Zeckendorf, and William Lie Zeckendorf purchase Brown Harris Stevens.

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AVA VAN DE WATER Executive Vice President, Palm Beach 340 Royal Poinciana Way Palm Beach, F.L. 33480 561.659.6400 avandewater@bhspalmbeach.com

JOSH LEHRER

353 Worth Avenue Palm Beach, F.L. 33480 561.659.6400 THE CLEAR BLUE WATERS, temperate climate and close-knit community of Palm Beach have been a draw for more than a century.

Some come in search of a stylish and convenient winter retreat, while others enjoy its sunny shores, five-star resorts and championship golf courses year-round. The area offers some of the country’s most spectacular homes, along with all the benefits of a tropical getaway.

Under the leadership of Executive Vice President Ava Van de Water and Senior Consultant Ann Tierney, Brown Harris Stevens has become the area’s premier brokerage firm for luxury residential real estate.

They oversee a team of the market’s most respected professionals, distinguished agents who average more than 20 years of industry experience. To date, Brown Harris Stevens holds the record for selling the most expensive residence on the island: the $95-million former Trump estate.

“Palm Beach continues to have some of the most sought-after residences in the country, and our deals are being put together by some of the most experienced and discreet agents in the business,” says Van de Water. “Our agents recognize that extensive knowledge of every segment of the market and great service are key components to success.”

exploring

palm beach

new york and brown harris stevens history 1997

Brown Harris Stevens establishes a West Side office, now opposite Lincoln Center.

1999

Brown Harris Stevens establishes a downtown office at 2 Fifth Avenue.

2004 Brown Harris Stevens establishes a Carnegie Hill office at 84th Street and Madison Avenue, as well as offices in Brooklyn Heights and Park Slope.

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exploring

christie’s

AS AN EXCLUSIVE AFFILIATE of Christie’s Great Estates, Brown Harris Stevens is able to offer unrivaled marketing capabilities that target a qualified global audience.

A wholly owned subsidiary of Christie’s, the world’s oldest fine arts auctioneer, Christie’s Great Estates utilizes its vast network of connections within the realm of luxury goods and services to reach an affluent international clientele. As a result, many Brown Harris Stevens sellers and buyers enjoy the considerable advantages associated with this partnership that creates a global residential real estate marketplace.

Through publication of custom-designed property brochures, a quarterly magazine with international distribution and a website with an average of nearly 9 million hits per month,

Christie’s Great Estates is able to showcase important properties to its 200,000 readers. This is just a sampling of the many advertising, marketing and listing tools available to facilitate access to an audience around the world. Brown Harris Stevens is also able to draw upon Christie’s Great Estates’ residential real estate force of 35,000 sales associates who operate out of 800 offices in more than 42 countries.

Brown Harris Stevens’ exclusive affiliation with Christie’s Great Estates ensures that potential buyers and sellers in New York, Palm Beach and the Hamptons have a wealth of information about the real estate market at their disposal. The partnership is an ideal pairing of two companies renowned for professionalism, expertise and discretion.

new york and brown harris stevens history 2007

The Brown Harris Stevens flagship moves to 57th Street and Park Avenue.

2010

Brown Harris Stevens launches agent websites featuring all New York City listings.

2009 Brown Harris Stevens establishes the Edward Lee Cave Division.

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NEW YORK PHOTO LOCATION: PENTHOUSE ON CENTRAL PARK WEST AT THE SAN REMO; $17,500,000 PORTRAITS PHOTOGRAPHED BY JACK DEUTSCH

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Paula Del Nunzio

Erin Boisson Aries

Curtis Jackson

PICTURE WINDOW VIEWS

SAN REMO - SOUTH TOWER

ELEGANT NINE ROOM ON PARK AVE

60s/Fifth Ave. Excl. Gracious 9 from 13 rooms Park views. LR & library each w/ fireplace, large master suite w/dual marble baths and many closets triple mint. $23.5M. WEB# 988683.

Sol Howard 212-906-9213

70s/CPW. Excl. Rarely available full-floor residence in South tower. 50 feet fronting Central Park. Sprawling terrace. Park views from every room. 3 bedrooms. $17.5M. WEB# 1117415.

