Founder and president of Manhattan-based Stillman Development International, Roy Stillman leads a team of construction, marketing, sales and support professionals in the development of high-rise residential condominiums, condo-hotels, rental buildings and hotels in Manhattan and Fort Lauderdale. Stillman's residential and condo-hotel projects since 2004 in Manhattan and Florida, have employed world-renowned "starchitects" I.M. Pei, Michael Graves, and the late Philip Johnson, with sales approaching $700 million.
Involved throughout his life in the Stillman family's real estate development and management firm, which spans three generations, Roy Stillman learned the ins and outs of building, renovating, managing, marketing and selling properties at a very early age while participating in an array of prestigious residential and commercial projects in New York, Connecticut and Florida. On his own since 2000, Roy Stillman combines that invaluable wisdom and experience with his personal passion for art, architectural integrity, and unparalleled construction quality.
His 32-story condominium, The Metropolitan, which Stillman finished in 2005 with co-developer Martin Levine on Manhattan's Upper East Side, is the subject of a full-length hardcover book entitled, "The Metropolitan: The Making of a Modern Classic," in which author Michael McKenzie singles out the young developer for his unique approaches to design, construction and advanced technology.
"I was brought up to believe that whatever you do, make it the best you've ever done," Stillman said.
His firm, Stillman Development International, develops projects ranging from land planning and urban development to historic renovations, residential new construction and hotels. In addition to his work with world-renowned architects, Stillman has collaborated with many famous artists for his real estate developments, such as influential craftsman Wendell Castle and painters Alex Katz, Robert Cottingham and Donald Sultan, who collectively have contributed to more than 20 top museums, including the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
"For me, the development of buildings is the ultimate art form," Stillman said. "And when you work with great people you get great results."
Over the years, Stillman created "The 12 Cherries Theory," a philosophy that is the basis for his outstanding projects. He believes that just as a slot machine requires three cherries to win the jackpot, there are 12 "cherries" or elements that must come together for a real estate development to be successful. These include: location, construction, design/architecture, amenities, staff/service, lobby, relationships, lighting, creativity, experience, layouts, and materials/finishes. This theory, along with a passion for creating and enhancing the ultimate living experience, is reflected in Stillman Development International's most recent projects, including The Centurion, Trump International Hotel & Tower Fort Lauderdale and the Metropolitan Condominium.
In 2005, Stillman Development International completed the $200 million Metropolitan Condominium, a 32-story modern classic designed by Pritzker-Prize winning architect Philip Johnson, with renowned architect Alan Ritchie. The Metropolitan Condominium sold out in record time and at a record-breaking price per square foot for its location. Stillman commissioned Donald Sultan, the youngest artist in history to have two retrospectives at The Museum of Modern Art, to create a contemporary masterpiece for the Metropolitan Condominium's intimate lobby. Sultan worked for more than 18 months to complete the 6' by 8' "Metropolitan Flowers," using bronze, walnut, patina, oil and screens.
"My intention for the Metropolitan Condominium was to create a lobby that was demurely beautiful, while incorporating elements like the impressive piece by Donald Sultan that would establish the project as a Modern Classic," said Stillman.
Stillman Development International is now collaborating with Antonio Development to create The Centurion - I.M. Pei's first Manhattan condominium in more than 30 years and the first ground-up residential project by Pei Partnership Architects. Scheduled for occupancy in early 2009, The Centurion offers 48 one to four-bedroom residences, including 13 terraced homes and three penthouses.
"This project will capture the signature of the Pei legacy and advance it in a superior condominium," Stillman said. "The Centurion offers the unique opportunity to live in a space designed by the architectural team that created The Pyramid at The Louvre in Paris, The Bank of China headquarters in Beijing and Hong Kong, and The Four Seasons Hotel in Manhattan."
Located just off Fifth Ave., The Centurion will be steps away from fine dining, entertainment, hotels, museums, city landmarks and Central Park. The 19-story French limestone tiered structure is a true work of art featuring a picturesque lobby where a tranquil outdoor water garden with reflecting pool can be viewed through a 36-foot glass wall.
Roy Stillman and Donald Trump are collaborating on the Trump International Hotel & Tower Fort Lauderdale, also scheduled for completion in 2009. Designed by world-renowned architectural firm Michael Graves & Associates in collaboration with Oscar Garcia, this 24-story oceanfront condominium hotel offers magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway. Owners will enjoy 24-hour access to the hotel's five-star services and amenities including concierge, security, valet, housekeeping and room service, a 5,000 s/f full-service spa and fitness center, and an outdoor mosaic-tiled grand pool with private cabanas.
"Trump International Hotel & Tower's exquisite attention to detail coupled with uncompromising, individualized service will offer a supreme five-star experience in Fort Lauderdale," Stillman said.
Stillman's passion for fine architecture and art is also reflected in his expansive personal collection of works, which consists of a spectacular hand-carved desk by Wendell Castle, a colorful tapestry by Ferdinand Leger, furniture by Mies Van der Rohe, and woodwork by George Nakashima. Other notable pieces include a Louis Comfort Tiffany glass collection, which has been displayed at Manhattan's Metropolitan Museum of Art, and a terracotta horse sculpture collection dating back to the seventh century and originating from the imperial tombs of the Tang Dynasty.
For more information on Roy Stillman and Stillman Development International, please visit www.stillmandevelopment.com. Tags: