With cascading terraces, graceful loggias, and botanical-inspired motifs, the new 25 Park Row tower by CookFox Architects elegantly soars above City Hall Park in Lower Manhattan, a striking glass-and-concrete companion to the landmark Woolworth Building across the street. The first high-end residential offering from L+M Development Partners, the 50-story edifice comprises 110 generously-appointed units and an envy-inducing amenity floor conjured by acclaimed designer Andre Mellone.

Tasked with creating a series of common areas occupying the entire the fifth floor, Brazilian-born Mellone—who founded his firm, Studio Mellone, eight years ago—took design cues from the ornamented Art Deco towers that were built in the 1920s and 30s, many in the surrounding neighborhood. In early demonstrations of the project, what impressed him was the design of the tower itself.

Dividing the floor into separate “social” and “health” areas, Mellone was able to put a contemporary spin on that high-glam vintage aesthetic in a way that still felt distinctly residential.  He tried to envision who would be living in the building and thought it might be people relocating from uptown to downtown. He decided to mix it all together and create a style that combined customized things with real antiques and interesting accessories—like people would typically see in someone’s house.

Among the social spaces are a series of soaring living rooms, chic reading areas, and a media lounge where people can comfortably relax and watch TV. Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and curtains amplify the tall ceiling heights and help frame the views of the surrounding cityscape. There’s also a dining room and chef’s kitchen, plus a cheerful children’s play area with a checkerboard rug, a golf simulator, and a billiards room.

Any notion that a health club might not be as glamorous as a social venue was dispelled after a visit to Mellone's first aquatic design, a palatial indoor pool area. The pool area features undulating walls inlaid with glittering gold and white mosaics. He illuminated the pool with lighting panels built into the ceiling, which gave it an old-fashioned feel. Other amenities include a full-service gym, sauna, yoga studio and changing rooms, all of which are available exclusively for residents.