During the first four decades of the 20^th century, brothers Alexander and Leo Bing designed some of the most sought-after apartment buildings in Manhattan, articulating an elegance, spaciousness and attention to detail that’s still in demand today.

And in the West Village, interior decorator Lauren Stern and Hottenroth & Joseph Architects recently completed a renovation of a rooftop penthouse made up of not one, but two adjoining Bing & Bing Art Deco apartments.

“Over the years it had been renovated so many times that it had been stripped of any of its original details,” she said.  “So architecturally, I wanted it to feel like the original building.”

She called for custom molding and millwork, antique fireplace mantels and furnishings that were not too traditional, but modern, comfortable and gracious for a classic feel.  For inspiration, her clients looked back on the residential feel of their recent stay at J.K. Place hotel in Capri, Italy. 

Inside the 3,500 square foot space, she respected the sophisticated, classic architecture by applying muted colors like warm grays, but also sought out opportunities for eye-popping exclamation points in each room.  “I love for colors to pop in different areas, to make a room more alive and exciting.”

Outside a wraparound terrace on two floors offers vistas of the entire city of New York.  Within easy view are the Empire State and Chrysler Buildings and most of midtown.  “Up on the 15^th floor terrace, you can see most of Manhattan, because you can walk around up there.  It’s an unusual, amazing space,” she said.  “We wanted to make it feel like you’re in a private yard, with a beautiful landscape of plants and flowers, but the backdrop is the entire city.”

Some might find the views priceless, but the owners arrived at a figure just last week.  On Thursday, they put it on the market at $14.95 million.

For more on Lauren Stern, go to http://laurensterndesign.com/

For more on the property, go to http://ny.curbed.com/archives/2011/01/21/west_village_penthouse_seeing_double_after_three_years.php

And for the 100 Best Things to Do in New York, go to https://www.your-rv-lifestyle.com/best-things-to-do-in-new-york.html

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