Upper West Side’s Last Condo Conversion?

29.03.23

393 West End Avenue, the storied Prewar building that merges old-world charm with contemporary comforts, represents what is likely the last condominium conversion to come to market on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Abode2 takes a glimpse of what it's like to live within its striking collection of homes.

Situated within the landmark West End Collegiate Historic District, 393 West End Avenue was originally designed by architects Goldner & Goldner and constructed in 1927. It features Collegiate Gothic architecture and original 1920s details that are being skilfully preserved by award-winning architecture and interior design firm, CetraRuddy. Sales for the building, which is developed by Rabina, commenced in April 2022, led by Louise Phillips Forbes of The Louise Phillips Forbes Team at Brown Harris Stevens.

Ash Staging, the premier full-suite interior furnishing service by the AD100-ranked firm Ash NYC, has debuted its design for a striking model residence at 393 West End Avenue, a historic building that has been reimagined for the modern era within a cinematic pocket of Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Ash Staging’s vision for the 2,054-square-foot residence, which features three bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, embraces light’s effect on the generously scaled spaces, offering a soothing palette to explore the juxtaposition between warm and cool tones.

Within the loft-like great room, Ash Staging sought to create an elegant entertaining space that capitalizes on the abundance of natural light provided by a generous bank of eastern exposure windows. By contrasting soft, warm woods and fabrics with cool stone throughout and accentuating a hint of blue, the eyes are drawn from contemporary upholstered pieces to the blue accents punctuating the artwork. The result feels open and balanced, allowing for a seamless flow between the seating area, dining area, den, breakfast bar and open kitchen.

The main seating area features an inviting beige channel-stitched plush velvet 1970s-inspired tuxedo sofa paired with sculptural yet sumptuous seating, including a pair of striking blue oversized armchairs by Soho Home.

Anchoring the dining area, a monumental reclaimed oak table seats 10, paired with contemporary leather-and-blackened steel chairs. Tying the black and white together is a large-scale Jackson Pollock-style abstract painting on the far wall.

A bright, airy primary suite occupies the entire southeast corner of the 14th-floor residence. Impressive windows filter in ample natural light and provide stunning views of picturesque Upper West Side streetscapes reminiscent of classic New York films such as When Harry Met Sally and You’ve Got Mail. A pair of oak-and-sienna velvet armchairs creates an intimate seating area in the far corner. At the opposite end of the room, a vintage French Art Deco console, sourced from the Paul Bert Serpette flea market outside of Paris, sits beneath a contemporary mixed media artwork.

The guest bedroom is awash in refreshing tones, including a blue linen bed, a vintage abstract painting, and a pair of 1960s Verner Panton Flowerpot Lamps for a modern touch.

Embracing the philosophy, "never be afraid of darkness," Ash Staging chose to create a moody den, enveloping it entirely in a warm dark gray. A modern sofa offers a touch of brightness with its cream linen upholstery, while a walnut-and-leather desk, inspired by French 1950s design, adds warmth, and a contemporary GamFratesi chair offers rich texture with its boucle upholstery. A trio of geometric brass mirrors reflects abundant light and ties the room together, while lamps by Kelly Wearstler and Kalmar offer a mix of direct and diffused warm light.