Live the High Life in These International Ultra-Luxe High-Rises

By Sotheby's

O pting for vertical living has long involved trade-offs: services versus square footage, turnkey versus autonomy, convenience versus community. But with highly equipped, low-density condominium towers, buyers no longer have to compromise: distinctive architecture, oversize residences and ultra-luxe services are turning high-rise structures into high-net-worth communities, with amenities fostering social interaction and a sense of place among affluent neighbours.

In the US alone, the landmark 58-storey Woolworth Building in downtown Manhattan recently underwent a multi-year conversion, as French-born architect Thierry W Despont transformed the top 30 floors into 33 loft-like condominiums called the Woolworth Tower Residences. In Miami, the Zaha Hadid-designed One Thousand Museum, overlooking Museum Park, will offer 83 units over 62 stories later this year, an area of nearly one million square feet. “We could have maxed out the density and had up to 500 smaller units,” says co-developer Louis Birdman.

Instead, residences range from 4,600  to more than 10,000 square feet, and 30,000 square feet of amenity space include a private dining hall, sky lounge, aquatic centre, spa and rooftop helipad. Also in Miami, the 54-storey Turnberry Ocean Club in Sunny Isles Beach,  due in late 2019, will feature 154 residences and six stories of amenities, notably a stock-trading lounge and sky theatre. Mayi de la Vega of One Sotheby’s International Realty calls these buildings “among the most innovative developments in South Florida.” Birdman concurs: “Buyers don’t mind paying more as long as they’re getting more – someone who goes in to buy a Rolls Royce is typically not asking what kind of gas mileage it gets.”  

Seattle, Washington, US

In the city’s downtown East Village district, Nexus is a vertical neighbourhood with hotel-like and professional amenities. The next generation of in-city high-rise, the building – which is 90 per cent sold – features panoramic vistas and more than 25,000 square feet of interior and exterior luxuries. Among them are a concierge, co-working space, fitness centre, dog run, media lounge and the 41st-floor Sky Club, which offers an exhibition kitchen, terrace and private dining room.

$1,349,950 (Unit 2808) | Property ID: CWNMSZ
Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty
Michael Cannon +1 206 258 1088
 

Miami, Florida, US

One Thousand Museum, South Florida’s most prestigious new residential tower, is redefining Miami’s skyline. Conceived by the late Pritzker Prize-winning architect Zaha Hadid, the building masterfully combines art, architecture and design, while featuring the most luxurious services and amenities.

$6,650,000 | Property ID: EW5MVK
One Sotheby’s International Realty
Harvey Daniels
+1 786 253 6562­­­
 

New York, New York, US

Originally commissioned by retail magnate FW Woolworth, architect Cass Gilbert’s magnificent 792-foot-tall net-gothic masterpiece continues to grace the world’s most famous skyline. Its 33 individually crafted Woolworth Tower Residences start on the 29th floor and come with top-notch amenities. They were conceived by French-born architect Thierry W Despont with a quality of design, craftsmanship and detail befitting this beloved landmark.

Starting at $3,875,000 | Property ID: 2YDTCK
Sotheby’s International Realty – Downtown Brokerage
Stan Ponte +1 212 606 4109, Joshua Judge +1 212 431 2476

 

Flower Mound, Texas, US

From the moment you arrive at the Lakeside Tower on Lake Grapevine, elegance and sophistication reign, from valet parking and a 24-hour concierge to amenities worthy of a five-star resort. Start your day in the state-of-the-art gym, enjoy cocktails poolside and catch the cool breeze under a cabana. Luxurious interior finishes and spectacular lake views combine to create a comfortable home with fabulous elegance.

$759,900–3,853,500 | Property ID: RRF6WG
Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty
Allison Hayden +1 214 957 4933

 

Naples, Florida, US

Located just steps from the beach, Mystique is one of the last new ultra-luxury high-rise developments in the exclusive Pelican Bay enclave. Created for those who appreciate exquisite design, luxurious appointments and technological innovation, Mystique offers 68 estates and four penthouses with expansive living spaces and terrace views toward the Gulf from most units. Residents will enjoy the amenities of Pelican Bay, including private beach access with beachfront dining.

$3,400,000–7,000,000 | Property ID: M6RTZJ
Premier Sotheby’s International Realty
Mystique Sales Centre +1 239 598 9900

 

Puerto Madero, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Part of the multi-use Madero Harbour Project in Puerto Madero, the Harbour Tower was designed by architect Carlos Ott, who sought to create a groundbreaking architectural icon. With a unique location and breathtaking skyline views, the 52-storey Harbour Tower offers high-quality interior details and a variety of services, along with amenities such as a fitness centre, outdoor pool, green spaces, access to The Shops at Madero Harbour and a shuttle from Madero Harbour heliport. 

$500,000–6,000,000 | Property ID: TRFL4Q
Ginevra Sotheby’s International Realty
Mercedes Ginevra +54 9 11 5581 5115

 

One Ocean, Paradise Island, Bahamas

Rising thirteen stories above the sea, with dazzling panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Nassau Harbour, One Ocean features top-of-the-line finishes in every unit. A tranquil harbour-view pool and relaxation deck, concierge desk and secure underground parking and storage make the building a peaceful and sophisticated retreat, with the option to take advantage of the Ocean Club Golf Club and Atlantis Resort & Casino nearby.

Starting at $1,250,000
Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty
Nick Damianos +1 242 376 1841

 

Chicago, Illinois, US

Located in the vibrant River North district, the fifteen-storey Bentham combines the privacy and comfort of a boutique building with the deluxe amenities of a larger, prestigious high-rise. It enjoys both prime views and location, as it stands at the crossroads of the best Chicago has to offer – bustling nightlife at Rush and Division Streets, premier shopping on the Magnificent Mile and upscale boutiques and dining on the Gold Coast. Each unit features modern indoor-outdoor living, floor-to-ceiling windows and access to the rooftop, with its pool, sun deck and fire pits, large fitness centre and community room with catering kitchen. 

Starting at $1,200,000 (Unit 12A) | Property ID: QJQQRT
Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty
Art Collazo +1 312 929 1555, Peter Angelo +1 773 294 1910

 

Montreal, Quebec, Canada

With their striking contemporary design, the eighteen exclusive units at Four Seasons Private Residences redefine affluent living in modern luxury. Starting on the 14th floor of the hotel, these private residences will be bathed in sunlight by day and city lights by night. Residents will have access to the 163-room hotel’s 24-hour concierge, state-of-the-art spa, indoor pool and fitness centre, as well as world-class dining venues and bars.

$15,435,000 CAD | Property ID: NXR3TV
Sotheby’s International Realty Quebec
Cyrille Girard
+1 514 582 2810

 

Muscat Bay, Oman, UAE

Discover a life of carefree bliss in a five-bedroom grand hilltop villa with sweeping, uninterrupted panoramic views across Muscat Bay and the Gulf of Oman. Located on the mountainside adjacent to the Jumeirah Resort Hotel, built on private plots with landscaped gardens of indigenous mountain plants, these regal residences are part of a gated community. They are designed to be at one with the land and offer a life less ordinary, filled with peace and seclusion, in a place of majesty and charm.

$2,743,091 | Property ID: RB9WH4
Gulf Sotheby’s International Realty
+971 600 545 451

 

New York-based writer Iyna Bort Caruso has contributed to The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Newsday and others.

 

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