Gemma Gramercy

Gemma Gramercy is the first time Hill West has designed to Passive House standards.

Situated on a vibrant corner of Gramercy, the building benefits greatly from the triple glazed, airtight windows required by Passive House design standards. In addition to their importance in building insulation, the windows are soundproof. Standing 20 stories high, the location of the building on the South East corner of 3rd Avenue and East 23rd Street features incredible views from all directions. The large windows Gemma Gramercy host proves visibility does not need to be compromised for high-insulation.

The exterior facade was designed with materials selected to limit carbon. Designed to be dynamic from all angles, Gemma Gramercy’s facade provides an interesting addition to the neighborhood’s skyline.

Gemma Gramercy houses 108 total studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom rental units. Some of the units are affordable. The benefits of sustainable design are present throughout the building. There is fresh air intake in every room. The units feature all electric appliances. Tenants will be able to take advantage of the many amenities designed by Whitehall: A rooftop terrace, fitness center, coworking lounge, and recreation room on the top floor of the building.

Overall, the Passive House design provides tenants many long-term benefits and lifestyle improvements: Year-round fresh indoor air quality and stable temperature; the substantial reduction in energy use and operating costs; and a quiet atmosphere.

Gemma Gramercy’s dynamic facade provides an interesting addition to the neighborhood’s skyline from every direction you consider it from.

234 East 23rd Street

234 East 23rd Street is a 20-story condominium building with 57 units located in the Gramercy neighborhood.

Hill West created a contextual brick building reminiscent of a historic Soho-style warehouse with a contemporary twist. The tower maximizes views of Gramercy Park with large, mullioned windows that are nearly floor-to-ceiling. The selected brick is eroded and aged to feel as though it has been part this neighborhood for years. Metal fins rise up the building from an elegant chiseled and scored stone base to the top of the tower, emphasizing the building’s verticality. The fins frame window openings to make the windows feel as though they are part of a deep masonry wall; the hallmark of a quality historic structure. These same fins continue, uninterrupted to form the parapet railing of the amenity roof terrace, a thoughtful detail that adds to the slender quality of the tower.

There are only five units per floor on lower levels, two units per floor on upper levels and a duplex penthouse with direct elevator access. Private terraces allow for city and park views from the gracious units, many of which have double exposures in living rooms, and windowed kitchens. The building features amenity spaces such as a state of the art fitness center and two roof top amenity terraces.

The inspiration may have been born in the warehouse aesthetic but the execution is one of refined luxury in Gramercy Park.