The Residences at the New Jumeirah Essex House | Photography by Scott Costanzo

The recently-renovated Jumeirah Essex House is a part of the National Trust for Historic Hotels of America and is a 44-story luxury hotel/condo building. Located on 160 Central Park South and built in 1929 it was formerly known as the Park Tower.

Its six-story, neon red sign was erected in 1932 in celebration of its reopening and new ownership/name and has been there ever since, rising above Central Park.

Known for decades for its style and sophistication, this luxury building carries the same reputation today. Although it’s passed through several owners throughout the years, it maintains a timeless grace and offers guests and permanent residences amenities and luxury living that’s standard in a hotel of this caliber.

In January of 2006, Dubai Investment Group purchased the then, Essex House, that included a $100 million investment. Refurbishing all public spaces and guest rooms, 35 of the Essex House’s 500 plus units were converted to one to three bedroom luxury condominiums and range in size from 700 to 3,500 square feet.

The international luxury hotel chain, Jumeirah Group, took over the management of the Jumeirah Essex House at the same time and the architectural firm of Costas Kondylis and Partners, LLP and designers from Hirsch Bedner Associates were chosen for its reconstruct and redesign. Renovation was complete in October of 2007.

Their combined efforts resulted in the art-deco styled building becoming one of the most luxurious spaces for Central South Park living. You’re within strolling distance to Central Park, MOMA, Broadway shows, Madison and Fifth Avenues and Lincoln Center.

The building boasts a new marquee reflecting its new name and the dramatic lobby faces Central Park on one end and extends to 58th Street. Definitely in keeping with its original design, marble columns flank each side of the long, narrow lobby with checkered marble flooring and coffered ceilings. Elevators reflect the original late 20s and 30s art deco style with etchings in gold.

Photography by ©nevergiveupkids

In addition, the lobby contains modern photographs of Central Park by Atta Kim and images from the Museum of the City of New York’s archives. The five-star hotel/condo building takes it a step further with a “Artists in Residence” program. In November of this year, award-winning artist, photographer and author, Allison Wright, displayed her work in the South Gate Gallery.

Designer Tony Chi is responsible for South Gate’s design, the restaurant that opened in 2008. It’s received rave reviews and MICHELIN and Zagat gave it top marks as well. Executive Chef Kerry Heffernan serves up his signature dishes, known as “seasonally-inspired modern American cuisine.” In July of this year, South Gate was the first New York City restaurant to introduce custom wireless iPad wine tablets to educate diners about their 650 bottle collection of fine wines.

Permanent residents has access to the same amenities as Jumeirah Essex House’s hotel guests and are offered as à la carte services. They include private masseuse/masseur, room and maid service and valet parking and other on-call services. Utilities, use of spa/health club, business center and concierge services are included in the monthly common charges.

The luxury condos have what a UK-based luxury magazine described as a “muted colour [sic] scheme with an aura of transatlantic cruiseliner suggesting the golden era of travel.” I can liken it somewhat to that description plus its floor-to-ceiling windows, coffered ceilings and pale, herringboned floors are standard in every unit. Some have French doors (including master suites) with magnificent views of Central Park and they’re all pet-friendly.

If you or your pet needs turn-down service, it’s a phone call away. They’ve partnered with Amy Kizer, “doggie designer to the stars” and owner of New York’s Wagwear to offer residents and guests over-the-top luxury living for their pets.

Currently, there’s 20 active listings at Jumeirah Essex House, one of which The Bracha Group represents; Others range in size and price from a one-bedroom (724 square feet) listed at $849K to a two-bedroom (1,800 square feet) listed at $4.5 million.

For more info about The Residences at Jumeirah Essex House or to schedule a viewing, contact me or my team at (212) 830-3700 or visit our website to view all of our listings at www.kwnyc.com.

Got a real estate question or would you like more info about a New York City apartment building? Let me know by leaving your comment/question and I’ll devote a blog to it.

The Residences at the New Jumeirah Essex House | Photography & Renderings: @ Scott Costanzo

Sources:
Berke, Arnold. A Walk in the Park. National Trust for Historic Preservation. Aug 1, 2008.
Press release: South Gate becomes first New York City Restaurant to Launch Custom Designed iPad Wine Tablets. July 19, 2010.
Jureirah Essex House. Sleeper Magazine. Issue 21 November/December 2008.
Donoghue, Katy. Alison Wright @ Jureirah Essex House. Whitewall Contemporary Art and Lifestyle Magazine. Oct 25, 2010. (Accessed 21 Dec 2010).
Press release: A Dog’s Delight: Jumeirah Essex House Announces Exclusive “Canine Turndown Program.”. (Accessed 21 Dec 2010).

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