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| An exterior rendering of the Renwick building. |
On New York City's Renwick Street, just west of Hudson, towers a new
architectural marvel. A modern mass of steel and glass, the building
adds some creative geometry to the skyline of downtown Manhattan.
While stunning, what's significant about this new building, said
Domenico Palandri, director of sales in Bang & Olufsen's Business
to Business Division, is that this is the very first residential
property to feature B&O products as a standard amenity of all of
its units.
Palandri believes that B&O is a distinguishing feature for all of
the 44 condos in the building, adding cache, convenience, and style.
The Renwick is also the first development to include the new BeoVision
8--a chic 32-inch LCD display. For the luxury buyer with discerning
tastes, perhaps distinguishing features like B&O and the BeoVision
8 help seal the deal.
B&O has partnered with the Harch Group and PHH reality Group on
this project, and says that the 12-story building, designed by
architect Ismael Leyva, embodies the spirit of B&O's modern design.
Its all-glass exterior and minimal aesthetic is a perfect match for the
clean, precise Danish design that unites all B&O products, from
speakers to video displays. The Renwick also offers a private library
created by the renowned art publisher Tashen, a sky-lit lap pool,
sauna, boxing gym, and an open air sculpture garden.
Another ideal match, according to B&O, is the neighborhood itself.
Ostensibly safe from the current economic pinch, West SoHo seems to
have more new development than any other pocket of the city.
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| An interior rendering of the Renwick building. |
How exclusive is it? Ask Meryl Streep. I arrived at the B&O/Renwick press conference early and decided to catch up with the
New York Times
at a cafe, a stone's throw from the Renwick. Sitting next to me was the
scintillating Oscar-winning actress, enjoying a morning latte. She had
just a purse and some reading materials, so I assumed she lived nearby.
It was a New York thrill that I haven't had in a while, and it
exemplified why people are drawn to the neighborhood. Developments like
The Renwick attract the type of discerning and affluent consumer
B&O wants to court.
Custom MDU installations are not new for B&O or its dedicated
dealers. In 2005, B&O made news when it joined forces with MGM
Grand to provide custom electronics for the Skylofts, a boutique hotel
on the Strip. The 47 Skylofts are two-story hotel suites perched at the
top of the MGM Grand featuring deluxe amenities, including integrated
AV devices, distributed audio, and complete automation of lighting,
draperies, heating, and air conditioning.
The Skylofts range in size from 1,400 to 6,000 square feet and are
priced from $800 to $10,000 per night. The Renwick prices have not been
released yet, but the units range from 750 to 2,000 square feet. Each
unit is pre-wired by B&O, giving buyers the flexibility to upgrade
to an additional products they desire. The standard package includes
the BeoVision 8 with an integrated center speaker, BeoSound4 audio
system with motion control and hard-drive memory for hundreds of CD
titles. Also included is the BeoLab 4000, a compact speaker that can be
placed on a bookshelf or floor stands. A home automation system with a
proprietary keypad is also included.
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| The BeoVision 8 that is featured in all the units. |
"We're not just an amenity," Palandri explained as he demonstrated the BeoSound4, "we are a true partner. It's an added value and marketing
point in a competitive market. Each new project must be different and
we help distinguish."
While B&O is in the process of tightening its distribution channel,
as Palandri said, "for stronger brand recognition," it is welcoming
custom dealers to join its community. Currently, 55 custom installers
are certified B&O dealers/resellers. A licensing process is
required to join the network.
For more information, visit
www.bang-olufsen.com.