New York: two new condominium buildings reinterpret area’s pre-war classical architecture

Icon Realty Management and Douglas Elliman Development Marketing have announced the launch of sales at Beckford House & Tower, two complementary residential buildings designed by Studio Sofield currently under construction at 301 East 80th Street and 301 East 81st Street. Built using the traditions of grand Upper East Side pre-war architecture, the buildings are fashioned from hand laid Indiana Limestone, hand carved Brynne brownstone and custom grey brick finished with stone and metal detailing evoking neighbourhood landmarks as well as William Sofield’s own original designs. The development offers a compelling blend of the classical and the contemporary in one of the city’s most historic neighbourhoods and the birthplace of New York’s iconic Golden Age of architecture. Celebrating craftsmanship, grand living spaces and old world elegance translated for a modern age, Beckford House & Tower evoke a timeless aesthetic, transforming this corner of the Upper East Side for generations to come.

Sofield was tasked with reinterpreting historic architecture to create a pair of new icons for the Upper East Side. At the boutique Beckford House, a 21 storey building featuring just 32 residences, Sofield incorporated a series of generous terraces and Juliet balconies that open up to enviable views of the city’s skyline. He placed a hand carved stone medallion above the entryway and differentiated the building’s classical masonry façade and intricate ironwork with decorative brick and stone quoining. Complementing the design and ornamentation of Beckford House is the adjacent 72 residence Beckford Tower, a testament to the stonemason’s craft with 31 floors of hand carved Brynne Brownstone and Indiana Limestone by Vermont Stone Art. At the street level, Sofield custom designed wrought ironwork and classical awnings, reminiscent of a different time.

Beckford House & Tower feature a diverse collection of condominium residences as well as a curated selection of modern day amenities that enhance every lifestyle and are rarely seen on the Upper East Side. Beckford House, with only one, two or three homes per floor, offers a choice of two- to five-bedroom homes along with three full floor penthouses and one extraordinary duplex. Beckford Tower features one- to six-bedroom homes including three crowning full floor penthouses with expansive private terraces.

Each residence is an exquisite blend of formality and elegant luxury. Beautiful foyers, dining rooms, large living rooms and formal galleries grace most residences, with corner residences providing dual aspect city perspectives. Classical detailing, such as geometric cornicing, herringbone-laid oak flooring and Statuary marble finishes, appear throughout. Ceiling heights across both buildings also soar at a range of nine to 13 ft.

With materials carefully selected for their aesthetic and practical appeal, Beckford House & Tower were designed for quality and functionality. The generous, open living spaces are appointed with custom millwork by Studio Sofield and large windows that bathe the residences with light and offer views of Central Park to the west, and the East River to the east. 

For the unique eat-in kitchens, Sofield opted for hand painted Christopher Peacock cabinetry, marble slab countertops and a range of appliances from Sub-Zero and Wolf. The master bathroom suites are outfitted with specially made vanities, concealed storage, enclosed showers, deep Kohler tubs and Lefroy Brooks polished chrome fittings. A four-pipe HVAC system with zoned climate control provides a perfect four-season comfort across each residence. Further convenience is provided by gracious laundry rooms in select residences.

With its classical influences and generous proportions, the high end lifestyle at Beckford House & Tower begins in both buildings’ lobbies. Behind a highly crafted American walnut reception desk, the dedicated Beckford House concierge team welcomes residents and guests into the ornate space featuring antique mirrors and specialty wallcoverings by Ann McGuire Studio. 

Moving beyond the lobby, residents enter a reception room and private lounge complete with an adjoining dining room, wet bar and fireplace by Jamb of London. Downstairs, they can enjoy a fitness centre and yoga studio, and on the building’s 22th floor they can lounge at the expansive roof terrace, which offers lush greenery, plentiful seating and an outdoor kitchen with a Viking gas grill.

Residents at Beckford Tower enter the building through a double height vestibule with a soaring skylight to reach a magnificent vaulted lobby illuminated by a vintage chandelier. The amenity spaces are located on the first floor and in two sub-cellar levels. They include a grand reception room and library; an exclusive piano bar and lounge that looks and feels like a private members club; a fully equipped game room; a children’s playroom designed by Roto; and a party room with a catering kitchen. 

Beckford Tower also touts over 3,000 sq ft of wellness amenities, including a double height basketball half-court, fitness centre, yoga and training studios and a 65 ft indoor swimming pool. The Art Deco-inspired pool area, complete with a hot tub, relaxation area, steam room and changing rooms, is artfully designed by Studio Sofield with a glass ceiling, ornate metal detailing, potted palms and a custom glass mosaic wall mural.