Chelsea residential project topped out.

211 W. 18th St. in Chelsea, the 16,500-SF, nine-story project being developed by Steve and Gary Brown, partners in G & S Brown Investments, has topped out. Cetra/Ruddy Incorporated, the award-winning architecture and interior design firm, is the architect and interior designer for the project. The project consists of six full floor and two duplex luxury loft residences. Occupancy is slated for Winter 2002. The announcement was made by Nancy J. Ruddy and John Cetra, principals and cofounders of Cetra/Ruddy.

"In converting 211 West 18th St., we strove to create a building with architectural distinction that would project an understated elegance and sophistication throughout the building," said Ruddy. "This unique property appeals to the buyer looking for a more exclusive building."

The property's location in a C6-2A zoning district limited the height of the property to that of the adjacent buildings - 60 feet or five stories - and prevented the full utilization of the FAR on the site. To capture the wider street frontage that would allow for a taller building and use of the FAR, the developer purchased the air rights of the neighboring 209 West 18th St., a four-story masonry building. The new building spans over the existing masonry structure from floors five through nine. As an industrial quality property, 209 West 18th St. supports some of the load of the new floors, saving the developer time and money. Existing hollow airshafts along the perimeter were filled with concrete to add further support for the new addition. The structure of the new building consists of a steel structural frame with a metal deck.

In being respectful of the older building that is part of the urban fabric of Chelsea, a vertical notch visually separates the masonry building from the new structure. Where the new building spans over the existing structure, the building takes the form of a dramatic sculptural glass and metal curve that crowns the building. The curve gently sets back on the existing structure, creating a respectful union of the traditional masonry and modern steel and glass buildings.

"211 West 18th St. was designed with the sophisticated buyer in mind," said Cetra. "The facade is a glass and metal curtain wall instead of the more typical masonry with punched openings or ribbon windows. The window wall was designed with a minimal and elegant profile and reaches from floor to ceiling. The interiors provide every luxury amenity imaginable from gourmet kitchens to spa-like bathrooms and offer finishes found only in custom-designed apartments."

The gourmet kitchens are open to the living and dining spaces with sleek, modern cabinets that resemble fine millwork more than kitchen cabinetry. The appliances are top-of-the-line including Sub-Zero refrigerators, Bosch cooktops and a washer/dryer in every apartment The bathrooms are sleek, elegant and spa-like featuring pale, blue glass mosaic tiles, stainless steel sinks and faucets, and separate dressing areas with built-in closets.

"These unique loft residences went on the market at the end of the summer and in just three weeks, 50% of the units, including the penthouse, had been sold," said Andy Gerringer, executive vice president, Insignia Douglas Elliman. "Interest has been unwavering. In a Chelsea real estate market crowded with product, the property's spacious room layouts, sophisticated finishes, and distinctive building image have made it a stand out."

Cetra/Ruddy Incorporated was selected to design 211 W. 18th St. based on the firm's extensive experience with high quality multifamily residential projects.