Heritage homes offer old world luxury

Project: 108 Leonard
Award: Bronze, Residential Interiors, Residential Developments (Apartments), 2024
Location: New York, United States
Design Practice: Jeffrey Beers International
Client: Elad Group

108 Leonard is an elegant, landmarked condominium conversion located in Tribeca, New York. Originally constructed in 1894, the McKim, Mead & White architectural masterpiece houses more than 150 condominium residences within the Italian Renaissance Revival-style exterior, which was meticulously restored to its original glory. Jeffrey Beers International’s hospitable and sleek interiors offer a contemporary interpretation of Renaissance Revival featuring layering of luxurious materiality for warmth, and attention to detail and function.

The judges praised the project's successful preservation of this important heritage building and singled out the lobby's grand "sense of arrival", the "efficient layout" and the successful use of "amenities as transitional spaces". 

The design practice created three towers, each with its own lobby, doormen, and elevators, to create a more intimate building feel. Each lobby is a celebration of stone and historic classic details also featuring modern additions such as the concierge desk and the illuminated cast glass rear panels.

Homes feature ceiling heights ranging from approximately 10 feet to more than 14 feet, architectural windows and five-inch wide oak floors bring authentic European glamour to organically flowing layouts. Gallery walls awash in lighting tucked behind recessed coves offer illuminated spaces for burgeoning art collectors. Classic details such as oversized mouldings and chevron-patterned oak floors are juxtaposed with contemporary touches. 

Design highlights

A sprawling Entertainment Suite boasts a demonstration kitchen outfitted with Miele appliances and seating for eight, which opens to a dining area and finely crafted lounge with multiple seating groupings. The space also has a glass-walled private dining room with adjoining wine cellar, billiards room with wet bar, and screening room. 

The Wellness Suite will feature a fitness center, 75-foot lap pool, hot tub, steam shower and sauna. The rooftop sundeck will offer a serene water feature with reflecting pool, al fresco kitchen with barbecue, dining and lounge suites with gas fireplaces, and private landscaped gardens. 

Photo credit: Evan Joseph