The XI

In the New York real estate market, it can take a truly remarkable building to break through the noise and make a media splash. Designed by architect firm Bjarke Ingels Group, the XI was impressive enough to do just that, thanks to its unique design of elegantly twisting towers. Shaped so that the two buildings appear to be moving to music, the building complex is adding a sleek and unique style to the Chelsea skyline.

Developed by real estate investment company, HFZ Capital, the project has an ambitious mission: to completely revive the city block between 10th and 11th Avenues and West 17th and 18th Streets. The project is more than a sizable mixed housing/commercial development space; the XI is envisioned to be its own small-scale community. To that effect, Bjarke Ingels plans to bring in stores, restaurants, and to “create a resort environment in an urban setting” as described by HFZ Chairman, Ziel Feldman.

The building is more than aesthetically pleasing; it’s architecturally ingenious. The twisting form was conceived to maximize a New York apartment’s most valuable amenity: expansive views.

The building complex will feature three sections : one 36-story residential building with 149 condos; one 26-story building home to a Six Senses hotel on the first 10 floors and 87 condos on the upper floors; and a smaller adjacent building that will feature a Six Senses Club and Spa and additional gallery space. A glass skybridge will connect the three buildings.

The apartment interiors are equally noteworthy: the West Tower apartments were spearheaded by architecture and interior design firm Gabellini Sheppard Associates  who envisioned an old Hollywood look that manifested as carved-wood doors and ornate bathrooms. The East Tower, designed by interior design firm Gilles & Boissier, is a  luxury den with oak chevron floors, kitchens featuring Italian cabinetry, and bathrooms covered in marble.

The building features an impressive set of amenities including a large fitness center, wine-tasting room, lounge, 75-foot-long pool, social spaces for children, and priority access to all Six Senses facilities.

Once complete, the Xi will house one to four bedroom apartments with prices starting at $2.8 million for one bedrooms, $3.9 million for two bedrooms, $6.5 million for three bedrooms, and $9 million for four bedrooms. Two half-floor penthouses will start at $25 million.

Sales apartments began in May when HFZ launched their sales gallery located at 25 Little West 12th Street. The gallery features several multimedia art pieces that celebrate the architectural impact of the XI building complex.

The XI already has an avid fan base in the New York real estate world, but fans and homeowners alike have a bit of a wait before they can test out the skybridge: the buildings are expected to be under construction until the end of 2019. Please let me know if you would like additional information about this stunning Chelsea property.