John Burger 212-906-9274

Park Avenue. Excl. 4,400SF. LR, library, master BR & sitting room span entire front of bldg. 2 wbfp, EIK, 24HR doorman, concierge, live-in manager, gym, in-house catering from Daniel. $15M. WEB# 1113163.

Kyle Blackmon 212-588-5648

1 BLOCK FROM THE PARK

GRACIOUS GRAMERCY TOWNHOUSE

HUGE TERRACE WITH PARK VIEWS

UES. Co-Excl. High floor corner, sun filled 3BR + library w/bath, FDR, EIK, 2 maids, wbfp, high ceilings, huge windows, state of the art gym, white glove Co-op one block from Park. $8.5M. WEB# 1111292.

Martha Kramer 212-906-9371

Gramercy Park. Excl. Sunny 6,000+/- SF, 21FT wide, hi ceilings, 3 outdoor spaces, finished basement, great condition. Steps to Gramercy and Stuyvesant Parks. Truly exceptional. $7.5M. WEB# 1110759.

Paula Del Nunzio 212-906-9207

Park Ave. Excl. Wraparound terraced home w/ views of Central Park. Meticulously renovd Park Ave PH. 3BR, 2.5Bth, wbfp, EIK, great views. $7.15M. WEB# 1035895.

Kathy Cooper 212-906-9260 Samuel Thomas Milbank 212-906-9248

BEST VIEWS IN NOHO

RARE CLASSIC 7 ON CUL-DE-SAC

GREAT POTENTIAL

NoHo. Excl. Rare loft , SNE, full open water tower views, 19 windows, 11’ceil, 4BR, 3Bths, Broadway at Great Jones, inspirational, low maint. $3.65M. WEB# 1090597.

Wendy Maitland 212-317-3660 Susan Green 212-317-3675

51st/Beekman Pl. Excl. Renov 3BR, 3Bth w/ FDR & maids in DM Co-op. S facing in Grt cond w/hi ceil, oak flrs, CAC & wbfp. W/D maids & pets ok. $2.995M. WEB# 1097768.

Steven V. Parrino 212-906-9322 William Blind 212-317-7717

70s/East. Excl. Light and Bright 3BR plus maids. Hi floor. White glove prewar Co-op.

All original details in tact. LR w/wbfp.

Formal DR. Open NSE views. Priced to sell. $2.3M. WEB# 1107831.

Phebe Bowditch 212-906-9238

Jessica Ushan

Kyle Blackmon

Avideh Ghaffari

Fritzi Kallop

Larry Sicular

Toehl Harding

Gary Lacy

We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin.

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Cathy Franklin

Joan Goldberg

ARTS AND CRAFTS MASTERPIECE

EXQUISITE DETAILS

TOWNHOUSE JEWEL

64th/CPW. Excl. Significant and rare.

High floor, 4BR + library, octagonal DR, panoramic park views from 75’ balcony.

Great light, high ceilings, amazing details in desirable Co-op. $14.5M. WEB# 1111675.

Norah Burden 212-588-5617

70s/Park. Excl. Candela bldg. Rarely avail.

LR & libr w/wbfp, FDR, 3/4MBR+maids.

5Bths+powder rm. Chef’s EIK! Prvt elev.

Exclnt Cond. $10.95M. WEB# 1105434.

Mary L. Fitzgibbons 212-906-9259 John Burger 212-906-9274

80th/East. Excl. Impeccably renovated, 4 story + basement, 5 bedroom, 5 baths, 2 powder rooms, chef’s kit, beautiful garden. $10.9. WEB# 1116494.

Rina I. Schafman 212-906-9220

John Burger

Nancy Candib

Edward Joseph

AMAZING PENTHOUSE TRIPLEX

RIVERBANK PENTHOUSE

GRAND TRIBECA LOFT

SoHo. Excl. Perfection on every level! PW Condo PH w/3BR, 3.5Bths, LR, DR, media room & 3 terraces. High ceilings & excellent light on all 3 floors. $6.6M. WEB# 1115466.

Samuel Thomas Milbank 212-906-9248 Edward F. Johnston, III 212-906-9284

West Village. Excl. Unique and rare 3 story PH triplex offers 3 to 4BR, 3 prvt terrace and Hudson views, wbfp, 3.5 baths, 4 zone AC at 4,120 gross SF. $4.75M. WEB# 1110779.

