Gramercy Park, the tight-knit community wrapped around the namesake park, is no stranger to style or luxury. At 61 Irving Place, The Gramercy, you’ll find plenty of both. Newly renovated and exquisitely detailed, apartment 3-AB is a stunning residence that manages to strike the perfect balance between functionality and finesse.

Located just two blocks south of Gramercy Park on the southwest corner of East 18^th Street, 61 Irving is one of the neighborhood’s most striking historical buildings. Originally built as a schoolhouse, the building opened its doors in 1899.  It was converted to residential use in 1981.  The neighborhood itself is one of the most intimate in all of Manhattan and flourishes with landmarked architecture, cozy cafes, and delightful restaurants of all ilks.  Pete’s Tavern, the iconic New York saloon, sits caddy corner across 18th Street.  

With just 30 residences, this boutique co-op offers a perfect setting in a genteel neighborhood.  Recent renovations include an updated marble entry lobby and revamped hallways.  During the week the building provides a part-time doorman; a new video intercom system adds additional security. 

Residence 3-AB is a beautiful combination of two apartments into one expansive loft with a minimalistic, but highly functional design. Under the guidance of master architect Matt Berman of Workshop/APD, the 2100 square foot loft is now a three-bedroom, three-bath residence, complete with a hidden home office and a never-ending great room. 

Once you cross the threshold to this home, you would have no idea that you were in a pre-war building.  The design is void of the elements that we see so often in this type of renovation.  Moldings be damned.  Nevertheless, the end result is grand and inspiring.

The focal point of the residence is the great room.  With an expanse of 34×26 and ceilings that extend beyond eleven feet, the sun splashed living space offers something for just about everyone. There is even some trickery in the design to hide unsightly clutter.

Floor-to-ceiling bricks adorn the far wall and define the dining area.  On the near wall, there are two custom built metal bookshelves.  These industrial-style shelving units slide along a track to reveal a comfortable home office and the master bedroom suite.  Holy Batcave.  In the middle of the great room is a recessed ceiling screen that offers an Oscar worthy movie experience.  A Sonos sound system adds professional audio.  Lest not forget about the walls, prudently designed to showcase large pieces of art.  Directional ceiling lighting and dedicated picture lighting will bring out the best of your collection.  

The open kitchen design, no different than the rest of the apartment, offers functionality without the overdrive.  Snow white top and bottom lacquered cabinets are offset by a black Caesarstone counter.  The large Sub-Zero refrigerator adjoins the pantry and is pretty much hidden from view.  It’s somewhat minimal in design, but this is where the functionality of the home really shows. It doesn’t try to wow the senses at every turn; instead, it aims for a subtle beauty that’s both practical and aesthetically pleasing.

The same design philosophy extends to the bedrooms. As one would expect, the master bedroom is split from the kids’ rooms.   The bedroom itself is simple, modest in size. This room is meant for retiring from the day.  No excess. No built-ins.  No room for clunky furnishings.  Three large windows stream in light.  Wide plank oak floors add warmth.  A huge walk-in-closet provides room for just about everything. 

However, the master bathroom flips the switch and any excess missing from the bedroom returns with this spa-like refuge.   There is a wide vanity with a double sink, beautifully cast in statuary marble.  The steam shower, large enough for two, is also clad in marble. A soaking tub rounds out the experience. 

Apartment 3-AB is being represented by Sandeep Garg of R New York.   The residence was introduced to the market in mid-September at $3.75 million (about $1,786 psf) and went to contract in just five weeks.  Pandemic be damned; one fortunate buyer fell in love with this splendid home.  

As a point of contrast, 3-AB was on the market in October 2017 for $4.5 million, reduced to $4.25 million, and removed from the market in March 2018.   For a more detailed view of this designer home, you can visit Linecity.com