New York’s iconic Walker Tower gets a new lease of life
The Walker Tower in Chelsea has been an icon of the New York skyline ever since its completion in 1929 to the design of Ralph Walker - named 'architect of the century' by the New York Times in 1957.
More than half a century on and the Walker Tower has just been gloriously restored by developers Property Markets Group and JDS Development Group, who recently announced the completion of the building's iconic façade. The renovation, carried out by the architecture firm CetraRuddy, concentrated on maintaining the original building's spirit, but at the same time creating a state-of-the-art luxury residential building (the first apartments of which will be finished within weeks). 'Our goal was to ensure that the architecture remained committed to Ralph Walker's original design, and that the new elements we incorporated were based on existing decorative motifs found in the building's entrance and lobby,' said Michael Stern, founder of JDS Development Group.
Walker's work, often intricately embellished with ornaments and different textures, included collaborations with designers and artists, which illustrated his 'humanistic' design approach, aimed at creating a welcoming environment for residents. Following the architect's original vision, the building renovation features a mix of restored brick, new ornamental micro-linen bronze stainless steel panels, newly formed aluminum panels and new oversized tilt-and-turn windows.
Inside, the existing 24-storey building has been reconfigured into 47 residences, some featuring 360-degree views of the Manhattan harbour. More than half of the residences have private terraces, with existing openings enlarged to fully capture the breathtaking views. A 24-hour doorman, concierge, library lounge with bar, children's playroom, fitness centre, sauna and a common decked roof terrace are a few of the amenities the residents will be able to enjoy. It is no surprise that its 5,955-square-foot penthouse was snapped up after less than a month on the market. The penthouse will be ready in December and all the residents are expected to be able to move into the tower early next year.
Walker, also the architect behind the city's Barclay-Vesey Telephone Building and the financial district's art deco Irving Trust bank tower, tirelessly developed the skyscraper typology and also worked on the Chicago and New York World's Fairs in the 1930s. Perfectly timed to coincide with the Walker Tower renovation project, Rizzoli's new tome 'Ralph Walker: Architect of the Century' by Kathryn E. Holliday is the first monograph to fully present the architect's work and vision.
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox
Ellie Stathaki is the Architecture & Environment Director at Wallpaper*. She trained as an architect at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece and studied architectural history at the Bartlett in London. Now an established journalist, she has been a member of the Wallpaper* team since 2006, visiting buildings across the globe and interviewing leading architects such as Tadao Ando and Rem Koolhaas. Ellie has also taken part in judging panels, moderated events, curated shows and contributed in books, such as The Contemporary House (Thames & Hudson, 2018), Glenn Sestig Architecture Diary (2020) and House London (2022).
-
Diptyque opens the doors to an ‘astonishing’ new London home (and you’ll want to move right in)
Diptyque has unveiled Maison Diptyque on New Bond Street, London, an immersive space that captures the storied world of the luxury perfumer
By Hannah Tindle Published
-
A new water mirror casts a misty veil over ancient Roman baths
Architect Hannes Peer reveals a water mirror in Rome – an immersive architectural installation at the heart of the ancient Baths of Caracalla
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Tennis fashion for serving a style ace this summer
The fashion brands serving up tennis style this summer, from Giorgio Armani’s grass court uniform to a Loewe T-shirt from ‘Challengers’, and Gucci’s new campaign starring grand slam champ Jannik Sinner
By Jack Moss Published
-
Ray Kappe's only house outside the US brings California modernism to Berlin
A passionate owner brings Ray Kappe's brand of Californian modernism to Berlin with this new residence; the architect's only home outside the USA
By Craig Kellogg Published
-
Designer Holly Waterfield creates luxurious pied-à-terre in Renzo Piano Manhattan high-rise
A private residence by Holly Waterfield Interior Design in Renzo Piano's skyscraper 565 Broome Soho blends a sense of calm and cosiness with stunning city views
By Léa Teuscher Published
-
Cubitts Mercer Street in New York is a moody ‘treasure box’ of depth and drama
Cubitts Mercer Street opens in New York to a concept by London-based studio Tutto Bene, offering sleek details and moody design
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
A guide to Frank Gehry's architecture: mesmerising, expressive and sometimes controversial
Canadian-American Frank Gehry has earned his position in the hall of fame of contemporary architects through a wealth of groundbreaking designs; here, we explore why, how, and his key projects
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Sunset Islands home ‘is a beauty’, says F1 legend Eddie Irvine
As the Formula One Miami Grand Prix kicks off, we tour Sunset Islands Residence by Strang Design, a Florida home for race legend Eddie Irvine
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
One Domino Square: Brooklyn’s iridescent skyscraper is an Annabelle Selldorf first
We quiz New York architect Annabelle Selldorf on One Domino Square in Williamsburg, her first residential skyscraper, with apartments going on the market today
By Léa Teuscher Published
-
Pioneering Miami residences by Aston Martin aim to capture the imagination
Marek Reichman on the creation of the new Miami residences by Aston Martin, the brand’s new design showpiece
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Shadowbox is a Montana retreat that epitomises rest, reflection and recovery
Shadowbox is a Montana retreat designed by Arizona-based The Ranch Mine as a contextual escape for unique experiences
By Ellie Stathaki Published