Overview

The Wellington Tower, built in 1999 and converted to condos in 2005 is somewhat of a contemporary anomaly in its design. The trend of turn of the century building (a phrase that will have increased resonance when applied in 40 years time…) was towards the plain and functional. Developers RFR Davis, who from the mid 90’s embarked on an aggressive building surge on Manhattan’s east side, embellished this project with almost Art Deco flourishes. It has sturdiness about it helped by the limestone base that forms the first two stories and detailing such as arched windows and limestone battlements on the terraces. Benefiting from an impressive list of amenities it was perhaps a natural choice for a condo conversion as prices rocketed in the last 5 years. Architects Shuman Lichtenstein Claman & Efron also collaborated on the project. (more…)