New construction in New York City might be leading the nation, but renovated architecture will always be popular as less space becomes available. Enter: The Willard in the Upper West Side, Stellar Managements’ latest portfolio addition and the most recent recipient of a facelift.
The Willard sits at 252 W. 76th St. and has done so since 1917. But what was formerly The Willard Hotel has since been turned into rental units, with Stellar Management teaming up with Argent Ventures and Citi Habitats to bring the building up to date.
What this means for current residents
The Willard’s current residents received first offer to renew leases on the building after renovations. A source with Stellar Management said “at the moment, about half of the current residents are staying in the building.”
Residents were notified of the renovations and given the option to renew. Otherwise, Stellar Management will honor the current lease agreement and renovate the apartments once vacant.
Rent for units will range from $3,896 for a one-bedroom apartment to $14,163 for a four-bedroom unit, according to Citi Habitats’ listing page.
Renovated unit at The Willard. Photo courtesy Citi Habitats.
Aesthetic and core changes
“Similar to an archaeological dig, we knew from the exterior facade that the original lobby interiors had to be there in some way,” James Kieran Pine of JKP Design & Decoration said. “We uncovered and are restoring all the original plaster moldings that had been previously concealed with a 2-foot dropped ceiling of sheetrock, probably installed in the early ’70s.”
The units will be upgraded with Bosch, Electrolux and Liebherr appliances. A fitness room, playroom and new lobby are also part of the overhaul.
Rendering
Prior to the most recent renovation, though, the building had 58 units total. There will be six units lost because developers will connect to other apartments for bigger areas.
After clearing away some of the dust, developers found a studio space adjacent with an eight-foot skylight. This will be an addition to the lobby area, they said.
“This restoration will bring the building to the standard of modern elegance that is exemplary in this desirable neighborhood,” Stellar Management COO Adam Roman said.
