Abode2 explores, The Cortland, in the West Chelsea neighbourhood of New York City, the first collaboration between these two leading US architecture firms and bringing together their distinct architectural styles; RAMSA's limestone classicism and Olson Kundig's West Coast modernism
The luxury condominium building designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects, with interiors by Olson Kundig, is the first partnership between the world-renowned architectural firms and reflects their signature styles, shared dedication to craftsmanship, and deep understanding of how people want to live. Located at 555 West 22nd Street, The Cortland’s remarkable location across from Hudson River Park offers the rare opportunity to enjoy both park and river views.
The Cortland’s intricate façade features a mix of limestone, brick, and metal detailing and uses over one million hand-made and hand-laid bricks. "We have drawn on West Chelsea’s historic mix of robust brick and industrial architecture infusing The Cortland’s exterior with character, warmth and texture while fitting comfortably into the fabric of the neighbourhood," said Robert A.M. Stern, Founder and Senior Partner of Robert A.M. Stern Architects. Large slabs of LaSalle limestone used on the façade evoke more classical design elements, and contrast with the warm textured hues of the hand-laid “five-color brick blend” bricks and the project’s decorative bronze metal detailing and riveted bay windows that echo the structural cross-ties on the nearby High Line, and allude to New York City’s industrial beginnings.
The Cortland is the first large-scale multi-unit project on the East Coast with interiors by Olson Kundig, the Seattle-based architecture firm beloved for their warm and inviting minimalism and use of kinetic architectural elements in their work. The Cortland’s interiors reflect Olson Kundig’s refined West Coast aesthetic – sophisticated, luxurious, and comfortable.
Offering 144 expansive residences and nearly 20,000 square feet of tailored amenities and services, the building focuses on health and comfort, forward-looking technology, and elevated operation, while continuing Related Companies’ legacy of excellence in high-design residential development. The expansive residences at The Cortland were uniquely crafted to take advantage of the building’s waterfront location. Homes at The Cortland feature high ceilings, and numerous multifunctional spaces providing flexibility throughout. Open-plan living and dining areas feature oak wood flooring in addition to floor-to-ceiling windows that invite residents to enjoy stunning views of the Hudson River. Marble fireplaces designed by Olson Kundig and outdoor terraces are also available in select homes.
Using a sophisticated mix of stone, metal and wood, The Cortland features an exclusive brick motor court accessible via a limestone archway. The motor court features lush landscaping and is staffed 24 hours, providing residents with around-the-clock access to the project’s on-site private parking. Once indoors, The Cortland’s double-height lobby is lined with Italian marble and paldao wood, giving it a warm and soothing feeling. The space is anchored by a bespoke Olson Kundig-designed kinetic wheel operated fireplace with the Monumental Cloud Series Light Sculpture “Stratus”, a bronze and onyx light fixture by German Sculptor Markus Haase commissioned exclusively for The Cortland and featured in a solo exhibition at Design Miami Basel in Switzerland, at its centre.
The building will also offer tailored programming and exclusive benefits and services through the unparalleled Related Life platform run by dedicated lifestyle experts for a hospitality-driven living experience. Adjacent to the lobby is The Cortland’s free-flowing event lounge, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and a bronze metal panelled fireplace. With a dedicated back-of-house catering kitchen, the multi-functional area transforms into the perfect space for every occasion, whether an intimate dinner party or a larger event. Residents also have access to a private rooftop terrace featuring multiple seating and grilling areas, a VR room for enjoying the latest VR content and a screening room that can also double as a performance space complete with a stage and backstage area.
The Cortland’s health and wellness amenities include a 11,200 square foot health club with a 75-foot lap pool, a private wood-lined yoga and fitness studio, a Pilates studio, an accredited “Harrow Court” squash court that can also can be used to play basketball, and the “Crow’s Nest” lounge, which features a golf simulator and sitting area with bar, offering residents an immersive virtual gaming experience with access to over 84 golf courses, and other engaging sports, such as baseball, hockey, soccer, dodgeball, and many more. The club’s spa-amenities include men’s and women’s infrared sauna and steam rooms, and a wood-lined treatment room.
The building also features a number of dedicated spaces for all ages including “Sandbox Powered by Related,” a STEAM-focused maker space to create, invent, and learn; a double-height “Beluga Pod” Children’s Playroom, a colourfully immersive two-level children’s playroom that draws inspiration from the marine environment that defines the western edge of Manhattan, as well as whale sightings in the river; a game room with lounge seating and activities including ping pong, foosball, and shuffleboard; and a leisure pool, a child-friendly pool with a glass portal looking up into the children’s playroom.
Located in one of New York City’s most in-demand neighbourhoods, The Cortland reflects everything West Chelsea is beloved for: a world-famous art scene, culinary destinations, retail, diverse lifestyle attractions, and striking contemporary architecture. The neighbourhood is adjacent to vibrant destinations including NYC’s most famous park, the High Line, Hudson River Park, a 550-acre oasis along the Hudson River, Little Island at Pier 55, Hudson Yards, and more. The Cortland features a mix of studio to five-bedroom residences, and an assortment of expansive penthouses. Related Sales LLC and CORE Group are the exclusive co-sales and marketing agents for the project. Occupancy is slated for Summer 2022.
The lobby at 1251 Avenue of the Americas by FXCollaborative Architects ushers in a future-forward sensibility, combining crisp glamour and warm grandeur.
Mitsui Fudosan America has signed or renewed three tenants at 1251 Avenue of the Americas in deals totaling almost 200,000 square feet.
