Architectural Dream: A Story of Art, Life and Loft Living in New York
Marc Balet, the renowned art director who famously worked with Andy Warhol, has been an essential figure in the New York art scene since the late 1970s. His life, filled with unique experiences and influential personalities, is encapsulated in his magnificent triplex loft in Soho, New York City. The loft, a testament to Balet’s creative spirit, serves as an emblem of his artistic journey and a haven for his eclectic collection of artworks and photographs.
In the realm of art and design, Balet’s name resonates with respect and admiration. He navigated his career with a remarkable knack for capturing and driving the zeitgeist, rubbing shoulders with legendary figures like Susan Sarandon, Bruce Weber, and the iconic pop artist, Andy Warhol. His work with Warhol brought him into the vibrant world of creativity and innovation, a world he continues to inhabit and influence to this day. Balet’s philosophy of embracing the current wave of creativity, rather than dwelling in nostalgia, has served him well throughout his illustrious career.
Balet’s Soho loft is a tangible reflection of his life and experiences. The triplex is filled with an array of remarkable artworks, each piece having its own unique story to tell. Notable pieces include works from the likes of Warhol, David La Chapelle, and Arthur Elgort. This collection of art and photography, curated by Balet over the years, is a testament to his keen eye for aesthetics and his deep connections within the art world. The loft is more than just a dwelling; it’s a personal gallery, a testament to Balet’s life immersed in art.
The triplex is not just an architectural delight; it’s a social hub where Balet entertains guests from diverse backgrounds. Despite his culinary skills being a subject of light-hearted self-deprecation, his tale of learning to use his oven, guided by actress and friend Debbie Mazar, reveals the loft’s warm, inviting atmosphere. Conversations over coffee, dinner parties on the rooftop, and the constant exchange of ideas make the loft a vibrant cultural crossroads, a meeting point for different minds and perspectives.
The triplex itself is a masterpiece of interior design. The first floor serves as Balet’s office, a space dedicated to his work and creativity. The second floor houses the den, a place for relaxation adorned with original beanbag chairs from the 1960s and a designer table from the 1950s. The third floor, a Malibu-style treehouse bedroom, offers a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. The unconventional design choices, such as the low bed that offers an unobstructed view of the room, highlight Balet’s unique sense of style and preference for non-traditional aesthetics.
A striking feature of Balet’s loft is the rooftop garden. Once a raw roof, Balet transformed it into a lush sanctuary teeming with fragrant flowers and greenery. The rooftop, offering a spectacular view of Broadway, serves as a peaceful retreat where Balet can connect with nature amidst the urban jungle. It’s also the setting for numerous dinners and gatherings, adding to the loft’s social vibrancy.
Balet’s loft also houses a peculiar feature – a water tower. This classic New York structure adds an authentic touch to the rooftop garden. Balet’s story of having the tower taken down and put back up encapsulates his dedication to maintaining the loft’s character and charm.
Marc Balet’s Soho loft is an embodiment of his life’s journey. It’s not just a home, but an extension of his personality, a physical manifestation of his architectural dream. In Balet’s words, it offers him the most security he has ever felt in his life. The loft, with its unique design and art collection, is a testament to Balet’s creative spirit and his deep connections to the art world.
Beyond the aesthetic beauty of the loft, the space also serves as a testament to Balet’s ability to adapt and evolve. Having lived in the building since the late 1980s, he has seen the neighborhood and the city itself undergo dramatic changes. However, Balet has always managed to keep his finger on the pulse, staying relevant and connected to the creative community around him. His philosophy of embracing change and catching the “next wave” of creativity has allowed him to remain a vital figure in the art world.
One of the most striking aspects of Balet’s loft is its ability to bring people together. Throughout his life, Balet has cultivated relationships with a wide array of individuals, from fellow artists to celebrities and young creatives. These connections have resulted in a diverse and vibrant social circle that frequently gathers in the loft, fostering a creative and collaborative atmosphere. Balet’s open-mindedness and willingness to learn from others have allowed him to create a space where ideas can be exchanged, and friendships can flourish.