Nic Bottero 212-317-3664 Erin Boisson Aries 212-317-3680

Tribeca. Excl. Stunning loft! 3BR(cnvt 4) 3.5 bath approx 4,021SF,10FT ceilings, classic columns, exposed brick walls, sleek modern open kit, great Tribeca value! $1,043/SF. $4.195M. WEB# 1116493.

Judith A. Furgiuele, CFA 212-588-5693

Irene Lowenkron

Sally Hallows

James Perez

HI FLOOR 1BR CONDO VALUE

CONDO - NO BRD APP

POST WAR GEM

Fifth Ave. Excl. Approx 1,187SF 1.5 marble baths, city/park views. Top building w/ all services, gym, party room, roof terrace. $2.15M. WEB# 1077048.

Linda De Luca 212-906-9208 Corinne Vitale 212-906-9249

59th/Sutton Pl. Excl. World class view from every rm. All renovd w/designer Kit. LR, DR, crown moldings, mrbl flrs. FS bldg, garage, gym, pets, pied-a terres OK. Near shopping, restaurants. $1.995M. WEB# 1106032.

Suzanne Hebron 212-317-7703

70s/West. Excl. Sparkling renovn of overszd 1BR, lrg dining L, facing S, white parquet floors, open kit, Waterworks bth, gigantic clset, triple mint. $725K. WEB# 1116149.

Janet Garson Gifford 212-588-5623 David Anderson 212-588-5618

Beth Hirsch

Brian Manning

We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin.

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The Centurion

The entrance to The Centurion at 33 West 56th Street.

The Centurion

O

Coming home to a work of art

nly a handful of new buildings can be described as architecturally significant works of art. The Centurion, a luxury condominium residence designed by internationally renowned architect I. M. Pei, in a rare collaboration with his son Sandi Pei’s Pei Partnership Architects, stands among them as its pinnacle.

This sleek and understated masterpiece at 33 West 56th Street, just off Fifth Avenue, is truly a hidden gem, and it is a marvel both inside and out. Outside, its clean limestone façade both grabs and soothes the eye with 17 stories of steeped, gracefully cascading terraces. Inside, its fortunate residents come home to an island of serenity, sophisticated elegance and the utmost in quality design and materials.

“The Centurion masterfully balances art with functionality, making it not only a home to a select few but also a unique experience onto itself,” says Julius Schwarz, president of the Board of Managers for the Centurion Condominium Board. “It has a reserved, understated elegance that is quiet and respectful, yet has all of the comforts one would expect in a building of this caliber.”

Just steps away from Central Park and some of the city’s best shopping and dining establishments and cultural institutions, “The Centurion offers its residents the best of both worlds: a calm oasis in the epicenter of one of the world’s most vibrant cities,” Schwarz says.

Just to enter the lobby is to be immediately enveloped in a deep sense of tranquil luxury. The exquisitely designed space features a

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floor and one continuous wall of Magny du Louvre limestone, accented by finishes of blonde Anigre wood, decorative marbles and rich leathers.

Behind a full glass wall is a beautiful and serene water garden, which manages to be both thoroughly contemporary and utterly timeless. There is even an original Picasso to be enjoyed near the two passenger elevators.

The building contains just 48 spacious one-of-a-kind residences, which range The Centurion’s state-ofthe-art kitchens feature natural oak cabinets, teak floors and thick solid glass countertops.

The peaceful water garden glimpsed through the lobby.

A typical master bath at The Centurion with polished marble floor, custom wood vanity and dual white sinks by Kohler.

from one-to-four bedrooms, and from 750 to 3,400 square feet. Virtually every unit has its own distinct floor plan; a few are duplexed, 13 have terraces and three are penthouses. Here too, the materials used are of the highest quality. All primary rooms have teak floors, while bathrooms and powder rooms feature marble, limestone or porcelain floors. Ceiling heights never dip below 10 feet, and sometimes soar to 17 feet. Pricing for these units begins at around $2.5 million and ranges up to more than $10 million.

Apart from the magnificence of the architecture and the precision of the design, The Centurion offers amenities that combine to give its residents a lifestyle known only by a privileged few.

These include white glove concierge and superintendent services, comparable to those found in luxury hotels, a private on-premises garage attended 24 hours a day, a private exercise center and ground level professional offices.

