Condos to have garden retreat.

World famous designer Arnold Scaasi, whose elegant creations have ranged from classic couture to glamorous gowns worn by First Ladies including Laura Bush, will for the first time create a blissful garden retreat for Grand Beekman, a new luxury condominium residence in Manhattan's exclusive Beekman Place enclave.

Scaasi, a long-time resident of Beekman Place, will use his timeless sense of style, texture and color to create a tranquil oasis for the residents of the 32-story condominium, the first major development in the enclave in more than 25 years. The garden retreat will feature an abundance of lush greenery, with floral accents that grow and change with the seasons.

Named a "Living Landmark" by the New York Landmarks Conservancy for his professional distinction and personal caring to preserve the "Best of New York City," Scaasi has long been committed to maintaining and enhancing the beauty of the Beekman Place neighborhood. His design of the Grand Beekman garden retreat reflects that dedication.

"Grand Beekman is an extraordinary building, designed to reflect and enhance the grace of one of New York's most intimate enclaves," said Scaasi, whose passion for design and love of gardening are reflected at his homes in Beekman Place and elsewhere. "The garden retreat, one of Grand Beekman's many thoughtfully detailed features, will provide a wonderful area for residents to escape from the bustle of New York and surround themselves with nature and enjoy a quiet moment with themselves."

Famed as New York's last true couturier, Scaasi's clients are as diverse as his talents. In addition to First Lady Laura Bush, Scaasi clothes have been worn by Barbara Bush, Mamie Eisenhower, Jacqueline Kennedy and Lady Bird Johnson. He has also dressed scores of luminaries such as Elizabeth Taylor, Barbra Streisand, Mary Tyler Moore, Barbara Walters, Brooke Astor, Sophia Loren and Blame and Ivana Trump, among many others.

His collections have included couture made-to-order, Scaasi Bride and Scaasi Furs. He also launched a signature fragrance. In 1997, he was awarded the most prestigious accolade in the fashion world, the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America. He is also active with Literacy Partners, a non-profit organization that works to promote literacy among adults.

Developed by Izak Senbahar and Simon Elias and designed by noted residential architect Costas Kondylis, Grand Beekman, at 400 East 51st St. at the southeast corner of First Avenue, features 89 exquisitely designed condominium residences, many with separate wings for entertaining and sleeping. The luxurious tower residences, floors eight through 32, have 10-foot ceilings and oversized bay windows providing panoramic river and city views. In addition to the garden retreat, Grand Beekman features a conservatory with an atrium ceiling, a duplex fitness center which overlooks the garden, and a children's playroom. The condominium residences range in price from $1.4 million to $5.25 million. Occupancy is scheduled for this winter.