Known colloquially as the “Mr. Chow building” by local residents, 322 East 57th Street, nestled in the vibrant heart of Sutton Place, boasts a mere 20 units within its imposing neo-classical limestone façade.
Designed by the renowned architect Harry M. Clawson, this architectural gem was completed in 1930, originally conceived as a residential studio hotel. During that era, the term “studio apartment” often referred to a living space with dual levels and a soaring double-height living area, making it particularly appealing to artists seeking live/work spaces. Upon entering 322, one is greeted by a breathtaking lobby. The building transitioned into a co-op in 1959.
Throughout its storied history, this discreetly coveted residence has counted among its residents prominent figures such as Clay Felker, the esteemed founder of “New York” magazine, and Tamara de Lempicka, the celebrated art deco-era painter, whose works include pieces owned by Madonna. The roster of illustrious inhabitants also includes the legendary Orson Welles and Georgette Mosbacher, the distinguished businesswoman who served as the U.S. Ambassador to Poland from 2018 to 2021.
In recent times, the acclaimed Los Angeles-based interior designer Waldo Fernandez acquired a sprawling two-bedroom apartment on the sixth and seventh floors for $4.7 million. Another expansive unit on the twelfth and thirteenth floors, now listed at just under .5 million, was once the residence of Jacob Javits, a prominent Republican politician who served as a four-term Senator from New York from 1957 to 1981 and lent his name to Manhattan’s renowned 3.3-million-square-foot convention center. The apartment, associated with common charges exceeding $11,000 per month, is presently represented by Martha Kramer at Brown Harris Stevens.
The current owner, Dorothy Berwin, a philanthropist with a passion for contemporary art and occasional film production (credits include “Carol” in 2015 and “Immortality” in 1998), acquired the apartment in 2018 for $4.4 million from the children of the influential Senator and his late wife, Marion. Berwin enlisted the expertise of Sandra Arndt of Studio AKTE to preserve the co-op’s original details while showcasing her extensive art collection, resulting in a tasteful and impeccable transformation that garnered the apartment a feature in Elle Décor.
Beyond the private elevator landing and spacious foyer, an expansive living room with 18-foot ceilings, a wood-burning fireplace featuring an original stone mantle, restored wood floors, and impressive 54-pane wrought-iron casement windows awaits. This grand living space, once a hub for luminaries like Henry Kissinger and Truman Capote, epitomizes timeless elegance.
Adjoining the living room, a lacquered gray media room, featuring built-in sofas and a discreet office area, was originally enclosed by floor-to-ceiling glass panels, serving as a pseudo-loggia and cigar smoking area for the esteemed Senator Javits.
Original design elements grace the property, including the translucent Bakelite banister along the gracefully curling staircase leading to the dining room and kitchen. The dining room showcases an exquisite Art Deco balustrade overlooking the living room, creating an inviting ambiance. The minimalist galley kitchen boasts two dishwashers and sleek ebony cabinets crowned with delicately veined, honed white marble slabs. Additionally, the kitchen includes a built-in banquette dining area, a spacious laundry room, and a generous walk-in pantry.
A lengthy, T-shaped corridor branching from the foyer leads to the bedrooms. Three guest and family bedrooms, one thoughtfully equipped with a built-in bed, share access to two well-appointed bathrooms. The primary suite offers a luxurious retreat, featuring multiple closets, an integrated media projector with a retractable screen, and a bathroom inspired by the opulence of Claridge’s in London.
One potential consideration is the bustling location, situated across from an entrance to the Queensboro Bridge. However, the building, owing to its solid pre-war construction, offers a tranquil oasis amidst the urban buzz. Moreover, convenience abounds, with a Whole Foods Market just a block away, a Trader Joe’s a mere 2.5 blocks distant, and the added convenience of having Mr. Chow’s restaurant downstairs, ready to serve delectable dishes such as the $58 sweet and sour pork, delivered almost like room service.