In Spring 2010, Prudential Douglas Elliman’s Bracha Group, led by broker Ilan Bracha, was named the exclusive New York sales and marketing agency for The Centurion. Additionally, Douglas Elliman Property Management was also recently brought on to operate and maintain the building in world class fashion. “We continue to see strong attraction to this building from both domestic buyers looking for the perfect Manhattan home, and international buyers who travel to New York for business and need a secondary residence,” says Bracha. “All of these buyers understand the timelessness that has been achieved. The Centurion transcends the ups and downs of the market at any given point in time.”

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real estate

The view from a terrace of The Centurion.

“The Centurion offers its residents the best of both worlds: a calm oasis in the epicenter of one of the world’s most vibrant cities.”

—Julius Schwarz

Living rooms in Centurion condominiums feature double height windows, spectacular views and an ingenious use of space.

On the market just since Spring 2009, The Centurion has drawn discerning buyers from all over the world. About half of the units have already been purchased.

Because each apartment is unique, and there are so few of them, each is, in a sense, a collectible work of art you can live in, in a building destined to be a landmark.

These elite buyers are willing to pay for quality, having spent an average of $3,000 per square foot, perhaps the highest price per square foot dollar in Manhattan. “The building is similar to the people it attracts,” says Schwarz. “It attracts sophisticated, cultured, understated buyers who want to live luxuriously within the context of a great city.” Many of the buyers are European, he adds, and know Pei’s work from the Pyramid at the Louvre. There are also many Asian buyers familiar with Pei’s work and background.

I.M. Pei, the Pritzker-prize winning architect behind The Pyramid structure at the Louvre in Paris, the John F. Kennedy Library in Boston, the Bank of China Tower in Hong Kong as well as the Four Seasons Hotel in New York, came out of retirement to work on the project with his son Sandi Pei, co-founder of Pei Partnership Architects.

Established in 1992 by Sandi and his brother, C.C. Pei, the firm is known for such renowned projects as the MIT Arts + Media Technologies Facilities in Cambridge, MA, the Bank of China Head Office Building in Beijing and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Washington, DC. The Pei trademark design is evident not only in the simple grandeur of the five “lantern” style, floor-to-ceiling windows, elegantly clean lines and Zen-like water garden behind the lobby, but in the careful choice of materials. The building is constructed with Chamesson limestone imported from Burgundy, France which contains a warm beige color that I. M. Pei envisioned. It is the same limestone used in the Louvre Pyramid.

The Centurion is the only ground-up residential building in New York designed by Pei Partnership Architects with I.M. Pei. It’s obvious that New York City is a place for which I.M. Pei has great affection. “New York is the most exciting city in the world,” he has said. “It pulsates with energy. It is constantly changing, and I am here with the change.” ✦

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MAGNIFICENT PENTHOUSE

SPRAWLING 9 ROOM PENTHOUSE CONDO

MINT PREWAR 3 BEDROOM CONDO

E 58th St. Magical views of Central Park & the entire city from 37 windows. 30’ corner LR, media room, fabulous 4 BRs, 4.5 baths, eat-in kitchen.

Flawless renovation. $22.7M WEB# 1996118

E 85th St/Third Ave. Impeccable 5 BR/6.5 bath home. 25’ entry gallery. Great room with 11’7” ceils.

N,E,S views. MBR suite w/fireplace & his/her baths.

WEIK. New luxury bldg. $10M WEB# 1984996

E 63rd St. 6 rooms. Gut reno high floor, 2 terraces, views E/W/N, 3.5 baths, formal dining room, Crestron system, moldings, great floor plan, sunny, chef’s Kit. Just reduced to $5.7M WEB# 1668428

M. Pashby 212.893.1436, D. Grubman 212.836.1055

Michael Spodek 212.323.3232

Dennis R. Hughes 212.836.1037

TOWNHOUSE- 2 APARTMENTS

INGENIOUS DESIGN

LOFTY AND LARGE

E 69th St. 11 rooms. Priced to sell. Triplex apt 2 BR/2 bath + duplex apartment 2 BR/2 baths with garden. Excellent condition. Beautiful block.

