Discovering Claremont Hall: A Hidden Gem in Morningside Heights
Nestled quietly within the historic campus of Union Theological Seminary in Morningside Heights, Claremont Hall stands as a 41-story luxury residence that may easily slip under the radar of passersby. Designed in a manner that seamlessly integrates with its surroundings, the building embodies the charm of the neighborhood, often referred to as New York’s Gothic Quarter. With its weathered stone and brick structures, including the nearby Teachers College and the impressive Riverside Church directly across Claremont Avenue, any ostentatious newcomer would likely attract unwanted attention. Yet Claremont Hall, which opened its doors in June, fits harmoniously into this historic tapestry, as if it has belonged there for decades.
Developed by a collaboration between Lendlease, LMXD, and Daiwa House Texas, and crafted by the renowned Robert A.M. Stern Architects with interiors designed by CetraRuddy, Claremont Hall boasts an array of private residences that cater to diverse needs, ranging from one to four-bedroom units. Select apartments feature private terraces, providing residents with personal outdoor spaces. The building’s impressive amenities include:
- A 48-foot swimming and lap pool
- Art and music studios
- A state-of-the-art gym
- A dedicated children’s playroom
- A spacious 68-car garage
Prices for the remaining units vary, starting from $1.25 million and going up to $5.225 million.
Sarge Gardiner, a lead architect known for his expertise in harmoniously merging new constructions with historic neighborhoods, faced a unique challenge with Claremont Hall. The goal was to position Morningside Heights’s tallest tower not merely adjacent to the Gothic Revival seminary campus but to embed it within the very fabric of its surroundings, complementing rather than overshadowing the historic architecture.
“One of the things that we’re very intentional about is looking at the physical materials that we’re building with before they go into place,” Mr. Gardiner explained. To ensure that the custom-made stone-hued brick walls complemented the environment, prototypes were transported to the site for an authentic viewing, allowing the team to assess their appearance in natural light rather than factory conditions. The garage doors are cleverly designed within a pair of Gothic archways adorned with decorative upper panels, or tympanums, reminiscent of those found in medieval cathedrals. “We used that as a place to delight the eye,” Mr. Gardiner noted. “Parking entries can look fabulous.”
In a nod to the building’s rich historical context, the former refectory of the Union Theological Seminary has been transformed into a stunning swimming pool, blending the past with modern luxury.
