35 XV
Construction is wrapping up at Alchemy Properties' 35 XV, a 25-story residential tower and school addition that occupies a mid-block site in Chelsea. Designed by FXFOWLE, the project includes a six-story podium that houses an expansion of Xavier High School and a 55-unit residential tower above.
The podium is clad in granite which helps to tie it in with the surrounding context of mostly brick structures. A residential lobby at ground floor welcomes residents arriving from 15th Street, while above there are classrooms and a half court gym for the school.
In contrast to the solid base, the residential tower rises above its surroundings in a sculpted glass volume that is prominent on the skyline from afar but less intrusive when experienced from the street. The glass curtain wall features integrated metal fins for solar shading on the east and west facades and patterned frit spandrels throughout that tie its facade in with the podium below.
Residence 12C
While most of the units have sold, there are a handful of units left in the tower, of which I toured two. The first residence faces south, with amazing views of the neighborhood and Lower Manhattan from the floor-to-ceiling Italian glass curtain wall. There are views south and west from the 10 foot tall spaces of the living/dining area at the southwest corner of the tower. An adjacent breakfast/den off of the kitchen gets a southern view as well. Mechanized shades in the living area offer relief from the sun without fully obscuring the view.
The kitchen features marble countertops, Poggenpohl cabinetry, and luxury appliances from Miele and Sub Zero.
Residence 17A
The second unit faces the north with dramatic views of the Midtown skyline, including prominent icons like the Empire State Building and new additions like Hudson Yards. The living/dining area feature views north and west, while the master bedroom faces north and east.
Benjamin Noriega Ortiz has designed bespoke master bathrooms featuring Calacatta Gold Marble countertops and backsplashes, along with Gaudi Marble radiant heated floors.
Architect: FXFOWLE; Interiors: BNOdesign; Developer: Alchemy Properties Inc.;Program: Residential, Education; Location: Chelsea, New York, NY; Completion: 2016.