Fantastic possibilities. $4.4M WEB# 1992244

E 60s. 1st offering. Move right in. Live comfortably and graciously in this 100% gut renovated townhouse. 4 bedroom/4.5 bath with two gardens and a huge terrace. $5.15M WEB# 1960411

Flatiron/E 19th St. Floor through loft, 3,400 SF+/-, renovated chef’s kitchen and baths (2.5), 2 BRs. Can add 3rd bedroom. Brick walls, columns, central air conditioning. Ask $3.85M WEB# 1969658

Dennis R. Hughes 212.836.1037

Thomas Wexler 212.360.2288

Dennis R. Hughes 212.836.1037

ELEGANT TERRACE

PENTHOUSE HIDEAWAY

ENCHANTING PATIO

Park Ave. 5 rooms. Terraced apartment in elegant, full hotel service prewar Park Avenue co-op.

Spacious and light with gracious terrace. Will want updating. $2.5M WEB# 1966226

Park Ave/E 60s. 2 MBRs. Awesome property in hotel-service bldg. Very high ceilings; 100 foot wrap terrace; W/D; 5 day a week maid service; gym. Truly a deal at only $1.995M WEB# 1377276

E 70s/Third Ave. Sleek, tranquil big 1 BR with large home office, walk-in closet, and private outdoor space; top full service co-op, best location, XXX mint move-in condition. $695K WEB# 1946281

John Edwards 212.759.7353

Amy Singer 212.836.1052

Gina Serman 212.605.9257

Equal Housing Opportunity. The Corcoran Group is a licensed real estate broker. Owned and operated by NRT LLC.

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BLUEPRINT FOR SUCCESS THE TALENT BEHIND SOME OF THE MOST IMPRESSIVE HOMES IN NEW YORK AND BEYOND

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Greg Yale Illumination BLUEPRINT FOR SUCCESS

What’s your area of expertise?

As a lighting designer I have a subtle approach. I use light as a wash to enhance that which others might not see. Listening to the client and his or her needs is of upmost importance. A landscape can be traditional or contemporary. I am comfortable working in both styles and each project is totally unique. I am also very passionate about my work, even after 27 years.

How do you create the perfect environment?

I first observe the most important aspects of the space and really listen. I am respectful of the fact that lighting should enhance an environment, not create it.

One of my first clients had a wall of arborvitae against the back of his pool with no any obvious means to light it. I observed a three-foot overhang on the third floor of the house and suggested framing projectors which are typically used to frame artwork inside and mounted them to the attic. We then cut templates to outline the entire wall of hedge to dramatic effect.

More recently, a client with a large penthouse terrace in New York City, wanted a unique hanging pendant for his Pergola, but couldn’t find one that would stand up to strong winds. We designed a stationary chandelier on a heavy bronze arm and used electrified candle wall sconces of our own design in a star formation. The resulting design is reminiscent of more delicate interior fixtures, but with all the mechanical components necessary to stand up to the elements.

What was your most successful or unique project this past year?

I had the pleasure to work with Ina Garten who readers will know as the "Barefoot Contessa” She has a beautiful property in East Hampton. She asked me to create an outdoor entertaining space with a combination of subtle light, standing outdoor lamps, a huge fire bowl and outdoor candle sconces. There’s nothing better than walking barefoot with Ina in her outdoor environment at night.

Truly unique, and especially enjoyable when she cooks for you.

Have you noticed any recent trends in your industry?

The technology for LED will change lighting as we know it today. I have developed a line of LED products with my own patented reflective color.

GREG YALE ILLUMINATION 27 Henr y Road ■ Southhampton, N.Y. 631.287.2132 ■ greg@gregyale.com

What do your clients consider the most valuable part of your work?

Individualized designs. A third of the custom lamps we produce are created specifically for clients to suit their needs. We take into account all of the nuances of their spaces: architecture, landscape, interior design and their personal use of the space.

Another aspect of our work that clients really respond to is what I call ‘shadow sculpting’: the ability to create shadows, depth and warmth through lighting. We create new spaces under the stars that a client may have never imagined. Lastly, our very keen respect of the guidelines of the International Dark-Sky Association is valued by both our clients and our professional peers. I am a lifetime member.

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California Closets BLUEPRINT FOR SUCCESS

What’s your area of expertise?

Our expertise is our ability to customize a unit to a customer’s exact needs and/or requests, no matter how unconventional they are. We have a team of designers that think outside the box and engineers that find a way to build it. Because of our manufacturing capabilities, we can offer a variety of solutions for any space that “just isn’t working.”

