A Work Of Art

Abode2 takes the first look inside the newly finished Gallery-Inspired Homes in West Chelsea, Manhattan

532 West 20th Street is an intimate collection of only nine full-floor condominium residences emphasizing privacy and sanctuary in the centre of West Chelsea’s influential gallery district, where neighbors include collector destinations such as David Zwirner, Gagosian, ACA, Tanya Bonakdar and Jack Shainman. Inspired by these surroundings, the building features a gallery-like exterior façade of exposed concrete and handmade, hand-laid bricks from Denmark’s Petersen Tegl.

From the private parking garage, residents have secure, direct elevator entry into their full-floor homes, each of which features a private south-facing terrace. The homes are ideal for buyers who desire privacy and discretion.

For 532 West 20th Street, Joe McMillan's DDG tapped frenchCALIFORNIA, who partnered with Magen H Gallery to curate an exhibition titled "The Collector: Le Gout Francais." FrenchCALIFORNIA outfitted the space with international mid-century and modern collectible design pieces with a particular focus on French post-war design, including pieces by Guillerme et Chambron, Pierre Chapo, Max Ingrand, Jacques Adnet, André-Aleth Masson and more.

“For the design of the 532 West 20th Street space, we wanted to bring in works from renowned European designers, leaning into Magen H’s masterful collection of French post-war design,” says Guillaume Coutheillas, founder of frenchCALIFORNIA. “Our goal was to add a sense of history and place to the unit, bringing in pieces that tell a story and add character to the ultra-modern design and architecture of the new building. It was an overall incredible experience working with DDG’s CEO and Chairman Joe McMillan to design one of his units, as he is a personal mentor of mine and am industry leader.”

"Today's luxury buyer in Manhattan is looking for larger living spaces, private outdoor areas and a more boutique lifestyle experience," said Joe McMillan, Founder, CEO and Chairman of DDG. "With only nine loft-like full-floor homes, private parking, direct elevator access and south-facing terraces for every home, 532 West 20th Street perfectly represents the desires of today’s discerning buyer. This rare new development in West Chelsea offers a discrete, truly bespoke residential sanctuary in New York's most culturally rich and architecturally distinct neighbourhood."

frenchCALIFORNIA, the branding and design firm founded by Guillaume Coutheillas, was proud to reveal a new design project, "The Collector: Le Gout Francais," within 532 West 20th Street in New York City’s West Chelsea neighbourhood.

With an expansive and diverse network in the design industry, frenchCALIFORNIA is noted for conceiving and curating collectible design exhibitions within luxury model residences. For 532 West 20th Street, frenchCALIFORNIA partnered with Magen H Gallery, a gallery that has championed innovative designers in the decorative arts, sculpture, architecture and ceramics since 1997. Curating an exhibition titled "The Collector: Le Gout Francais," frenchCALIFORNIA outfitted the space with international Midcentury and Modern collectible design pieces with a particular focus on French post-war design. Rare works by French design masters are seen in situ, with pieces by Guillerme et Chambron, Pierre Chapo, Max Ingrand, Jacques Adnet, André-Aleth Masson and many more.

frenchCALIFORNIA utilized a neutral colour palette, natural materials, soft textures and warm wood accents that juxtapose the hard concrete of the building’s exterior. The full floor, open-space plan provided an opportunity to choose a variety of works ranging from small ceramics to large sideboard and daybeds. frenchCALIFORNIA catered to the loft-like features of the space while curating a specific type of luxury that a potential buyer of this caliber would expect, complete with coveted design and art pieces that they are looking to collect.

532w20.com

(Photo Credit: Robert Granoff)