THE boom of steel-and-glass condominium buildings rising throughout Manhattan stands in stark contrast to the gracious limestone prewar structures dotting Central Park.
But the adage that they just don’t build ’em like they used to has challenged the Zeckendorf brothers to be the exception, with their latest apartment project at 15 Central Park West.
Bedecked in pricey Indiana limestone, the Robert A. M.Stern-designed two-building complex evokes the prewar era grandeur of neighboring buildings that include the San Remo and El Dorado.
“It’s classical architecture with all the bells and whistles,” says Arthur Zeckendorf,who, along with brother William Lie Zeckendorf, is developing the residences.
And it’s a good thing, since the staff will be doting on owners like Denzel Washington, Sting and NASCAR star Jeff Gordon.
Amenities include two private dining rooms with an in-house chef; a fitness center with a 75-foot pool; climate-controlled wine rooms with a central tasting area; a business center; and a 20-person screening room.
Taking up an abbreviated city block,the complex includes a 20-story building sitting on Central Park West and a second structure of 43 floors called”The Tower,” that fronts Broadway.
Of course, luxury isn’t cheap. Sting paid about $30 million for a 5-bedroom, 51/2-bath duplex with terraces, fireplaces and 12-foot ceilings. Washington paid $12 million for his 3,000- square-foot flat with 3 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, and Goldman Sachs Chief Executive Lloyd Blankfein has shelled out $27 million for something in between.
But the mother of them all is a combined full-floor penthouse spread in the tower measuring 10,200 square feet with a $45 million price.
The buyer is hedge-fund manager Daniel Loeb, whose place includes five bedrooms, 7 ½ baths, servant quarters, media room, library, multiple terraces and 360-degree views.
“This is the most exciting project we’ve ever been a part of,” says Arthur.
“In fact, we’re both moving here!”