25 Park Row’s lounge by Studio Mellone.
Photo: Nicole Franzen
Andre Mellone Crafts Glamorous, Art Deco–Inspired Interiors at 25 Park Row
The new Manhattan tower by CookFox Architects is Studio Mellone’s first foray into residential amenity spaces
A work by Aaron Bobrow graces the dining room at 25 Park Row. Photo: Nicole Franzen
With cascading terraces, graceful loggias, and botanical-inspired motifs, the new 25 Park Row tower by CookFox Architects elegantly soars above City Hall Park in Lower Manhattan, a striking glass-and-concrete companion to the landmark Woolworth Building across the street. The first high-end residential offering from L+M Development Partners, the 50-story edifice comprises 110 generously-appointed units and an envy-inducing amenity floor conjured by acclaimed designer Andre Mellone, known for bringing his refreshingly understated brand of luxury to retail clients like Thom Browne and Carolina Herrera.
Tasked with creating a series of common areas occupying the entire the fifth floor, Brazilian-born Mellone—who founded his firm, Studio Mellone, eight years ago—took design cues from the ornamented Art Deco towers that were built in the 1920s and 30s, many in the surrounding neighborhood. “In the early presentation of the project, something that struck me a lot was the design of the tower itself,” Mellone tells Galerie from his New York office. “The sensibility reminded me of an old Art Deco skyscraper, with recesses, terraces, and lanterns. The shape is modern, but the volume is reminiscent of buildings from that era.”
A grid of Kelly Wearstler ceiling lights illuminate a grand living area with views of the Woolworth Building. Photo: Nicole Franzen
Undulating walls in the pool area feature gilded mosaics. Photo: Nicole Franzen
Dividing the floor into separate “social” and “health” areas, Mellone was able to put a contemporary spin on that high-glam vintage aesthetic in a way that still felt distinctly residential. “We tried to envision who would be living in the building and thought it might be people relocating from uptown to downtown,” he explains. “We decided to mix it all together and create a style that combined customized things with real antiques and interesting accessories—like you would typically see in someone’s house.”
The result is nothing short of dazzling. Among the social spaces are a series of soaring living rooms, chic reading areas, and a media lounge where people can comfortably relax and watch TV. Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and curtains amplify the tall ceiling heights and help frame the views of the surrounding cityscape. There’s also a dining room and chef’s kitchen, plus a cheerful children’s play area with a checkerboard rug, a golf simulator, and a billiards room.
Undulating walls in the pool area feature gilded mosaics. Photo: Nicole Franzen
Textural variance was an important ingredient for Mellone, who finished the walls in a faux-limestone plaster and custom white-oak millwork inset with fabric. A pair of striking fireplaces are lined with richly veined black marble, while plush furnishings and soft rugs he custom designed provide extra warmth and sophistication. Also adding to the lively mix are sculptural furnishings by buzzy New York artisan J.M. Szymanski and commissioned works by multimedia artist Aaron Bobrow.
Any notion that the health club might somehow be less glamorous than the social portion is quelled after seeing the stunningly gilded indoor pool area (Mellone’s first aquatic design), which features undulating walls of shimmering gold-and-white mosaics. “The developers allowed us to illuminate the pool with lay light panels recessed into the ceiling, which give it an old-fashioned sensibility,” he says. Among the club’s other amenities are a full-service gym, sauna, yoga studio, and locker room—all of which are available exclusively to residents.
The reading room with black-marble fireplace. Photo: Nicole Franzen
Although he doesn’t live in the building, Mellone says if he did, the one space he would try to use everyday is the gym. However, don’t ask him to pick a favorite room. “Every time I go to the building, I start to like one room better than the other,” he laughs, noting that there’s a Brazilian proverb about not being able to please the Greeks and the Trojans at the same time. “I actually think both of them would be very pleased being here.”
Sales at 25 Park Row are being handled exclusively by Corcoran Sunshine Marketing Group. See more photos below.
The billiards room features white-oak millwork inset with felt to match the table. Photo: Nicole Franzen
A sitting nook overlooking the pool is upholstered in a mustard fabric. Photo: Nicole Franzen
Tilework sheathes the hallway connecting the health club. Photo: Nicole Franzen
The lively playroom features a checkerboard rug with life-sized game pieces. Photo: Nicole Franzen
The state-of-the-art gym, also a first for Studio Mellone. Photo: Nicole Franzen
Cover: 25 Park Row’s lounge by Studio Mellone.
Photo: Nicole Franzen
