I took a tour of one of the units here. They are so small for such a big price tag… it’s embarrassing… Even the premium units are smaller in size. Basic “rental apartment” styling with the white cabinetry, fake wood looking flooring, etc.
Needless to say I looked elsewhere. Pool area is nice
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Wow. That is disappointing. Those video walk-through viewing obviously do not tell the whole story. Thanks for sharing that ‘first hand’ observation.
I went to chatGPT to get the AI take on this new condo building. I asked this question: "Tell me about the Architectural Design of the new condominium built on the property"
I got the following answer from chatGPT -
- ChatGPT said:
The condominium built on the property of Union Theological Seminary is a striking example of how contemporary architecture can be integrated into an academic and historic setting. The project, developed in partnership with the seminary and a real estate firm, is a luxury residential building designed to blend modern aesthetics with the surrounding urban context.
Here are key aspects of the architectural design of the condominium, which is called The Union:
- Architectural Firm and Design
The architectural firm responsible for the design of the building is Robert A.M. Stern Architects (RAMSA), a prestigious firm known for its classical and context-sensitive designs. RAMSA is renowned for creating buildings that respect the character of their surrounding environment while introducing modern elements.
The design of The Union reflects a blend of traditional forms and contemporary sophistication, a hallmark of Robert A.M. Stern’s style. The building stands as a visually striking yet respectful addition to the neighborhood, incorporating elements that complement Union Theological Seminary’s historic campus and the broader architectural fabric of the Upper West Side.
- Building Design
- Facade and Materials: The facade of the building features Indiana limestone, a material traditionally associated with classical architecture, which connects the building to the rich architectural heritage of New York City, including nearby academic and institutional buildings. The limestone provides a dignified, timeless quality that contrasts with the more modern elements of the design.
- Modern Elements: While the building incorporates traditional materials, it also integrates modern touches, such as large windows and a minimalist design ethos. The glass windows allow for natural light to flood the interiors, offering residents expansive views of the surrounding neighborhood and the seminary’s lush campus. The interplay between the heavy, classical materials and sleek, modern windows creates a tension that gives the building a contemporary urban feel while still respecting its context.
- Setback Design: One notable feature of the building is its setback design, which creates a stepped effect as the building rises. This allows for more generous terraces on the upper floors and a sense of visual transition from the larger surrounding structures to the new condominium. The setback also ensures that the building doesn’t dominate the street level but rather fits into its surroundings in a way that maintains a scale appropriate to the neighborhood.
- Height and Scale: The building itself is 19 stories tall, with a mix of full-floor apartments and duplex units. The overall height is relatively moderate for a luxury building in New York City, and the scale is designed to complement the existing structures around it, including the historic buildings of Union Theological Seminary.
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- Interior Design
The interior design of The Union emphasizes luxury and modern convenience, with high-end finishes throughout the apartments. The design of the individual units prioritizes spaciousness and light, with open floor plans, sleek kitchens, and expansive living areas.
- Materials: The interiors feature premium materials, such as wide-plank hardwood floors, marble bathrooms, and custom cabinetry. The design is contemporary, yet warm, with a neutral color palette that allows for flexibility in personalizing the space.
- Luxury Amenities: The building’s amenities reflect its status as a luxury development. Some key features include:
- A fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment.
- A rooftop terrace offering panoramic views of the surrounding city and landmarks.
- A private lounge and concierge services that cater to the needs of the residents.
- Parking spaces for residents, a rarity in Manhattan’s Upper West Side.
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- Integration with Union Theological Seminary Campus
One of the significant challenges in designing the condominium was integrating it into the Union Theological Seminary campus without disrupting the historical and spiritual character of the site. The building is located adjacent to the seminary’s campus and is designed to provide a sense of continuity with the surrounding architecture, without overwhelming the area.
- The architectural design considers the nearby Low Library and other historic buildings on the seminary’s grounds, and the facade’s classical elements complement the nearby academic structures.
- The project also includes a pedestrian pathway connecting the building to the seminary campus, which maintains a sense of openness and continuity for students, staff, and visitors to the seminary.
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- Sustainability Features
In keeping with modern architectural trends, The Union also includes various sustainable design elements aimed at minimizing its environmental impact. While the specifics of these features may vary, typical green building strategies for such projects include energy-efficient systems, high-performance insulation, and water-saving technologies, as well as smart home features.
Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important consideration in high-end real estate developments, especially in cities like New York, where there is increasing pressure to minimize carbon footprints.
- Community Impact and Reception
The architectural design of The Union has been met with mixed reactions. On one hand, its high-end luxury features and contemporary aesthetic provide a contrast to the more traditional, academic buildings of the seminary. On the other hand, the design of the condominium represents the tensions between the seminary’s educational and spiritual mission and its need for revenue through real estate ventures.
- Some critics have expressed concern that the presence of a luxury development on seminary grounds could contribute to the rising gentrification of the Upper West Side, which could displace long-time residents and change the neighborhood’s character. Others argue that the architectural design successfully balances the need for financial stability with a respectful and thoughtful integration into the neighborhood.
- Conclusion
The architectural design of The Union condominium at Union Theological Seminary is a mix of classical and modern styles, offering luxury living while respecting the historic context of the seminary’s campus. The building is designed to blend in with the architectural heritage of the area, while also offering high-end amenities and sustainable features. While the project’s financial necessity is clear, its impact on the seminary’s mission and the neighborhood will continue to be a topic of conversation for years to come.
The Riverside Church has now been Architecturally upstaged on the upper west side. I think this new building looks great, and elegant, from any vantage point - the two buildings (riverside church & Claremont Hall) are complimentary.
There is some fascinating history to the area; this link features some of the most noteworthy historical tidbits I could find online. Note the “amiable child” story - quite poignant.
https://www.nyhistory.org/community/amiable-child
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