Texture Magazine - Issue 4

"The interiors at Charlie West transport you to another place and exude a relaxed vibe, with a very sophisticated palate. From the moment you step into the lounge-like lobby, with its sumptuous natural materials and dark urban tones, and move on to the scenic pool with its serene spa-like feel, one could easily believe that they are in a boutique hotel in Miami, rather than a luxury condominium in Hell's Kitchen," says Escobar, Senior Partner and Design Principal at his eponymous firm.

While original plans called for two stand-alone buildings, the ODA team was able to approach the design with an innovative perspective, creating one holistic living experience by way of a uniquely designed bike storage room. By integrating a connecting path between the buildings with a 44-foot-long glass enclosed bike room, ODA was able to centralize the amenities and create a more spacious environment for residents without doubling up on lobbies, mail rooms and elevator banks.

“The bike room in the courtyard area between the two buildings acts as a connecting corridor, which allowed us to create one unifying development, rather than two separate towers,” said Christian Bailey, Principal at ODA. “By creatively working within the constraints of the zoning laws, we were able to maximize common areas and recreational spaces that knit the building together to allow for a more communal and connected lifestyle.”

Reflecting the vibrancy of 43rd Street, residents can enjoy various amenities including an indoor pool with open-air access, the 6,000 square-foot landscaped private courtyard, a contemporary children’s playroom, a state-of-the-art fitness centre flooded with sunlight, and a translucent glass-enclosed “bike box” that reimagines typical bike storage as an innovative architectural centrepiece.

LOCATION: New York, USA ARCHITECTS: ODA Architecture SURFACE AREA: ±20,210 SQ. FT BUDGET: USD $82 M NUMBER OF UNITS: 130