See Inside the Dazzling $21 Million Penthouse at 111 West 57th Street

Nancy Gabriel and Guillaume Excoffier of Gabriel & Guillaume. Photo: Gabriel & Guillaume

Recent visitors to the Big Apple would have undoubtedly noticed a razor-thin addition to the midtown skyline. Conceived by SHoP Architects, 111 West 57th Street soars more than 1,420 feet above Billionaires’ Row, its stepped silhouette clad in a dazzling mix of terracotta and bronze. A key element of the development is the neighboring Steinway Hall, a low-rise 1925 neo-Renaissance landmark designed by Warren & Wetmore, the same architects behind Grand Central Terminal.

Perched atop Steinway Hall is the so-called Landmark Penthouse, a 5,270-square-foot duplex that was renovated by SHoP and Studio Sofield, which also handled the interiors of the adjacent tower. Boasting expansive terraces and elegant architectural flourishes, the three-bedroom dwelling recently hit the market for $21 million with Douglas Elliman. Luxe touches include white macauba stone floors, a jewel onyx powder room, Cristallo Gold quartzite countertops, a pure copper soaking tub, and custom bronze hardware by P. E. Guerin.

111 West 57th Street. Photo: Douglas Elliman

To bring the penthouse to life, developers JDS and Property Markets Group have teamed up with buzzy design gallery Gabriel & Guillaume, which works largely between Beirut and Paris. Founded in 2013 by Nancy Gabriel and Guillaume Excoffier, the gallery made its New York debut at the recent Salon Art+Design show, where they met Guillaume Coutheillas of marketing agency FrenchCALIFORNIA, who connected them with the project. Envisioned as a “livable gallery,” the penthouse offers an intoxicating mix of contemporary and vintage furnishings by the likes of Gio Ponti, Zaha Hadid, Joaqim Tenreiro, Diane Arbus, and Jean-Michel Othoniel.

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Here, Nancy Gabriel and Guillaume Excoffier give more insight into the exciting project.

A work by Jean-Michel Othoniel hangs in the drawing room. Photo: Robert Granoff

What was the concept for the space?
We wanted to give viewers the experience of visiting the home of a sophisticated and international art collector. Seeing collectible design pieces mixed in unexpected way enables our clients to envision better how they can live with such daring pieces.

A 1980s Denuncia table by José Zanine Caldas anchors one side of the drawing room. Photo: Robert Granoff

Do you have a favorite design piece or vignette in the show?
We like when it’s at its most eclectic: For instance, on the left side of the drawing room, your eye embraces at the same time a unique library of Gio Ponti, with Murano glass, and silk-covered doors, and an exceptional Brazilian 1980s Denuncia table by José Zanine Caldas. Though quite different in style, the two pieces mix beautifully.

What are your thoughts on the historic architecture of the building?
It’s an amazing example of the architecture of the Roaring Twenties. Very grand and glamorous—it’s the kind of New York everyone dreams about.

The guest room. Photo: Robert Granoff

Why did you pick Cueto Art Advisory and what are some of the standout artworks?
We have followed Valérie’s work since she had her gallery in Chelsea. She is extremely knowledgable in both modern and contemporary art. For this exhibition, she managed to find beautiful Hans Hartung paintings, as well as a very intriguing Robert Mapplethorpe photograph and interesting works from Uruguay start artist Marco Maggi.

The penthouse is open for viewings through the end of April.