SoHo Penthouse Loft - Imperfect Beauty Reimagined on Prince Street
Designed by visionary architect Thomas Leeser-the mind behind New York icons like One Vanderbilt and the Domino Sugar Factory-this one-of-a-kind penthouse loft on SoHo's iconic Prince Street is both a conceptual masterpiece and a finely tuned home.
Rejecting the sterile uniformity of Manhattan's luxury condos , the residence embraces imperfection and contrast. Marble slabs, each unique in shape, tone, and finish, defy the rigid Cartesian grid, creating a living sculpture where complexity transforms into tranquility. Reclaimed wood, cinderblock and stone are set in dialogue with refined finishes, celebrating contradiction rather than concealing it.
The expansive living area rises to 30-foot ceilings beneath a monumental skylight. Oversized windows invite serene light across 17th-century French oak floors, while a wood-burning fireplace anchors the space with warmth. With no dropped ceilings, sheetrock, or interior doors, the open plan evokes a creative atelier in the heart of SoHo, New York City.
At its center, a custom Valcucine kitchen from Italy combines artistry and utility. Clad in Italian stone, it is outfitted with top-tier appliances: Sub-Zero refrigerator and freezer drawers, Miele induction cooktop and electric oven, Fisher & Paykel drawer dishwasher, and Miele washer and dryer.
Private spaces continue the theme of curated imperfection. The primary suite channels the intimacy of a world-class hotel, with a sculptural Belgian clay soaking tub, a massive open shower with minimalist John Pawson fixtures, radiant-heated stone floors, and bespoke accents like an antique pedestal and petrified wood sink. A floor-to-ceiling mirror leans against the wall. Slightly angled, it produces the uncanny illusion of a sloped floor. The guest suite, reached by a stone staircase , features a walk-in shower with hand made cement tile a custom mirror, steam room, and another antique pedestal with a petrified wood sink, all completed with John Pawson fixtures.
Function meets comfort in thoughtful details: the loft is soundproofed, and radiant heating warms the stone floors both in the main level and the upper bath, ensuring cozy winters.
The architectural narrative continues its most theatrical expression outdoors. Across 1,000 square feet of private terraces, a hand-painted mural envelops every surface, turning the terraces into a surreal stage that radically contrasts the Manhattan skyline. With north, west, and south-facing views, these terraces offer both retreat and spectacle.
This penthouse is not just a residence but an architectural triumph-a curated experience that reimagines beauty through imperfection, embraces contradiction, and offers a rare opportunity to own a trophy property and true design legacy in the heart of SoHo.
Quick Profile
Famous for its art galleries, designer boutiques, cobblestone streets and cast-iron architecture, SoHo has always been full of buzz - wowing both tourists and locals alike. It’s rich with history (more so than most neighborhoods). So, whether you’re a computer nerd, serial shopper or foodie, you’re guaranteed to find something exciting to do in this storied neighborhood.
SoHo is bounded by Houston Street to the north, Canal Street in the south, 6th Avenue to the west and Crosby Street on the east.
The neighborhood has gone through many ups and downs over its long history. Enough to make a voluminous history book. When the Dutch discovered Lower Manhattan, they came across indigenous people living on the island. Technically, the American Indians were the first Manhattanites and then the Dutch moved in making them the second original Manhattanites.
After the Civil War ended, the west side of Lower Manhattan flourished because the shipping routes changed. Textiles and the need for all types of products increased. Warehouses and large lofts were built and replaced farmland to accommodate the commerce. Many of those buildings are still standing and give SoHo its unique character and charm.
The bustling commerce eventually stopped and in the mid 1800’s, well-to-do families began moving into SoHo. They built exquisite buildings, many of which are characterized by their cast-iron facades. Soon after it became residential, theatres, music halls and eateries followed. The wealthy eventually left and the once prosperous district began another decline.
The 1960’s marks SoHo’s most definitive period. City planners lost their bid to build a major highway that would level a portion of the neighborhood and many historic buildings. After their failed attempt to revitalize SoHo, artists quickly moved into the empty lofts and warehouses. Some legally, and other move-ins, not so legal. The city turned a blind eye. Artists of all mediums working from their new creative spaces created a ripple in the art scene. It was such a ripple that the well-to-do uptown crowd started buying their art and hanging out with them. The uptown folks eventually moved into the neighborhood and began buying up the lofts and warehouses. As soon as the word spread, up went the property values and the rest is history.