At the turn of the 20th century, the grand lobby was a feature that denoted prestige and high quality for luxury rental properties and hotels. Though most developers didn't sink money into grand entrances after World War II when construction costs went up, modern-day properties are tapping into the trend again to give rental housing an awe-inspiring impression.
Here, we've rounded up eight such elaborate entrances that focus on luxury design.
525 West 52nd Street, New York City
This two-tower luxury rental development in Hell’s Kitchen features a 10,000-square-foot, through-block lobby with polished-concrete gallery floors, COR-TEN steel sculptural elements, wood ceilings, hand-woven custom rugs, and art pieces specifically commissioned for the building. The property also features a garden atrium extending from the second-floor lobby down to the cellar.
1 Seaport, New York City
The second-floor lobby at this Hill West Architects–designed, Lower Manhattan luxury condo is complete with a Calacatta Gold marble reception desk and bronze walls. The Groves & Co. light constellation features 375 hand-blown lights around the lobby that pair with the double-sided fireplace and adjoining terrace.
Privé at Island Estates, Aventura, Fla.
At Privé at Island Estates, a twin-tower development on South Florida’s last buildable island, residents can take in the intracoastal waters via floor-to-ceiling window walls connecting the lobbies to the ocean. The scenery is complemented by two sculptures from Australian sculptor Matthew Harding that follow the flow and motion of the ocean waves.
Brickell City Centre, Miami
Brickell City Centre’s two sleek, 43-story, luxury condominium towers in Miami, REACH and RISE, each feature a lobby designed by Richardson Sadeki. Characterized by open spaces with high ceilings, oversized seating, and striking chandeliers, both lobbies balance formal and informal in a relaxed entry design.
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Miami Beach
The Residences in Miami Beach feature a multimillion-dollar lobby designed to cater exclusively to art enthusiasts and world travelers. A $500,000 Piero Lissoni–designed spiraling staircase stands as the focal point and is surrounded by a variety of inspiring art pieces, artifacts, collectibles, and books from around the globe.
507 West Chelsea, New York City
507 West Chelsea is the New York High Line’s newest, three-tower, luxury rental development. Designed by Ismael Leyva Architects, the lobby combines natural elements with industrial-chic ambience and design motifs to create a welcoming first impression. Living green walls and contrasting wood accents soften gray walls, designer lighting, and terrazzo floors.
277 Fifth Avenue, New York City
The New York NoMad neighborhood's newest luxury residential development, 277 Fifth Avenue, boasts a lobby that features double-height walls with floor-to-ceiling windows and a library lounge. Light floods the lobby and highlights the glossy, Italian marble walls.
Oceana Bal Harbour, Bal Harbour, Fla.
This 240-unit luxury condominium in Bal Harbour, Fla., was completed in January 2017. Residents and guests are greeted by the monumental breezeway between the two towers, framing the sky and Atlantic Ocean along with a stainless steel Jeff Koons sculpture, Pluto and Proserpina. The units are priced from $3 million to $30 million. The lobby doubles as an art gallery, where a blue-chip art collection adorns the walls.
