Created: August 19, 2012 Last Updated: August 19, 2012
Rear Facade. (Courtesy of William Rainero)
As a landmarked building, 80 Washington Place only looks better with age. This fact is due to the hard work of William Rainero, head of Metropolitan Realty & Development Group, and the Irish architect Clodagh.
Located in the historical New York City neighborhood of Greenwich Village, 80 Washington was built in 1839 by William Berwick in the Greek Revival style. In its 200 years, the house was occupied by only three families, including that of composer John Philip Sousa, a testament to the prestige of the address and the permanent allure of the neighborhood.
This summer, the building has been newly renovated and expanded as a 9,000-square foot single-family home. Seven floors include an exclusive master floor, five-star guest rooms, a spa, an entertainment center, a backyard, and a rooftop kitchen/garden. Though the house is a veritable microcosm, the feeling in every space is at once cozy yet expansive.
\>");?I grew up in this house,? said Rainero, whose grandfather purchased and renovated it in the ?60s. At the time, the house consisted of nine apartments, some of which Rainero?s grandfather rented out. The family worked in a restaurant in the neighborhood, which Rainero remembers being very different as he was growing up.
?There were more family businesses then,? he said. ?There?s been tremendous development and NYU completely transformed the energy of the neighborhood.? Now, the area is home to posh boutiques, artsy cafes, and filled with the ever-present vibrancy of university students.
No matter what changes have come to Greenwich Village, a sense of legacy permeates its tree-lined streets just as nostalgia permeates Rainero?s vision for his childhood home.
?I remember running up and down those stairs. There?s such history in that house that we wanted to keep.?
True to this goal, each floor was put in according to the height of the windows, the original blue stone in the bottom floors kept and refinished, and the brick that was left from the demolition reused in the first floor area leading to the backyard. The coal shaft that was once used to shovel coal from the street was repurposed as a fountain, which now sends a soothing ambiance through the lower floor.
No details were spared, either. The wheel from the original elevator, which was installed in 1919, accents the fountain. Meanwhile a new glass elevator takes residents through a tour of the house?s brick foundations, which are lit as if on display.
Natural light, air, and height characterize the living space. The entire back side of the house is wall-to-ceiling glass. A mezzanine floats above the ground floor so that residents may luxuriate in the flood of light coming in from both the front and back windows, which open onto the the backyard. Throughout the house, floating glass adds to the feeling of spaciousness.
?From the first day, we knew the building had to be flooding with light,? said Rainero. Working with Clodagh, who is known internationally for her Zen sensibility and use of natural materials, Rainero?s team made his vision come to life.
Clodagh used seven-inch white oak is used throughout the house. Hot water runs through the flooring (and by extension, the ceilings) to more efficiently heat living areas. Toto plumbing products (such as steam showers and a tub that fills from the ceiling), are used exclusively throughout the house. Windows automatically open and close via sensors that detect rain. Heating, cooling, shutters, lighting, security?all are monitored via a Questron system that can be controlled via iPad or smartphone. Each floor will be equipped with an iPad for maximum convenience.
?You can be lying in bed and remember that you left the light on in the kitchen,? Rainero said. ?All you have to do is turn them off from your device.?
The outdoor spaces are built for a life of luxury, too. The rooftop garden, from which the Empire State Building and the Freedom Towers are visible, is complete with a kitchen, making it a sunny place to entertain an intimate group. An ample terrace that opens from the spa floor was designed with privacy in mind so that one may sunbathe in the nude. Likewise, the first floor backyard is an oasis for barbeques and quiet enjoyment of the outdoors.
?I am so impressed with the magnitude and scope of her [Clodagh's] work?not just the architecture, the design, and materials?it?s all amazing,? Rainero said. ?She brought out all her skills in this home.?
By the time of this publication, the home will be ready to welcome is fourth family. The property is listed by Elliman?s Lisa Simonsen. The new residents will be welcomed by a full concierge service that will do everything, including assisting in the selection of schools, chefs, housekeepers, and artwork.
High interest is expected for a unique high-end property such as this. ?The new residents will be people who appreciate beauty, tranquility, and good fengshui, because this is truly a work of art,? Simonsen said.
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Source: http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/business/80-washington-place-a-legacy-home-281235.html
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