The modernity of the tantalizing glass structure at 40 Mercer Street makes a daring architectural statement amidst the historic cast-iron buildings within the Soho Historic District.  As your eyes run across the hypnotic symmetry of the elevation, your first thought is that the building has been misplaced. Your second thought is what a marvelous contemporary interpretation of the traditional Soho loft. 

Not surprisingly, this testament of modern architecture is a collaboration of two prominent visionaries in their fields:  Jean Nouvel and Andre Balazs. Nouvel, a Pritzker Prize-winning architect has spread his inspiration throughout the world, most recently with the creation of the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the design of the Philharmonie de Paris.     Balazs is a world renowned hotelier and is credited with building the Standard Hotels brand. The result at 40 Mercer is a ravishing combination of design and luxury.

Given the background of Nouvel and Balazs, it is not surprising that 40 Mercer was first designed as a hotel.  But the original plans were laid to waste and the project evolved into a high-end residential condo for the lucky few.  Completed in early 2007, the 41-unit building sold out almost immediately.  

Every development of course starts with a location and Nouvel was bestowed with an ideal footprint; a vacant lot with three open sides.  Nouvel was enchanted with the idea of building anew in Soho, a fresh canvass if you will, among buildings that have stood for more than a century and are protected for the hereafter.  The structure would embrace today while paying homage to the surrounding history.

And in the end, 40 Mercer has done just.  The height of the building’s base, which stretches the full block between Broadway and Mercer Street, aligns perfectly within the streetscape.  The outsized windows mirror the proportions of the windows adorning the loft buildings on Grand Street.

The custom curtain wall of glass and steel at 40 Mercer is a stunning feature to behold from the building’s exterior as well as its interior.  The floor-to-ceiling windows, coupled with grand ceiling heights, allow for a wealth of natural light, amplifying the sense of space in these well proportioned lofts.  Nouvel’s fancy was for the interior of these residences to harmonize with the immediate streetscape.  

As one would further expect from its lineage, this full-service building comes with world-class amenities: landscaped roof deck, beautiful courtyard, pool, spa, fitness facilities, gymnasium, garage parking with valet service.

And not surprisingly, this special building has attracted its share of celebrity owners, including Marc Jacobs and Daniel Radcliff.

In 2008, 40 Mercer was recognized by multiple publications as a stunning piece of architectural design.  The New York Construction News labeled the building, “Best Residential Project’” in New York and High-Rise Residential called it “The Project of the Year.”

40 Mercer Street is a one-of-a-kind combination of art, opulence, and home. Located in Soho, just off of Grand Street, it doesn’t get any more central. Shopping, fine dining, nightlife, it’s all in your backyard. View more details on Linecity.com