Cetra/Ruddy gets imaginative with luxury condo conversion.

Sheffield57, the former rental tower currently undergoing the largest rental-to-condominium conversion in New York City, this month unveils five exciting and spirited model apartments designed by the award-winning architectural and interior design firm, Cetra/Ruddy.

Each unit, from a graciously proportioned 585 s/f studio to a 1550 s/f three-bedroom, will feature a decor that reflects the lifestyle of five diverse imaginary buyers.

Cetra/Ruddy developed this unique approach to the design of the model apartments inspired by the uniqueness of this prestige property. Sheffield57's location in the heart of Midtown Manhattan on 57th Street, the center of international fashion, finance and the diversity of apartment size and configuration, create a product that will appeal to a diverse target market.

To illustrate Sheffield57's appeal to the most interesting and accomplished people, Cetra/Ruddy invented five diverse residents for the model apartments. The common thread of each is that they have selected Sheffield57 as their home because of the sophisticated modern design, the high quality of the materials, and the attention to detail provided by the architect and the developers.

Cetra/Ruddy is the architect and interior designer for the residential conversion and the model apartments. Whereas over 100 vendors have been used, major furniture items came from Domus Design Collection, a New York-based furniture showcase representing over 15 of Europe's most exciting furniture manufacturers. C/R also used fabrics from Kravet and Maharam for custom drapery and upholstery as well as unique area rugs from Sacco. All built-in millwork pieces were designed by Cetra/Ruddy employing exotic veneers.

In addition, a broad selection of exclusive art, photography, and decorative accessories reinforce the lifestyle imagined for the model residents.

Apartment Q1 The Attorney

Classically modern, this 875 s/f one bedroom is about power and sophistication. The approach is highly textural with a masculine edge. The design team at Cetra/Ruddy chose rich leathers in smooth calf skin and embossed ostrich to delineate the tastes of this 50-something partner in a Midtown law firm. The apartment features upholstery and wall coverings in shades of chocolate brown accented with navy and light blue, and a unique wood-paneled home office with desk and shelves crafted in macassar ebony.

Apartment P1 The Fashion Shoe Designer

The Cetra/Ruddy team envisioned this 1,165 s/f one bedroom apartment as a study in whimsy, reflecting the shoe designer's edgy energy. The living room features white leather sofas accented by bright snakeskin pillows and clear acrylic chairs. The walls are highlighted by glossy panels glazed in hot vibrant colors.

The theme continues into the bedroom, which includes a turquoise silk shag rug, a glass desk with silk fabric insets, and a white bed offset by glow-box nightstands.

Apartment U1 The International Family

To represent this well-traveled, stylish South American family and their eclectic jet-set lifestyle, Cetra/ Ruddy spotlights the collected ephemera from their voyages, including tribal art and fabrics and wood sculptures, all displayed on custom teak millwork. Fabrics are natural linens in earth tones. Floor coverings are silk corduroy, natural flokati sheepskin and white mohair. The child's room features framed primitive art and custom furniture in bright complex colors. The home's overall feel is relaxed, worldly, and very cosmopolitan.

Apartment R The Bachelor Pad

This young 20-something's first city apartment presents a fast black, red and grey color scheme incorporating dynamic sculptural elements that shine with confidence--gray mesh window treatments and polished chrome elements. An architectural mesh screen artistically divides the living and sleeping areas. Of course, the apartment features the latest in electronic technology for the quintessential city bachelor pad.

Apartment B1 Elegant Woman Writer

As a lifelong New York resident, this is a lady of a certain age with a grown niece who comes to stay when she passes through the city. This writer's tastes run to the sophisticated with an eclectic touch; mixing vintage, ethnic and contemporary including a dining room with a vintage Lucite table as the centerpiece; dining chairs slip-covered in an arabesque-print fabric, all set on a silk carpet bordered with the classic Greek key motif. Her living room incorporates faux tortoise shell tables, Wenge wood bookshelves that highlight her book and art collections, and an antiqued mirror coffee table.

The model apartments reflect the broad range of condominium configurations available to buyers at Sheffield57. The building has a vast array of amenities, including the two-floor Club 57 on the building's top two floors featuring a private residents' lounge and restaurant, state-of-the-art fitness center, and the city's only retractable-roof swimming pool; as well a sculpture garden by famed architects Moed deArmas.

Each apartment at Sheffield57 features many high quality details: custom Italian full height doors with sleek low-profile aluminum frames from Tres Piu. Kitchens have been carefully considered with premium level appliances fully integrated into elegant Italian Poliform Varenna cabinetry.

Sheffield57 is a joint venture between Swig Equities, LLC, YL Developers and S&H Equities Inc. Swig Equities serves as the exclusive sales and marketing agency for the property.