$9m 'urban oasis' brightens up Lower East Side historic district.

Meltzer/Mandl Architects has announced the completion of its third Lower East Side Historic District project.

Gotham Court, a $9 million urban infill project located between Essex and Ludlow Streets, is a 22-unit rental residential development consisting of duplex penthouse homes and one-, two- and four-bedroom apartments arranged around a European-style courtyard.

"Gotham Court was designed to be an urban oasis, consistent with the historical character and charm of the neighborhood," said Marvin H. Meltzer, AIA, vice president of Meltzer/Mandl. "It has been well received and we understand that it is fully occupied with monthly rents as high as $5,500."

In order to create the homes on behalf of first-time developers Harris Barer and Barbara Rohregger, the architects had the task of designing a seven-story building to replace the one-story Ludlow Street structure that was demolished.

They also had to re-invent the two contiguous loft buildings on Essex Street, adding two floors before connecting all three structures.

"The additional floors were set back to maintain a scale consistent with the architecture of the neighborhood," said Meltzer.

"The original facades of white terra cotta had deteriorated enough to make a new facade necessary," noted the architect. "We designed a pattern of metal panels and EIFS panels, that are similar to stucco, which together give the buildings a sleek, updated look while allowing the architect to echo some of the forms of the original facades."

Homes feature oak flooring, 9' ceilings and spacious closets. Kitchens are equipped with white "quadric" raised-panel cabinetry and under-cabinet lighting. Baths are fully tiled with Kohler fixtures, large multi-mirrored medicine cabinets and lighting designed by Michael Love, FASID.

All residences boast a private balcony opening onto the courtyard, as well as access to a landscaped common roof deck.

"Gotham Court is the kind of project the Lower East Side needs if the historic district designation is to succeed in protecting the neighborhood's culture and character," said Meltzer.