How do you create the perfect environment?

The perfect environment, much like closets, is all in the organization. If the process is organized well, the ease with which a customer goes through that process with you is why they choose your product or service.

What was your most successful or unique project this past year?

Our most successful project to date is our work for The Visionaire, a newly built eco-friendly high-rise in Battery Park City. The entire 245-unit building permitted only LEED-certified materials, so it required lots of planning and creative design ideas. We needed to provide the customer with a selection of eco-friendly finishes and styles that were also affordable. The Visionaire project was a success because of our ability to simplify the product selection offered to the customer, and our commitment to installing before the customer moved in.

Have you noticed any recent trends in your industry?

Through our research for new ideas, we’ve noticed a trend in textured finishes. There is a huge variety of textures and colors available. Customers want an upgraded look to the traditional melamine offered, and so we have introduced Bamboo and Linen. Each of the finishes are modern and elegant.

What distinguishes you from others in your field?

What distinguishes us from others is our research on new products and technology. We recently visited the furniture show in Milan and ICFF show in New York looking for new materials, finishes and accessories to introduce to our customers. Also, our investment in technology really shows our investment in making the customers experience a convenient one. All of our designers are trained on our ClosetCad software, whereby the customer can view 3-D renderings of their system before they purchase. This process ensures that the customer is involved in their design, knows exactly what their system will look like and allows our designer to offer many variations to the customer.

CALIFORNIA CLOSETS 1625 York Avenue ■ 26 Varick Street ■ 646.486.3905 ■

New York, N.Y. New York, N.Y.

californiaclosets.com

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Sotheby’s International Realty Christina M. Galesi, Vice President BLUEPRINT FOR SUCCESS

What makes a top broker?

Experience, relationships, market knowledge, a 24-7 work ethic and a great attitude!

How do you distinguish yourself?

I specialize in matching buyers and sellers with high-end properties and have established my career with a history of negotiating record-breaking waterfront sales in the Hamptons, ranging from $7.5 million to $29.9 million. My clients often say that, in addition to my understanding of this market and my relentless attention to hour-to-hour market activity on a daily basis, they know that I am always working on their behalf.

Watermill, asking price $5,395,000

Whether it’s developing a cutting-edge marketing campaign for a seller, or reaching out through my relationships to identify properties that are not even formally on the market—it’s this kind of outside-the-box thinking that they really appreciate. I have been a native of Manhattan and the Hamptons for more than 40 years, and the extensive relationships I have nurtured over this time often prove crucial when it suddenly becomes necessary to “move mountains” for a client.

I love what I do, and my clients say that I am always positive and fun to work with. But more than anything else, they value my honesty. I always tell them what they need to hear, not necessarily what they want me to say. I’m in this business for the long haul, so I pride myself not on my yearly income, but on my reputation. My clients will tell you that I have found houses for them well below their original budgets. I really care about my clients. I listen to them and help them learn about the market and make wise financial choices.

What was your most successful deal this year?

In the first quarter of this year, I was successful in bringing to contract the pre-finish purchase of a stunning, brand new house in Sagaponack that was on the market for nearly $15 million. It was conceived and built by one of the best developers out here. It’s normally very difficult to sell a house under construction, but given the developer’s stellar track record of building a first-class product and the market-savvy buyer’s vision, it was a win-win situation.

What was your proudest moment as a broker?

East Hampton, asking price $3,395,000

SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY 50 Nugent Street ■ Southampton, N.Y. 917.969.0532 christina.galesi@sothebyshomes.com

When the president and C.E.O. of NRT, Sotheby’s parent company, informed me that I was ranked among the top 2 percent of NRT’s entire 46,000-member sales force, which includes every sales associate from Sotheby’s International Realty, Corcoran and Coldwell Banker, among other international agencies.

What is the most exciting part of your job?

After the job is done, seeing how happy my clients are. That always reminds me that this is what I was meant to do.

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RO G E R E R I C K S O N

DISTINCTIVE P R O P E R T I E S

1010 FIFTH AVENUE: Triple-mint 9-room apartment with Central Park views, huge living room with wood-burning fireplace, 3 large bedrooms, library, maid’s room. $9,950,000. WEB: A0015886

TERRACE AND RIVER VIEWS: Huge loft-like 3-bedroom plus maid’s with views and wrap terrace in triple mint condition. 3700± sq ft interior, 520± sq ft terrace. $4,950,000. WEB: A0016952

THE SHERRY NETHERLAND-21ST FLOOR SUITE: Reduced 25% for immediate sale.

