Gramercy by Philippe Starck – 340 East 23rd Street

Overview

I recently visited the sales office and building site for Gramercy by Philippe Starck. Wow, wow, and more wow! I knew this building deserved coverage back in mid-2007 when sales started, but I didn’t realize the extent to which Starck reveals himself in this project. Like many other people, I recognize the Starck name when I hear it, but only know scattered details about his background. Besides 15 Broad Street, a recent condominium conversion he did downtown, Starck also collaborated with celebrity hotelier Ian Schrager on New York projects including the Royalton Hotel and the Hudson Hotel. Starck’s design concepts have helped popularize boutique hotels over the past decade with a focus on chic looks, form, and function. As you can see by the photos, this project demonstrates these principals quite well.

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