Charlie West – Manhattan’s highly anticipated residential development in Hell’s Kitchen is now complete. With architecture by ODA and interiors by Andres Escobar, Design Principal at Lemay + Escobar, the new, ground-up condominium’s design teams collectively succeeded in creating an urban oasis at 505 W. 43rd Street. ODA created what would otherwise have been two stand-alone buildings (with two individual lobbies, two mailrooms and two elevator banks), into one holistic project by way of a uniquely designed bike storage room.
By creating a connected path between the building with a 44 foot long glass enclosed bike room, ODA was able to centralize the amenities and create a more spacious environment for residents. “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 pull the building together to allow for a more communal and connected lifestyle.”
Escobar took the spacious amenities and curated a modern and inviting interior palette for the lounge, pool, space, gym and 120 residences with natural materials, opulent textures, high ceilings and gracious layouts. Upon arrival at Charlie West, the dramatic double-height hotel-style lobby draws one into the industrial-chic designed interior space that dually serves as a curated library and a private residential lounge anchored by a grand fireplace. "The interiors at Charlie West transport you to another place. It has a relaxed vibe, but a very sophisticated palate.
From the moment you step into the lounge-like lobby with its sumptuous natural materials and dark urban tones, to the scenic pool with its serene spa-like feel, one could easily be in a boutique hotel in Miami rather than a luxury condominium in Hell&'s Kitchen," says Escobar. Residences feature floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking midtown and wide oak plank flooring throughout while select residences include private terraces overlooking the courtyard or the city skyline.
The sleek kitchens were custom-designed with Scavolini and feature wood and lacquer cabinetry, and Calacatta Absolute honed Quartz islands, countertops and backsplashes. Master bathrooms are outfitted with Calacatta herringbone marble tile floors complemented by porcelain tile walls, oak and white lacquer wood vanities, Toto fixtures and in select residences, Neptune Alcove or Kohler bathtubs. An indoor pool with open-air access, a 6,000 square-foot landscaped private courtyard, a state-of- the-art fitness center illuminated by sunlight, as well as a translucent glass-enclosed “bike box” that reimagines typical bike storage as an innovative architectural centerpiece.