Prized corner suite with stellar Park views. Superbly romantic. $4,500,000 WEB: A0017106.

TERRACED GEM – TOP MADISON AVENUE BUILDING: One of Manhattan’s most precious terraced apartments with spectacular views. 2 bedrooms, $1,695,000 WEB: A0016912.

PIERRE HOTEL: Rare entire tower floor, mint condition, 5,000± sq. ft., spectacular views, $25,000,000. WEB: A0016598

EAST SIDE MANHATTAN BROKERAGE I sothebyshomes.com/nyc 38 EAST 61ST STREET NEW YORK, NY 10065 T 212.606.7660 F 212.606.7661 ROGER ERICKSON SENIOR MANAGING DIRECTOR I T 212.606.7612 I www.roger-erickson.com Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. is owned and operated by NRT LLC. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark.

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NIKKI FIELD

D I S T I N C T I V E P R O P E R T I E S

Hotel des Artistes

Elegance on the East River

United Nations Plaza

nikkifield.com

$7,500,000

$24,500,000

$4,995,000

EAST SIDE BROKERAGE I sothebyshomes.com/nyc 38 EAST 61ST STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10065

NIKKI FIELD SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, ASSOCIATE BROKER T 212.606.7669 I NikkiF ield.com I nikki.field@sothebyshomes.com Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. is owned and operated by NRT LLC. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark.

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DELPHINE BARGUIRDJIAN

Jewelry designer Yael Sonia creates intricate, sophisticated pieces that please the eye and appeal to the child within

ALMIR PASTORE

Beauty T in Motion

hough jewelry is usually considered a work of art meant to be admired and not touched, Yael Sonia’s approach is somewhat different. Inspired by the movement of children’s toys, Yael Sonia’s signature jewelry swings, rolls, spins and chimes, coming alive with the wearer. “The excitement derived from children’s toys is truly an inspiration,” says Yael. “I’ve always enjoyed the interactive side of things.”

Born to French parents and raised in Sao Paolo and New York, Yael began sketching jewelry as a teenager. When for her 16th birthday her mother had one of her drawings turned into ring, Yael’s fate was sealed. “Jewelry is always linked back to the occasion, so it’s more than just decoration. There is always another level to it,” Yael explains.

True to her multicultural upbringing, Yael Sonia divides her time between Sao Paulo, New York and Paris, selling her innovative jewelry in each of these major cities. But her collections, especially the Perpetual Motion series, seem to belong in a gallery rather than a store. So it comes as no surprise that in addition to Yael’s Madison Avenue boutique, her jewelry can be found in art galleries in both Paris

Spinning Top pendant in 18-karat yellow gold with quartz.

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Local Experts Worldw ide

MANHATTAN PROPERTIES

MANSION ON CPW: Contemporary with doubleheight parlor floor. 12,270± sq.ft., 5 bedrooms, 60’ lap pool, media room. $32,000,000. WEB: A0135126.

Mara Flash Blum, 212.431.2447

120 E 70TH ST: Superb neo-Federal style townhouse. 10,000± sq ft, 16 rooms, 11’ ceilings, 9 bedrooms, 8 fireplaces, elevator, 3 terraces, garden. $28,000,000. WEB: A0016387. L. Beit, 212.606.7703

1 EAST 94TH STREET: Impeccably and recently renovated 25’-wide, 6 story limestone mansion with full car garage. Flooded with sunlight. $28,000,000.

WEB: A0017040. Serena Boardman, 212.606.7611

13 EAST 94TH STREET: Beautifully-renovated

TIME WARNER: Spectacular 3-bedroom duplex

20’-wide 5-bedroom townhouse. Sun-filled with high ceilings and a lovely garden. $15,500,000 WEB: A0017088 Serena Boardman, 212.606.7611

with exhilarating views. Triple-mint 5-star services. $7,500,000. WEB: A0016228. Anne Corey, 212.606.7733, Uni Kim Cregan, 212.606.7659

31 SUTTON PLACE: Beautifully renovated home with high ceilings, landscaped garden, English basement, 5 bedrooms. $7,500,000. WEB: A0017102.

