Knightsbridge Properties Unveils Cast Iron House

-- 2014 Pritzker Prize Winner Shigeru Ban's First Historic Conversion Features Collection of Duplex Residences Crowned by Modern Floating Penthouse Addition

NEW YORK, April 23, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Knightsbridge Properties, a Tribeca-based real estate company committed to design-led redevelopment of historic and landmarked buildings in New York, Berlin and London, today announced that Cast Iron House has launched sales. The interiors of this historic cast iron building have been reimagined by world-renowned Japanese architect Shigeru Ban, who was recently awarded the 2014 Pritzker Architecture Prize. Located at 67 Franklin Street, the building contains 11 uniquely crafted duplex condominium residences and 2 expansive penthouses, all of which offer soaring double-height living spaces.

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"Cast Iron House is a neoclassical landmark in Tribeca, which combines the ethereal architecture Shigeru Ban is known for within a historic cast iron facade," said Jourdan Krauss, CEO and founder of Knightsbridge Properties. "We are delighted to present this rare combination of quality craftsmanship, style and design in one of Manhattan's most sought after residential neighborhoods."

Built in 1882, the building is a registered New York City Landmark known for its striking cast iron facade.  At the start of the conversion process, Knightsbridge Properties removed and then shipped over 4,000 pieces of its ornamental cast iron facade to a foundry in Alabama, where each piece underwent a meticulous and accurate recasting to restore its original design elements and detailing.

"We liken the architectural concept for Cast Iron House to a ship in a bottle," explained Mr. Ban, who, together with his partner and executive architect Dean Maltz, conceived this unique concept. "The original cast iron facade is the bottle, while the newly built-out modern interior, which has been completely reimagined, is the ship."

Cast Iron House's 11 contemporary duplex residences offer three, four and five bedrooms with cathedral-style double-height living room spaces ranging from approximately 17 to 25 feet. Kitchens, living areas and bedrooms feature matte finished white lacquer cabinetry custom designed by Shigeru Ban. Upon entry through a private elevator landing, homes open into spacious kitchen, dining and living areas with select white oak flooring. Kitchens contain a full suite of integrated Gaggenau appliances, Dornbracht fixtures, and Bianco Dolomiti marble islands and countertops. The upper level of each residence offers complete privacy with bedrooms separated from main living areas. Master bedrooms feature en suite bathrooms with radiant heated marble slab floors, Corian vanities, Rosa Aurora marble walls and deep soaking bathtubs.

Both four and five-bedroom duplex penthouse residences crown Cast Iron House and capture expansive city views. Designed to integrate with the existing structure, the building's penthouse addition appears to be floating from street level through the use of a steel cantilevered Vierendeel truss. Similar to the building's interior residences, both penthouses feature open kitchens and living areas with double-height ceilings. Telescoping glass walls open to connect the interiors with the surrounding terraces, creating an uninterrupted expanse from inside to outside with over 1,400-square feet of private outdoor space. Bedrooms are located on the upper level of each residence, with graciously configured master bedroom suites.

"The residences at Cast Iron House are unlike anything currently available in Manhattan," said Danika Dorsey, sales director for Cast Iron House. "This building offers buyers a tailored living experience in a prime location and a rare opportunity to purchase a dramatic space with interior details custom designed by Shigeru Ban."

Residents enter Cast Iron House through a Ban-designed resident lobby, which presents a minimalistic design with sweeping lines and open areas. Located within the building, and visible at street level, residents will enjoy a courtyard featuring a green wall and fountain.

In addition to a 24 hour doorman and concierge service, Cast Iron House's carefully curated amenities include an elaborately equipped Fitness Center, Dance/Yoga Studio, and Hydrotherapy Spa complete with Sauna, Steam Room and specialty water features. Additional amenities include a Residents' Lounge, Children's Playroom, Treatment Room, and Bicycle Storage. Purchasers are also allotted private resident storage within the building.

Homes range in size from 2,850 square-foot, three-bedroom interior duplexes to a 4,890 square-foot five-bedroom penthouse with 1,430 square feet of private outdoor space. Prices range from $5 million to $15 million and occupancy is slated for summer 2015.

The sales gallery is located at 68 Thomas Street. For additional information or to schedule a private appointment, please contact Corcoran Sunshine Marketing Group at 212-577-0067 or visit www.castironhouse.com.

About Knightsbridge Properties Corp.:
Knightsbridge Properties Corp. is a Tribeca-based real estate company committed to design-led redevelopment of historic and landmarked buildings in New York, Berlin and London.  Each of its properties commands a premium in the market by capturing the attention of discerning buyers who seek the highest level of craftsmanship and style in some of the world's most desirable neighborhoods. Founded by Jourdan E. Krauss in 1997, the company's innovative and seasoned project management team works with both world-renowned and emerging architects and designers to transform architecturally significant properties into exceptional contemporary living and working environments.