Living the High Life

Opting for vertical living has long involved tradeoffs: services versus square footage, turnkey versus autonomy, convenience versus community. But with highly equipped, low-density condominium towers, buyers no longer have to compromise: Distinctive architecture, oversize residences and ultra-luxe services are turning high-rise structures into high-networth communities, with amenities fostering social interaction and a sense of place among affluent neighbours.

In the U.S. alone, the landmark 58-story Woolworth Building in downtown Manhattan recently underwent a multiyear conversion, as French-born architect Thierry W Despont transformed the top 30 floors into 33 loft-like condominiums called the Woolworth Tower Residences. In Miami, the Zaha Hadid-designed One Thousand Museum, overlooking Museum Park, will offer 83 units over 62 stories later this year, an area of nearly one million square feet. “We could have maxed out the density and had up to 500 smaller units,” says co-developer Louis Birdman. Instead, residences range from 4,600 to more than 10,000 square feet, with 30,000 square feet of amenity space that include a private dining hall, sky lounge, aquatic center, spa and rooftop helipad. Also in Miami, the 54-story Turnberry Ocean Club in Sunny Isles Beach, due in late 2019, will feature 154 residences and six stories of amenities, notably a stock-trading lounge and sky theater. Mayi de la Vega of One Sotheby’s International Realty calls these buildings “among the most innovative developments in South Florida.” Birdman concurs: “Buyers don’t mind paying more as long as they’re getting more. Someone who goes in to buy a Rolls Royce is typically not asking what kind of gas mileage it gets.”

New York-based writer Iyna Bort Caruso has contributed to The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Newsday and other publications.

MIAMI - FLORIDA, US

One Thousand Museum, South Florida’s most prestigious new residential tower, is redefining Miami’s skyline. Conceived by the late Pritzker Prize-winning architect Zaha Hadid, the building masterfully combines art, architecture and design, while featuring the most luxurious services and amenities.

NEW YORK - NEW YORK, US

Originally commissioned by retail magnate FW Woolworth, architect Cass Gilbert’s magnificent 792-foot-tall neo-Gothic masterpiece continues to grace the world’s most famous skyline. Its 33 individually crafted Woolworth Tower Residences start on the 29th floor and come with top-notch amenities. They were conceived by Frenchborn architect Thierry W Despont with a quality of design, craftsmanship and detail befitting this beloved landmark.

SEATTLE - WASHINGTON, US

In the city’s downtown East Village district, Nexus is a vertical neighborhood with hotel-like and professional amenities. The next generation of in-city high-rise, the building—which is 90% sold — features panoramic vistas and more than 25,000 square feet of interior and exterior luxuries. Among them are a concierge, co-working space, fitness center, dog run, media lounge and the 41st-floor Sky Club, which offers an exhibition kitchen, terrace and private dining room.

PUERTO MADERO - BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA

Part of the multi-use Madero Harbour Project in Puerto Madero, the Harbour Tower was designed by architect Carlos Ott, who sought to create a groundbreaking architectural icon. With its unique location and breathtaking skyline views, the 52-story Harbour Tower offers high-quality interior details and a variety of services, along with amenities such as a fitness center, outdoor pool, green spaces, access to The Shops at Madero Harbour and a shuttle from Madero Harbour heliport.

FLOWER MOUND - TEXAS, US

From the moment you arrive at the Lakeside Tower on Lake Grapevine, elegance and sophistication reign, from valet parking and a 24-hour concierge to amenities worthy of a five-star resort. Start your day in the stateof-the-art gym, enjoy cocktails poolside and catch the cool breeze under a cabana. Luxurious interior finishes and spectacular lake views combine to create a comfortable home with fabulous elegance.

NAPLES - FLORIDA, US

Located just steps from the beach, Mystique is one of the last new ultra-luxury high-rise developments in the exclusive Pelican Bay enclave. Created for those who appreciate exquisite design, luxurious appointments and technological innovation, Mystique offers 68 estates and four penthouses with expansive living spaces and terrace views toward the Gulf from most units. Residents will enjoy the amenities of Pelican Bay, including private beach access with beachfront dining.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, US

Located in the vibrant River North district, the 15-story Bentham combines the privacy and comfort of a boutique building with the deluxe amenities of a larger, prestigious high-rise. It enjoys both prime views and location, as it stands at the crossroads of the best Chicago has to offer–bustling nightlife at Rush and Division streets, premier shopping on the Magnificent Mile and upscale boutiques and dining on the Gold Coast. Each unit features modern indoor-outdoor living and floor-to-ceiling windows, with access to the rooftop, with its pool, sun deck and fire pits, large fitness center and community room with catering kitchen.

ONE OCEAN - PARADISE ISLAND, BAHAMAS

Rising 13 stories above the sea, with dazzling panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Nassau Harbour, One Ocean features top-ofthe-line finishes in every unit. A tranquil harbor-view pool and relaxation deck, concierge desk and secure underground parking and storage make the building a peaceful and sophisticated retreat, with the option to take advantage of the Ocean Club Golf Club and Atlantis Resort & Casino nearby.

MUSCAT BAY - OMAN

Discover a life of carefree bliss in a fivebedroom grand hilltop villa with sweeping, uninterrupted panoramic views across Muscat Bay and the Gulf of Oman. Located on the mountainside adjacent to the Jumeirah Resort Hotel and built on private plots with landscaped gardens of indigenous mountain plants, these regal residences are part of a gated community. They are designed to be at one with the land and offer a life less ordinary, filled with peace and seclusion, in a place of majesty and charm.

MONTREAL - QUEBEC, CANADA

With their striking contemporary design, the 18 exclusive units at Four Seasons Private Residences redefine affluent living in modern luxury. Starting on the 14th floor of the hotel, these private residences will be bathed in sunlight by day and city lights by night. Residents will have access to the 163-room hotel’s 24-hour concierge, state-of-the-art spa, indoor pool and fitness center, as well as world-class dining and bars.