More than 250 art enthusiasts graced the 60th floor penthouse at 400 Fifth Avenue, the luxury condominium tower atop The Setai Fifth Avenue, June 5 and 6 to celebrate art and make a difference in the fight against AIDS. The occasion was UNFRAMED 2012, an art auction and fundraiser for ACRIA (AIDS Community Research Initiative of America) that raised over $250,000 to support research, education and advocacy programs.
Sponsored by Architectural Digest and hosted by the magazine’s editor-in-chief Margaret Russell and guest curator Michael Cunningham, award-winning author of “The Hours,” UNFRAMED 2012 featured nearly 100 artists displaying their work throughout 400 Fifth Avenue’s spectacular six-bedroom, 6.5-bathroom penthouse 1NS (currently on the market for $32 million). The event began last Tuesday evening with an opening reception and collectors’ preview, followed by a public sale on Wednesday, which offered a rare opportunity to purchase original signed works.
“It is an honor to have hosted UNFRAMED 2012, and show our support for ACRIA’s vital programs along with the art community,” said Giuseppe Rossi, Executive Vice President of Bizzi & Partners Development, the developer of 400 Fifth Avenue.
Surrounded by 360-degree-panoramic views of New York City, guests browsed the 6,883-square-foot residence turned art gallery, admiring the works of celebrated artists Liam Gillick, Herb Ritts, Ed Ruscha, Spencer Finch, Spencer Tunick, Lynn Davis, Lawrence Weiner, William Wegman, Jeff Koons, Bernard Frize and many others. Among the major works sold at silent auction were noteworthy pieces by Jack Pierson, James Nares, Richard Serra and the iconic Chris Levine, whose depiction of Queen Elizabeth titled “Lightness of Being” went for $17,000.
“UNFRAMED 2012 attracted a stellar lineup of contributing artists and 400 Fifth Avenue was the perfect showcase for their work,” said Daniel Tietz, ACRIA’s executive director. “The event was an incredible success – guests enjoyed the luxurious penthouse and its spectacular views as much as they did the art.”
400 Fifth Avenue was designed by Gwathmey Siegel & Associates and appointed by interior design firm DAS Concepts to reflect the neighborhood’s history and the surrounding iconic landmarks. The building features an array of amenities including a state-of-the-art fitness center, fully equipped residents’ lounge and expansive terrace.
In addition, residents can make use of the hotel’s many luxury services, which include catering, valet parking, linen and turndown service, housekeeping, along with unique on-call services: pharmacist, physician, dentist, airport transportation and childcare. Auriga Spa, Ai Fiori (executive chef Michael White’s newest restaurant), Bar on Fifth and Julien Farel salon are all conveniently located at The Setai Fifth Avenue, making 400 Fifth Avenue Midtown Manhattan’s most desirable residential address.
Bizzi & Partners Development recently announced that the building is now 60 percent sold, having achieved $160 million sales in the last year with Douglas Elliman Development Marketing onboard as the exclusive sales and marketing team.
Spacious one-bedrooms start at $1,475,000; two-bedrooms start at $2,550,000; and three-bedrooms start at $5,350,000. The penthouse is priced at $32 million.
