Rendering and photo via Wonder Works Construction
Once a much larger neighborhood, Little Italy today mostly consists of a three-block stretch of Mulberry Street between Canal and Broome streets. Like many of Manhattan's old ethnic enclaves, its decline can be tied to a dwindling immigrant population, real estate speculation, and in this case, an overabundance of kitschiness sucking away remaining authenticity.
The next nail in the coffin comes in at 114-116 Mulberry Street, where a sorry-looking apartment building has gone up just north of Canal Street. Named Parioli, the seven-floor building consists of 23 apartments ranging from 467 to 1094 square feet according to its builder Wonder Works. In charge of the 'design' is Fischer+Makooi Architects, a spin-off of Karl Fisher Architects who the Post knighted the title of NY's most loathed architect in 2011. Nuances of the exterior aren't worth mentioning, but two redeeming aspects of the project is that it replaces a parking lot and it will have ground-floor retail (the rendering shows a restaurant).
In this article:
Rendering of living room (ArchiGeo4)
Kitchen
Lobby rendering (Wonder Works Construction)
The interiors are designed by Italy-founded design firm ArchiGeo4 and images illustrations do show some thought and creativity went into the finishes and common spaces. Said to be inspired by a 1960's Italian style based on "La Dolce Vita", corridors will don art pieces from Italian icons such as Marcello Mastroianni, Anita Ekberg, and Sophia Loren. Wonder Works notes that the chandeliers, wall panels, furniture, and finishes will be made in Italy.
Amenities are to include bike parking, a laundry room, roof deck, and front row seats to the sights and smells of the Feast of San Gennaro. The building is central to many downtown neighborhoods, and the 6 train can be caught nearby. Judging from construction progress, leasing will likely begin this fall.
New Developments Editor
Ondel Hylton
Ondel is a lifelong New Yorker and comprehensive assessor of the city's dynamic urban landscape.
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