There is no shortage of lofts in Chelsea, some carved out of older commercial buildings, others built anew.  No two ever appear to be the same; each space its own creation. This edition of our series, “Apartments We Love,” takes us to one such loft, a 4,100 square-foot floor-through residence in one of Chelsea’s most sought-after pre-war buildings.

Built in 1926, and commonly known as the Capital, 236 West 26^th Street is a 12-story building that was converted to residential use in 1984.   The co-op, which touts large and super large apartments, has just 25 homes; 2-W is one of the larger units occupying approximately half of the second floor.  Like many historic commercial buildings in the area, the Capital stakes its claim on the streetscape with a distinctive limestone base, highlighted by three two-story arched windows.  The upper levels, setback from the street elevation, form a three-story crown atop the building. A scalloped cornice defines the roofline at the ninth and twelve floors.

Not surprisingly, the pride of this dramatic residence is the great room (28’x30’).  Consumed with light, the focal point of the room are the two huge street-facing bronze-encased windows, one of which is arched. Both windows date back to 1925 and have been beautifully preserved.  Given their prominence, the windows are equally as impressive from your couch as they are from the street.

Did you think that was it?  Not here.  Other notable features of the great room include a labyrinth of eleven-foot high coffered ceilings (which happens to extend throughout the residence), an endless succession of recessed lights and a gas fireplace with a marble surround.  Of course there is central air as well.

The contemporary style kitchen, enormous in its own right (more than 23 feet in width), provides a true sanctuary for those who love to cook or entertain.  It has also been designed with a bit of an architectural twist.  Situated in the back corner of the great room, the kitchen has been built on an angle so that it face’s out to the room’s core.   A large formal dining room opens to the great room as well.

The marble island, which can comfortably sit a family of six (then some), breaks up the mass of cabinetry and stainless steel appliances that line the back wall.  The island, with its gentle curve, invites people to engage with those who are anchored to the kitchen. Frankly, with the array of top end appliances, the cook in you may never leave.  The restaurant-grade package includes Wolf, Sub-Zero and Miele appliances.  Double up with multiple dishwashers, refrigerated drawers and wine coolers.  Our advice:  Make sure that you are demagnetized before you enter the kitchen area.

Planning to work from home? You’ll have no trouble finding your Zen in the spacious home office, accessible through a beautifully designed set of steel and glass casement doors. There is even an ensuite bathroom so the room can easily be transformed into a fourth bedroom or a guest room.  

The primary bedroom suite is tucked away in the back of the residence and encompasses a lavish five-fixture bath and a walk-in closet.  The bedroom enjoys the same beamed ceilings and oak floors as the great room.  A second gas fireplace provides the ultimate luxury.  There are two additional bedrooms, one which adjoins the primary and one which sits alone at the front of the loft.   We love the street-facing bedroom because a second arched window expands across the entire room.  Both secondary bedrooms enjoy en suite baths.

The Capital is a liberal co-op which allows unlimited subletting, pieds-a-terre, live/work and foreign buyers.  Pets are just fine.

Apartment 2-W at 236 West 26th Street is currently on the market for $4.85 million, about $1183 per square foot.  The property was last sold in October 2019 for $4.575 million.  It is being represented by Daren Herzberg, Brian Babst and Sarah Jackson of Compass and Charles Curkin of Fox Residential. To view this spectacular residence visit Linecity.com.