FIFTH AVENUE PENTHOUSE

New York | 2014

Located at 1020 Fifth Avenue, directly across from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this 6,700-square-foot duplex penthouse occupies a historic building completed in 1925. Owned by the Kress family since its construction, the residence retains many of its distinctive original architectural details, including the ceiling of the main ballroom, which was brought from a Venetian palace, and a marble staircase crafted from stone sourced from Michelangelo’s preferred quarry.

The residence spans two levels. The 13th floor is centered around an 800-square-foot salon and ballroom with 18-foot ceilings and also includes a kitchen, dining room, library, and three bedroom suites. Above, the 14th floor opens onto terraces extending around nearly all four sides of the building and includes a family room, solarium, two additional bedroom suites, and staff accommodations.

studioMDA was responsible for the renovation and preservation of the historic interiors, the decoration of the residence, and the design of a new terrace on the 15th floor, carefully balancing the apartment’s original character with its continued use as a contemporary home.