Learn about the modernization of the historic building
The setting of the hit Hulu series, Only murders in the buildingwith Steve Martin, Selena Gomez and Martin Short as amateur detectives, is a New York’s elegant pre-war building known as arcony.
New episodes of the comedy-mystery series arrived on the streaming service on June 28 and will continue to run every Tuesday, unraveling the suspense that had worried fans at the end of the last season.
In real life, however, the Arconia’s exteriors were shot in a historic 20th-century structure called The Belnord, located on the Upper West Side and covering an entire block of New York.
Originally built in 1908, the building was designed in an Italian Renaissance style by Hiss and Weekes, an acclaimed architectural firm behind several of the city’s prominent Beaux Arts-style buildings and properties on Long Island’s Gold Coast.
Most recently, The Belnord completed a significant renovation that includes new homes and amenities. The 14-story building now has 211 apartments – half are still for rent and the other half are condos.
A stellar team of architects and designers collaborated on the project: Robert AM A Stern Architects (RAMSA) is behind the interiors and architect Rafael de Cárdenas was in charge of the public spaces.
Finally, landscape architect Edmund Hollander is responsible for the inner courtyard, a 2,043 m² space filled with greenery and flowers and considered the largest in the world when the building was inaugurated.
Despite the updates (the interior and courtyard were completed in 2020 and some of the amenities released in subsequent years), walking through the arched entrance to The Belnord is like stepping back in time to the golden age of New York.
Residents are greeted by the courtyard and a double entrance that features Roman-inspired painted ceilings.
“It’s an amazing building. Nobody else builds it that way. The staircase alone is amazing. Our goal was to respect the building’s bones and history, but bring it to the fore with a fresh, modern and classic look.” Sargent says. C Gardiner, RAMSA partner, who led the reform.
RAMSA redesigned the layout of half of the apartments and Gardiner says their intention was to take advantage of the abundance of natural light and 3-meter ceilings.
The company created kitchens with a clean aesthetic and geometric lines, lacked the original Belnord, and added large foyers, entry doors with black painted panels, and white oak floors with chevron accents.
The bathrooms have also received a modern treatment with white marble walls and floors.
Gardiner further explains that RAMSA renovated the building’s six elevator lobbies with bright white walls and modern lighting, but kept the original mosaic floor intact.
A highlight of the reinvented Belnord is undoubtedly its 2,787 m² of newly unveiled amenities, designed by de Cardenas and grouped as The Belnord Club.
The program includes a residents’ room with dining room and kitchen; games room, double-height multi-sports field; children’s playroom; and a fitness center with separate training and yoga classes.
Modern aesthetic details are prominent in these spaces, including gray lacquered walls, oak floors, nickel accents, marble, and geometric lines.
*Through Architectural summary
Source: Terra
Benjamin Smith is a fashion journalist and author at Gossipify, known for his coverage of the latest fashion trends and industry insights. He writes about clothing, shoes, accessories, and runway shows, providing in-depth analysis and unique perspectives. He’s respected for his ability to spot emerging designers and trends, and for providing practical fashion advice to readers.
