Beauty Magnate Laura Mercier Puts Chelsea Apartment on the Market for $11.2M

Published: July 24, 2017 | By: American Luxury Staff

Cosmetics businesswoman Laura Mercier has listed a peach of a condo in Manhattan’s Walker Tower. Mercier is asking $11.15 million for the residence, a two bedroom, two bath unit on the fifteenth floor of the building. She purchased the home in late 2013, for $5.9 million.

The building was designed by legendary New York architect Ralph Thomas Walker, with construction completed by 1929. Walker was hailed by the New York Times as the ‘architect of the century’; his work is known for its bold modern sensibilities, and uniquely American voice.

Formerly owned by Verizon and used as a call center, the Chelsea landmark was purchased by the JDS Development Group in 2007, for the bargain price of about $40 million; the company put another $200 million into the residential conversion and renovation of the art-deco architectural gem.

Mercier’s unit is distinguished by understated warmth. The floors are pale hardwood, alternating plank and herringbone, and tray ceilings for visual interest and a suggestion of expansion. The kitchen—custom designed by the U.K.’s Smallbone company—is beautifully executed, with exotic hardwood cabinetry, limestone counter backsplash, a marble island cap, and limestone countertops.

Windows in the unit are simple, black, steel-framed and oversized, and light is plentiful in the spaces. The master bedroom is positioned on a corner, and is bright and open, with terrific views of the city. Both baths are distinguished by a heavy use of marble, with the master featuring a cast-iron soaking tub and steam shower.

Mercier, a designed and freelance makeup artist to the stars, has worked with clients Madonna and Julia Roberts. A line of beauty products marketed under her name—Laura Mercier Cosmetics—was founded in the mid-1990’s.

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