Remembering Cesar Pelli: A look at NYC residential buildings by the iconic architect

World Financial Center, also known as Brookfield Place, via Pelli Clarke Pelli ArchitectsOver the weekend, the architecture world mourned the loss of Cesar Pelli, who died at the age of 92. The New York Times described the AIA gold medalist and onetime dean of the Yale School of Architecture as the designer of “some of the world’s most iconic buildings,” citing examples in Kuala Lumpur, Buenos Aires, Milan, London, Minneapolis, San Francisco, and, of course, New York.

During his tenure at Eero Saarinen’s firm, Mr. Pelli’s work included the TWA Flight Center at JFK Airport, which has since been transformed into a luxury hotel. His eponymous firm, Pelli Clarke Pelli (the second “Pelli” is his son Rafael), was also at the helm of the design of the World Financial Center, now known as Brookfield Place, and 76 Trinity Place, a 27-story community center and office tower rising above the historic Trinity Church and its yard. Its work also includes some of New York’s most highly coveted residential towers.

Museum Tower via Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects

Mr. Pelli’s design of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) was partially torn down in 2002, but his work on the site can be seen in the form of the residential tower above the museum. Depending on the location of the apartment, homeowners can enjoy views of Central Park, the New York City skyline, and/or the MoMA’s sculpture garden. All residents have access to a roof terrace, state-of-the-art gym, media room, and wine storage and tasting room.

Museum Tower interiors via Douglas EllimanFitness centerAll images of One Beacon Court via Sotheby'sOne of the most recognizable buildings on Lexington Avenue, One Beacon Court is home to Bloomberg corporate offices and spectacular Midtown condominiums across the street from Bloomingdales. Bold-faced names like Beyonce, Jay-Z, and former General Electric CEO Jack Welch have called this tower home. Amenities and staff include a 24-hour doorman, concierge, fitness center with barre room, lounge, business center, children’s playroom, and valet parking and port cochere entrance.Apartment interiorsPort cochereThe Visionaire via Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects

While this Battery Park City tower has garnered attention for its handsome design and spectacular Hudson River views, it is perhaps best known as one of the most environmentally friendly buildings in New York. Its embrace of sustainable building materials and conservation technologies were instrumental in its certification as New York’s first LEED Platinum building. Amenities include a fitness center with swimming pool and spa, a sky lounge with grills and wet bar, a lounge with billiards table, a children’s playroom, a parking garage, and cold storage.

Visionaire interiors and amenities via Christie'sOutdoor terraceAll images of 1214 Fifth Avenue via Related Companies

No, one doesn’t have to own an apartment to have a Fifth Avenue address near Central Park and Museum Mile! Residential units start above Mt. Sinai Medical Center doctors’ offices and are filled with incredible natural light and iconic New York views. Amenities include an attended lobby, fitness center, indoor pool, screening room, children’s playroom, and rooftop terrace.

Living roomLobbyAll images of One West End via Douglas EllimanConstruction of the Waterline Square complex is still underway, but the nearby One West End offers a shining example of what this stretch of the Far West Side could become. Bruce Willis is among the early residents of the exquisitely detailed tower where the skyline views are as spectacular as its architecture. Approximately 35,000 square feet of residential amenities include a fitness center and spa, a 75-foot swimming pool, a lounge with billiards table and media area, a children’s playroom, and an expansive outdoor terrace with cabanas, green space, and grilling area.Living roomRoof terraceAll images of The Centrale via Douglas Elliman

A short distance from the Chrysler Building and the famed Waldorf Astoria, the Centrale’s combination of contemporary architecture and Art Deco elements makes a powerful statement of its own and soars above its Midtown East neighborhood. A 400-ton mass damper mitigates the slender building’s sway, and floor-to-ceiling windows look out on panoramic Midtown skyline views. A dramatic port cochere sets the tone for the building’s luxury, and additional amenities include a fitness center, lap pool, club lounge, conference room, and Club Terrace with wet bar and green space.

Kitchen and dining areaPool

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