The Return of the Grand Lobby

In the 1880’s to 1920’s, the lobby became an offering that was intended to establish prestige – therefore the grand entrance was born. Lobbies were viewed as a brief history of taste: they reflected the popular architectural styles that flourished when each building was built. However, after World War II, the grand lobby trend came to a halt due to rising costs of construction.

Now, we are seeing the return of the grand entrance once again—with the emphasis back on the first impression, through modern design.


For example, 525 West 52nd Street, the two-tower luxury rental development in Hell’s Kitchen, features a 10,000-square-foot, through-block lobby with polished concrete gallery floors, corten steel sculptural elements, wood ceilings, hand-woven custom rugs and art pieces specifically commissioned for the building. Not to mention a stunning garden atrium, extending from the second floor lobby down to the cellar.

525W52 is a prime example of grand entrances making a comeback in the modern day—with the primary goal being to make that first wow-factor impression, while paying homage to the neighborhood, being design-centric and being an introduction and extension to a resident’s apartment.


507 West Chelsea, the High Line’s newest three-tower luxury rental development, features a grand 24-hour attended lobby designed by Ismael Leyva Architects. The lobby combines natural elements with industrial-chic ambiance and design motifs of the High Line to create a welcoming first impression. Additionally, the grand lobby features a living green wall, contrasting wood accents, designer lighting and artisan crafted terrazzo floors.


At Privé at Island Estates, the iconic twin tower development in South Florida’s last buildable island, residents indulge in the island’s 360 degree outline of the intracoastal azure waters from the moment they step on the island to the moment they walk into the buildings with floor to ceiling walls connecting the lobbies to the ocean that are complimented by two Matthew Harding, the famed Australian sculpture artist, sculptures that follow the flow and motion of the ocean waves.

Like what you see? Get it first with a subscription to ASPIRE DESIGN AND HOME magazine.

No Comments Yet

Leave a Reply

aspire design and home is seeker and storyteller of the sublime in living. It is a global guide to in-depth and varied views of beauty and shelter that stirs imagination; that delights and inspires homeowners as well as art and design doyens. Collaborating with emergent and eminent architects, artisans, designers, developers and tastemakers, aspire creates captivating content that savors the subjects and transports with stunning imagery and clever, thought-provoking writing. Through lush and unique visuals and a fresh editorial lens, aspire explores what is new and undiscovered in art, interiors, design, culture, real estate, travel and more. aspire design and home is an international narrative and resource for all seeking the sublime.