Nov 25 2008
L.C. (Sandi) Pei, design partner of Pei Partnership Architects, is joined by his legendary father I.M. Pei, in designing their first ground-up residential condominium building, The Centurion. The Centurion by Pei Partnership Architects with I.M. Pei presents a unique opportunity to live in a space designed by the architectural team that created the Bank of China headquarters in Beijing and Hong Kong and the Four Seasons Hotel in Manhattan. I.M. Pei is also the creator of The Pyramid, which modernized Paris' Louvre Museum.
"We describe The Centurion as a bespoke tailor describes his art: a balanced composition of exquisite materials and richly crafted details that will never look old or dated," said Sandi Pei. "This project was an unprecedented opportunity to design a building as a work of art in a prime area of New York City that pulsates with life."
Located on 56th Street just west of Fifth Avenue, The Centurion is currently the only ground up residential building under construction in this world-famous upscale shopping corridor. Developed by Stillman Development International and Antonio Development, the 48 one-to-four-bedroom homes, including 13 terraced residences and three penthouses, will offer 750 to 3,400 square feet of living space.
Interior architecture by SLCE Architects consists of exceptionally spacious homes, several of which boast double-height rooms with up to 17-foot ceilings. Each of The Centurion's 31 unique floor plans will maximize the openness of living areas, and lightly reflective insulating glass windows will allow homeowners to enjoy city views, while maintaining tranquility inside the home. Priced from approximately $2.9 million to $11.5 million, the residences will be ready for occupancy early 2009.
The Centurion's exterior will be fully clad in hand-set French "Chamesson" limestone quarried from same region as the limestone that forms the façade of The Four Seasons Hotel in Manhattan, as well as the interior of The Pyramid at the Louvre museum. The graceful 19-story Centurion will feature a dynamic stepped profile consisting of a succession of cascading terraces. A symmetrical arrangement of five double-height windows with pewter-colored aluminum mullions will complete the building's principal south-facing façade.
An entrance canopy of dark aluminum, nickel, stainless steel and translucent glass will welcome residents into The Centurion's stunning lobby, where a tranquil outdoor Water garden will be visible through a glass wall. The garden's fountain cascades water into a reflection pool, providing a unique and soothing view. The lobby is finished with decorative marbles, rich leathers and French "Magny du Louvre" limestone floor and continuous accent wall.
"The Centurion will appeal to people from all over the world who understand the rarified nature of this building and who want to own one of the great works of Pei Partnership Architects with I.M. Pei," said Roy Stillman, president of Stillman Development International. "I.M. and Sandi Pei's architectural genius has produced some of the world's most imaginative and graceful structures, and The Centurion is their next great architectural gem."
The Centurion will boast services and amenities that cater to its cultured, discerning residents including a private exercise facility, a private water garden, an on-premise, 24-hour attended garage and storage units for purchase. The Centurion will offer a hotel-style, full-service personal concierge that will fulfill almost any request made by residents, who will be steps away from superb dining, entertainment, hotels, museums, city landmarks and Central Park.
"This is the perennial destination of choice for Manhattan's most sophisticated and privileged international and domestic residents and visitors. The Centurion is tantamount to exclusivity and is at the epicenter of everything that is New York," said Antonio Development president Robbie Antonio, whose family has a long and bonded friendship with I.M. Pei.
"It was important for me to do one more building with my son, Sandi," said I.M. Pei. "The Centurion was the right project because of my close relationship with the Antonio family, and the need for the second generation to take over."
The Centurion sales gallery is located at 505 Park Avenue, 17th floor. Sales presentations are by invitation only. For more information, please call Michele Conte, Director of Sales, at 212-888-5633 or visit www.centurioncondominium.com.