I get all eager-beavery about almost everything superstar hotelier Andre Balazs associates his name with. William Beaver House is no exception. Located in the FiDi neighborhood, WBH outshines the luxury refurb jobs of digs like the Setai and Dwell (outshines as in its use of canary-yellow painted brick accenting — some critics like and others hate). Personally, I’m on the fence. I appreciate the bold affect, but preferred the renderings to the reality.
The WBH is the only ground-up residential construction in the area. Those aforementioned luxury high-rises nearby are all commercial conversions.
Balazs covered his bases with airspace in a part of town with a lot of competing skyscrapers. The view from the 320-unit building is so good that you can really see that Manhattan is an island (for those who forget) because you can see water on all sides. It’s a unique perspective. And also, when you are taller than everyone, you can see what goes on atop their roofs, like spotting Delmonico’s super fabulous rooftop garden where topless sunbathers make their summertime cameos.
Inside there’s lots to be eager about, too. The 700-square-foot studios boast a Murphy office, and Mercer Hotel-esque peekaboo doors separate the bed and bathroom. The lobby is textured with Burmese teak wood floors. The sunken seating area — consistent with Balazs’ penchant for 1970s sexy lounging — is both striking to admire and ideal for striking a pose.
– Shira Levine is a freelance writer living in New York City.
Metro does not endorse the opinions of the author, or any opinions expressed on its pages.
