From Historic to Hip: Former Grand Ballroom In New York Gets A Condo Makeover

A sprawling seven-room condominium that was formerly the grand ballroom of the Barbizon-Plaza Hotel in New York City has returned to the market after a remarkable two-year renovation that has taken the home to a whole new level.

Currently on the market for $8.5 million, the three-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath residence at 106 Central Park South covers nearly 3,000 square feet of living space. The moment you walk in the door, an elegant Ming Jade rotunda with an eye-catching scalloped ceiling and white Thassos marble floor welcome you home.

The dramatic and nearly 60-foot-long gallery is sure to delight art enthusiasts. It provides a stunning way to display fine art, sculptures and other cherished collectibles. The 1,100-square-foot great room boasts a 15-foot ceiling, 8-inch rift-cut white oak floors and ornate cathedral ceiling. Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Central Park illuminate the home with natural light.

In addition to the renovation, professional home staging has brought out the best in the unit. New York-based Interior Marketing Group was recruited to create an inviting and comfortable space.

“The more unique the space is, the more fun it is, and the greater the challenge,” said Cheryl Eisen, president of Interior Marketing Group. “We keep the uniqueness of it because that’s what is so wonderful about this home. We tell a story of how you can live comfortably in such a unique space.” 

Interior Marketing Group furnished the decor, art, light fixtures, drapes, furniture and color palette. Because the condo was once a ballroom, there were no traditional bedrooms. Center-hung paneled doors cleverly solve the problem, providing privacy and room division for the three bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. The master bedroom has a designer master bath with a huge custom-walk in closet. A third interior guest room with a private bath is perfect for out-of-town guests. 

“The bedrooms we had to work with were sort of nooks off the main space, and the homeowner created pivoting doors that separate and create bedroom moments off the main space,” Eisen said. “It is very pretty.” 

The kitchen with high-end appliances opens to the great room, making for easy serving and entertaining. The home also has a state-of-the-art Sonos wireless sound system, custom Lutron lighting, a multi-zoned heating and cooling system and four mezzanine storage areas.

Eisen said Interior Marketing Group’s goal was to create a feeling of broad appeal for the condo by using neutral tones in a thoughtfully crafted design. 

“What we want to do is honor both the architecture and unique selling properties of the home without competing with them,” she said. “It’s a very fine line we walk between how custom and specific we get with our interiors and our art while still making sure that the home, the views, architecture and feeling are the stars of the show.”

Eisen pictures empty nesters as the target demographic. “We don’t see a family living in this space,” she said. “It’s a two-and-half bedroom space, and it doesn’t feel like it would be the ideal family home. We told the story of maybe an empty-nest couple who want to have a beautiful New York space to come to maybe for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and also to have a porch view of Central Park when they are in the city. It might not be their primary residence.”

A terrace that spans the entire length of the home is the perfect location for front-row seats to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, New York City Marathon or simply watching the vibrant hustle and bustle of everyday Manhattan life. 

“Instead of looking at Manhattan from sky-high views, one has Central Park and the vibrancy of Manhattan in their front yard,” said listing agent John Gasdaska of The Corcoran Group.

This post first appeared on Forbes.com. To see the original, click here.