The upscale enclave of Nolita is a vibrant conflux of artistic and culinary influences, beloved by its lucky residents—and envied by everyone else. One of its most recognizable landmarks is the Puck Building, where the contrast of earthy red brick and neptunian blue accents has been captivating passersby since the 1880s; as have the statues of Puck, the mischievous sprite from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, who gives the building its name.
Perhaps the most compelling feature of the building is its six penthouse residences. With their own private doorman and concierge, those few who live in the Puck Penthouses have an entirely different experience of the building than the public.
What’s it like to call the Puck Building home? Welcome to Penthouse IV.
Morning: Beginning the Day on the Bowery
The magical charm of Shakespeare’s Puck may very well be at work in this condominium. For as soon as you step out of bed in the morning, the beauty of the primary suite’s vaulted brick ceilings and its enormous windows with expansive views makes you fall in love with the apartment and city all over again.
The views only get better—first from the floor-to-ceiling windows in the great room, then from the gorgeously landscaped terrace, with its willow-wood pergola, that embraces the penthouse. But today, you don’t linger, as there are exciting art exhibitions and experiences beckoning.
The Puck Building is conveniently situated on Houston Street, so as soon as you set out, you can head to the heart of the Bowery. You quickly grab a coffee and pastry from one of the neighborhood’s bustling cafés, while you pass artistic sites like the Houston Bowery Wall and the Sperone Westwater Gallery.
You continue onto the East Village to enjoy your light breakfast amid the greenery of the 6th Street and Avenue B Garden before returning to your apartment to get ready for this afternoon’s excursions.
Noon: A Sojourn in SoHo and West Village
Back at the penthouse, you have an entire bathroom and dressing room to yourself. The primary bedroom boasts two ensuites, so you go from your steam shower to your sprawling walk-in wardrobe and choose an impressive outfit that’s also comfortable to walk in. You admire your silhouette in the reflections of the pieces of modern art adorning your living areas and grab a book just in case another park calls. It’s time for the next leg of the day’s journey.
Historically, SoHo was New York City’s local artists colony, when it was cheap to rent an industrial loft. Now, the neighborhood is mostly known for its shopping, and it’s tempting to browse on your way to the West Village. You may make a purchase or two, but you don’t want to be burdened with shopping bags. Prudently, you double back to the Puck Building and leave your spoils with the concierge.
Next, you head to the iconic Meatpacking District at Gansevoort Street. Here, you find the multi-tiered structure of the Whitney Museum of American Art, and venture inside for a quick survey of the latest exhibition. But your real reason for coming to this part of town is the High Line, which is directly accessible from the building’s balcony.
Night: An Evening in the Center of the Art World
People travel from all over to see the High Line. For you, it’s simply the most scenic and practical way to cross the neighborhood of Chelsea, another Manhattan arts hub whose streets contain hundreds of galleries. You wander along the elevated greenway, passing intriguing sculptures and installations as you go, eventually coming to the Javits Center.
This is what you’ve been waiting for. The Javits Center looks like New York City’s contemporary take on the legendary Crystal Palace, with its gleaming glass walls and 3.3 million square feet of exhibition and exposition space. At this time of year, it hosts the Armory Show, a remarkable art fair that unites representatives from the top global art galleries under the same soaring skylights.
An evening goes by very quickly in such a venue, and by the time you leave, you’re famished. Rather than walking the High Line a second time, you hire a car to efficiently ferry you back through Chelsea to the West Village, where there’s no shortage of hidden-gem restaurants in which to stop off and grab an immensely satisfying supper.
Returning to the Puck Building, you emerge from the elevator into your own gallery—a 40-foot foyer where custom lighting illuminates your collection on Venetian plaster walls, beneath towering, barrel-vaulted ceilings of pearlized brick. You head to the media room, with its bespoke bar and millwork, and pour a glass of your favorite drink before going to bed.
You glimpsed dozens of fascinating shows and galleries during your adventures, but only had time to see a few—but no matter, because tomorrow is another exploratory day.
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