NYC Apartment Gets Artistic

By Jeffrey Steele, Contributing Writer

New York—Equity Residential reports it developed Ten23 Apartments, its new apartment community adjacent to High Line Park in the Gallery District of Manhattan’s coveted Chelsea district, with an eye toward redefining luxury residential living. To further set the building apart from others, Equity Residential has unveiled at the property a 23-foot, museum-quality sculpture created by internationally renowned artist Charlie Hewitt.

The 650-pound steel sculpture, titled “Urban Rattle” and inspired by the 1980s graffiti art culture, was intended to blend seamlessly into its surroundings.

“Charlie’s inspiration was really an homage to both the High Line and the urban street art from what was, and currently is, part of the neighborhood,” Tom Lebling, senior vice president for Equity Residential’s northeast region, tells MHN. “His design incorporated recycled and repurposed materials, which we were drawn to [given] the green efforts of our building. Charlie is well known, and currently showcases pieces in the Whitney, Metropolitan Museum of Art, MOMA and the Brooklyn Museum.”

A number of artists were considered for the project, and Maine-born Hewitt was selected after a lengthy evaluation process overseen by Equity Residential. The resulting sculpture “stands as a new landmark in the vibrant Chelsea neighborhood,” Lebling says. “We couldn’t be more pleased with the final design.”

Lebling adds that the sculpture conveys a message to residents of Ten23 and neighboring buildings, as well as passersby. “We believe that art, specifically in architecture and public sculpture, is a gift we as developers can give to our residents and neighbors,” he says. “Ten23 is more than just another development. It’s a big part of the fabric of the neighborhood.”

Ten23 was designed by celebrated architecture firm Gerner, Kronick & Valcarcel to accentuate its prime location.

The luxury rental building is 13 stories tall, and features 111 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartment homes with rents from $3,205 to $11,577 a month. Floor-to-ceiling low-UV windows, custom-designed closets, hardwood flooring, custom kitchen cabinetries with fine finishes, stainless steel appliances and oversized balconies and terraces are among luxury features of the apartments.

The newly renovated High Line Park, a landscaped, 1.5-mile long public park created on the former West Side railway platform, stands mere steps away. More than 350 art galleries, museums, studios and theatres have opened in the area, and access to the 1, C and E subway lines is just outside the building.

“We developed Ten23 from the ground up to redefine luxury residential living in this iconic neighborhood,” Lebling says.

“Urban Rattle is yet another example of our commitment to our residents. The reaction from both our residents and the community has been extremely positive. In fact, this work of art is quickly becoming a recognizable image for both the High Line Park and entire Chelsea neighborhood.”