An Arts & Crafts Style Pervades a New York City Triplex Stocked with Tony Awards
Within the historic Merchants House building in Tribeca, Broadway actor Nathan Lane enlisted designer William Sofield to conjure a one-of-a-kind apartment when he bought the property years ago.
Known for his rarefied residential projects and posh boutiques for global luxury brands like Gucci, Bottega Veneta, and Saint Laurent, William Sofield has exhibited a dynamic range over a sterling career in design. Unifying his body of work is a fierce dedication to materiality and craft, both of which are prevalent in Broadway legend Nathan Lane’s idiosyncratic apartment in Tribeca—currently up for sale.
Housed inside the 1891 Merchants House building, a former Romanesque Revival warehouse constructed for the Merchants’ Refrigerating Company, the two-bedroom unit at 35 North Moore St. is swathed in movie posters and the actor’s awards and pays homage to the 19th-century Arts & Crafts movement which championed quality materials, utility, and handicraft. The most striking example of this style resides in the living room where a wood-burning fireplace and brick hearth are backed by a custom stone surround with a spindly motif.
Below, we take a closer look at the property.
Property Description: Located in the famed Merchant’s House Condominium on Tribeca’s coveted Gold Coast, designer William Sofield applied his signature attention to detail to this 2,757-square-foot home. Sofield has transformed this loft-style residence into a liveable work of art by implementing unexpected materials thereby creating a warm yet stylish aesthetic.
The main level encompasses a gracious open space with soaring 15-foot ceilings that comfortably accommodates living, dining, kitchen, and a cozy home entertainment alcove. Anchored by a wood-burning fireplace with a custom handcrafted stone surround and brick hearth, this Arts & Crafts-style residence displays Sofield’s dedication to artisanal craftsmanship and ingenuity. A grand winding staircase leads to the primary suite with a five-piece bath that includes a steam shower. The lower level of the triplex houses a secondary bedroom suite providing complete privacy for guests, children, or a full-time workspace.
Inspiration: William Sofield is known for a holistic approach to design that encompasses the requirements of living and a response to locale. Materials and architectural details take their cue from the context of the project with careful consideration for function and the owner’s personality. He creates sanctuaries of high-end design with an inviting feel.
Standout Features: The triplex layout and volume of space with separation of entertaining, work, and sleeping quarters creates a feeling of privacy and feels like a house. A few highlights include the brick hearth and handcrafted stone fireplace surround with an Arts & Crafts-style motif, a custom-designed chandelier, a grand winding staircase connecting the entertainment area to the primary suite, original brick columns, and wrapped beams. The fireplace and surround create a warm and inviting atmosphere that dictates the palette for the entire space. The ceiling height and open layout of the main floor create a sense of volume and grandeur.
Neighborhood: Surrounded by Tribeca’s world-famous quality of life, this home is at the center of phenomenal shopping, dining, and nightlife venues, including The Odeon, Frenchette, Mr. Chow, and Locanda Verde. The Tribeca Whole Foods, Target, Brookfield Place, and Westfield World Trade Center are close by, and you’ll never lack outdoor space or recreation with charming Duane Park, Washington Market Park, and massive Hudson River Park blocks away.
The house without furnishings is being offered at $4.65 million. The listing agents are Mary Ellen Cashman and Leslie Davidson of Compass.
