Spotlight On Roy Stillman: ‘The 12 Cherries Theory’

By Roy Stillman, Stillman Development InternationalThe development of buildings is the ultimate art form. My intrinsic love of art is showcased in each of my properties, which I have created in collaboration with some of the world’s most respected architects, including I.M. Pei, Michael Graves and the late Philip Johnson.  Over the years, Icreated “The 12 Cherries Theory,” a philosophy that is the basis for my projects. I believe that, just as a slot machine requires three cherries to win the jackpot, there are 12 “cherries,” or elements, that must come together for a real estate development to be successful. These include: 1.    Location2.    Construction 3.    Design/architecture 4.    Amenities5.    Staff/service6.    Lobby7.    Relationships8.    Lighting9.    Creativity 10.  Experience 11.  Layouts12.  Materials/finishesThis theory, along with a passion for creating and enhancing the ultimate living experience, is reflected in Stillman Development International’s most recent projects, including The Centurion Condominium, The Metropolitan Condominium and Trump International Hotel & Tower, Fort Lauderdale.  In 2004, Stillman Development International completed the $200 million Metropolitan Condominium, a 32-story modern classic designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Philip Johnson, with renowned architect Alan Ritchie. The Metropolitan’s intimate lobby features a contemporary masterpiece by painter Donald Sultan, who worked for more than 18 months to complete the 6’x 8’ work of art. The Metropolitan, located on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, sold out in record time and at a record-breaking price per square foot for its location.We included a piece by Sultan in The Metropolitan. For consideration, a list of artists was compiled, all who had major museum representation, books and an international reputation. Then one afternoon, while flipping through art books and catalogues, I stopped at a page with several floral works on it by Sultan. When I saw the works, I knew I had found the keynote artist for the building. Sultan created the piece in a format and with materials he had never used before—6-ft. x 7-ft. and in bronze and walnut. Scheduled for occupancy in 2009, Stillman Development International’s The Centurion is the world’s first ground-up residential condominium designed by legendary architect I.M. Pei and his son, Sandi Pei, design manager of Pei Partnership Architects. The project offers 48 one- to four-bedroom residences, including 13 terraced homes and three penthouses. The Centurion offers the unique opportunity to live in a space designed by the architectural team that created The Pyramid at The Louvre in Paris, The Bank of China headquarters in Beijing and Hong Kong, and The Four Seasons Hotel in Manhattan. Located just off Fifth Avenue in midtown Manhattan, The Centurion will be steps away from fine dining, entertainment, hotels, museums, city landmarks and Central Park. The 19-story French limestone-tiered structure features a picturesque lobby where a tranquil outdoor water garden with reflecting pool can be viewed through a 36-foot glass wall.  Keynote art is also planned for The Centurion. The development team selected a yet-to-be-announced celebrated artist to specially commission a large piece for the lobby, located at 33 W. 56th St. Stillman Development and Donald Trump are collaborating on the Trump International Hotel & Tower in Fort Lauderdale, also slated for completion in 2009. Designed by the world-renowned architectural firm Michael Graves & Associates, in collaboration with Oscar I. Garcia, this 24-story oceanfront condominium-hotel offers views of the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway. Owners will enjoy 24-hour access to the hotel’s five-star services and amenities including concierge, security, valet, housekeeping and room service, a 5,000-sq.-ft. full-service spa and fitness center, and an outdoor mosaic-tiled grand pool with private cabanas.Roy Stillman is founder and president of Stillman Development International, a Manhattan-based real estate company that has developed, renovated and sold approximately $700 million in luxury apartments, single-family homes, high-end commercial space and hotels since 2000.