Pauline Evans Team, 212.400.8740

90 WEST BROADWAY: Extraordinary value.

Penthouse duplex with 74 windows, 7,000± sq ft interior, 1,850± roof top terrace. $6,995,000. WEB: A0015873. Roberta Golubock, 212.606.7704

CHELSEA PENTHOUSE: 125 West 21st Street.

Rare duplex with 2 bedrooms, 2 baths and 836± sq ft rooftop terrace. 11’ ceilings, wonderful amenities. $2,695,000. WEB: A0017079. Eric Malley, 212.606.7625

180 RIVERSIDE DRIVE: Large classic 7-room co-op with corner living room, 3 bedrooms, high ceilings. $2,200,000 WEB: A0017083. G. Devlin, 212.606.7729, L. Summers, 212.606.7789

300 EAST 93RD STREET: Spectacular open, river

270 WEST END AVENUE: Elegant 5-room pre-

159 WEST 78TH STREET: Museum block brown-

and city views. Beautiful 3-bedroom condo with balcony, marble and wood floors. $1,875,000 WEB: A0017086. Robin Rothman, 212.606.7751

war co-op with 2 bedrooms, 2 baths. 10’ ceilings, large windows. $1,850,000 WEB: A0017105. Allison Koffman, Juliette Janssens, 212.606.7670

stone floor-thru with south-facing private roof deck. $1,149,000 WEB: A0017089. Matt Perceval 212.606.7790, Jake Fay, 212.606.7602

MANHATTAN BROKERAGES I sothebyshomes.com/nyc EAST SIDE 38 EAST 61ST STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10065 T 212.606.7660 F 212.606.7661 DOWNTOWN 379 WEST BROADWAY, NEW YORK, NY 10012 T 212.431.2440 F 212.431.2441 Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. is owned and operated by NRT LLC. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark. Street in Saintes-Maries, used with permission.

shoptalk Yael Sonia

Right: Swinging Circles necklace, ring and earrings Below: Drops in Motion Earrings in 18-karat white gold with Tahitian pearls and diamonds

and Brazil. Since launching her career 13 years ago, Yael’s talents have earned international recognition. Awarded the National Revelation Award Tahitian Pearl Trophy in 2000, as well as the Intertional Design Award in Tahitian Pearl Trophy in 2002, Yael has exhibited her work in world-renowned shows and galleries throughout Europe, Brazil and the US. Yael launched her first Platinum Collection this past month during the Jewels in Bloom event hosted by the Madison Avenue BID. Featuring diamonds and tourmaline, this collection includes her first bridal pieces. Yael also plans to create custom pieces stemming from thhis collection. “This is a whole new market for me,” she says. “Whereas my other pieces are all about movement and design, the Platinum Collection is more about the intrinsic quality of the pieces.”

THREE QUESTIONS FOR

YAEL SONIA Designer

Have you noticed a difference in preference between your New York, Paris and Brazilian clients?

YAEL SONIA: My customers come from all over the world,

but I think that both New Yorkers and Brazilians are more willing to take risks when it comes to fashion and jewelry.

The Perpetual Motion collection does very well in New York and Sao Paolo. Parisians are not as independent and assertive when it comes to their jewelry. My Rock Collection does very well in France—it’s colorful and fashionable, and that appeals to Parisians the most.

Where do you find the stones for your pieces?

YS: I use Brazilian stones mostly—quartz, citrine, aquamarine,

tourmaline—as well as some precious stones like rubies and emeralds. I like to use diamonds as accents, too. I work closely with a small workshop that cuts the stones for me so that each one is exclusive tor my pieces. The stones cut for my Spinning Top collection were specifically tailored to my vision.

Any exciting projects on the horizon?

YS: I’m setting up a studio in Brazil to get back to the

Faceted Brilliant Fancy Ring and pendants in 18-karat gold with Brazilian gemstones

workbench, since I haven’t had much time since the opening of the store. I’m very excited to get back to creating new pieces.

I’d like to start working on tabletop-scale sculptures, as well as other more personal pieces that I don’t commercialize. ✦

OTHER JEWELRY: ALMIR PASTORE; PORTRAIT: ANTONIO RIBEIRO

“Jewelry is always linked back to the occassion, so it’s much more than just decoration.”

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