In many ways, Marc Balet’s New York loft is a microcosm of his life and career. The architectural marvels, the curated collection of art and photography, and the social hub it has become all reflect his dedication to creativity and connection. From the rooftop garden to the unconventional design choices, every aspect of the loft is infused with Balet’s unique vision and artistic sensibility. The images in this article depict a re-imagining of a similar youthful man and similar New York loft imagined by AI. View the actual recent interview and tour VIDEO.
As Balet continues to navigate the ever-changing landscape of art and design, his loft stands as a testament to his resilience and adaptability. It is a space that has evolved with him, reflecting his growth and development as an artist and an individual. For Balet, home is not just about having a place to live; it’s about creating a space that reflects who he is and the life he has built.
Marc Balet’s New York loft is a living, breathing representation of his life and career in the world of art and design. It is a space that showcases his unique vision and his passion for creativity, as well as his deep-rooted connections within the artistic community. The loft, with its stunning architectural design, diverse art collection, and vibrant social atmosphere, is an embodiment of Balet’s personal and professional journey, a constant reminder of his dedication to the ever-evolving world of art and culture. | VIDEO
It looks like the property is currently listed for sale:
620 Broadway, #PHF
$4,595,000 ($1,392 per sq ft) | 3 beds, 4 baths | 3,300 / sq ft
Listed: Apr 11, 2023
Luxury Loft Living in Iconic SoHo/NoHo
Welcome to Penthouse F, a sensational triplex loft situated in a historic cast-iron building at 620 Broadway. This masterpiece, currently listed at $4,595,000, offers an authentic live/work experience right on the border of SoHo and NoHo. With its soaring 17-foot ceilings, this loft provides the ultimate downtown living and working experience.
This extraordinary penthouse comprises approximately 3,300 square feet of interior space, along with an additional 1,500 square feet spanning three private outdoor terraces. The outdoor spaces provide the perfect setting for entertaining guests, lounging in the sun, and truly embracing city life.
The loft’s western wall is lined with oversized arched windows, allowing an abundance of natural light to flood the space. A massive skylight graces the front gallery and could potentially be expanded with board approval. The main rooms boast nearly 17-foot ceilings, enhancing the loft’s sense of spaciousness and grandeur.
Unique features include a rare wood-burning fireplace, four full bathrooms, and a laundry room, adding to the loft’s convenience and flexibility in layout. The primary bedroom suite comes with a skylit bathroom and offers tranquil views of private gardens and Soho’s Beaux Arts architecture.
One of the loft’s most distinctive features is its private outdoor shower, adding a touch of rustic charm to the urban setting. A historic New York water tower adorns the gardens, providing classic New York style.
Perfectly suited for startups, architects, and art galleries, the current owner operates a design studio in the “work” section of the loft. The loft’s location is unbeatable, nestled in the heart of SoHo/NoHo, surrounded by world-class restaurants and high-end shopping. It’s also in close proximity to Hudson Square, Hudson River Park, and the new Google and Disney offices.
The building is pet-friendly and permits pied-a-terre living, subletting, and live/work arrangements. Additionally, there is 80% financing and no flip-tax. The sale includes two spacious storage units, adding to the property’s many conveniences.
This pre-war boutique coop not only offers a vast and versatile living space but also the opportunity to be part of a desirable and vibrant neighborhood. This exquisite triplex penthouse at 620 Broadway is more than a residence; it’s a lifestyle.
Apartment amenities include a terrace and a washer/dryer in the unit. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to embrace the quintessential downtown New York living experience.
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Copyright © This free information provided courtesy L.A. Loft Blog with information provided by Corey Chambers, Broker CalDRE 01889449. We are not associated with the seller, homeowner’s association or developer. For more information, contact 213-880-9910 or visit LALoftBlog.com Licensed in California. All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Text and images have been created or modified by artificial intelligence. Properties subject to prior sale or rental. This is not a solicitation if buyer or seller is already under contract with another broker.