Bruce Wayne Solomon Takes You Inside London Terrace

Real estate agents usually have a few listings that are their personal favorites: apartments that they are especially excited to sell, buildings that have a few secrets others may not know about. But Bruce Wayne Solomon takes the love of a building a step further. For over 22 years, Bruce has lived and worked in London Terrace Towers, selling units in the building, and continuing to be impressed by the iconic building’s magic. Elliman Insider sat down with Bruce to find out what captivates him about London Terrace and why he thinks everyone should live there. Elliman Insider: You’ve been the resident broker specialist for London Terrace Towers (LTT) for the past 22 years. What do you love most about the building? Bruce Wayne Solomon: There are so many reasons why I love living in London Terrace (also known as London Terrace Towers). It’s truly a unique multi-cultural, socially and ethnically diverse community that’s been in the making for close to 90 years! From narrowly escaping the wrecking ball after the 1929 Great Depression to the current challenges we face in 2020 with COVID-19 and the unprecedented rapid release of a vaccine, through it all London Terrace has continued to remain a thriving residential community in New York City. The Chelsea Historic District is known for its beautiful, quaint tree-lined streets with their stunning circa 1850s-60s red brick and limestone townhouses, (originally built as single-family dwellings). There are hundreds of art galleries in our neighborhood and it is now considered to be New York City’s most recognized art district. The galleries are housed in early 20 th century warehouses that had been constructed to store goods arriving from the mid-west via the elevated railroad tracks on Manhattan’s Westside. The surviving portions of the tracks were salvaged over time and repurposed in 1999, ultimately becoming The Highline Park Promenade. For those that know me, they know that I am a runner. The Highline Promenade is the perfect place to enjoy an early morning run. Many of my friends and neighbors utilize Waterside Park, (doggie park one block away from LTT) as well as the Chelsea Piers athletic complex. The renowned Chelsea Market, with its various bakeries, seafood shops, fresh produce markets and confectioners is just a couple of blocks south of our building. Close by is the soon-to-be-completed Dillers, “Little Island” on Pier 55, an architectural feat in progress. It was designed by architect Thomas Heatherwick who also designed the Vessel in Hudson Yards in addition to many other projects around the globe. Although I am not much of a chef, like many busy New Yorkers I enjoy the variety of culinary specialty shops and restaurants that West Chelsea has to offer. There are 24hr family-run diners as well as upscale venues, such as Cook Shop, Bottino’s, Omai and Pepe Giallo to name a few. Due to the current situation with Covid-19, I have been supporting take-out and outdoor dining from local establishments to ensure they survive these challenging times. EI: What do you think sets London Terrace apart from other residence buildings throughout New York City? BWS: The resident profile is intriguing. Famous and not-so-famous artists, art gallery owners, art dealers, heads of various educational facilities, physicians, musicians, writers, playwrights, film and Broadway producers, opera composers, fashion icons, food stylists, actresses and actors, event planners, theatre performers, Emmy, Tony and Oscar winners. The list goes on and on. We are definitely the “Dakota Downtown.” The crown jewel of the building is our ½ Olympic size indoor heated pool with its original 1920s hand painted porcelain tiles, forged iron railings and spectacular viewing gallery. When I am able to introduce guests to the pool, they usually have a similar reaction. I most often hear: “This feels like a turn of the century private swim club or European baths.” EI: What would some people be most surprised to find out about the building? BWS: The developer Henry Mandell claimed that London Terrace was the largest apartment building in the world when it was constructed in the late 1920s-1931. There were 1,670 apartments. Coincidentally, the Empire State Building was constructed around the same time as our building. Over the years I have listened to many stories from residents or visitors alike telling stories such as, “You know, my grandfather met my grandmother in London Terrace when they lived on opposite corners of the Towers—he had just returned from WWII.” Stories like this is what make LLT such a special place with a lasting legacy. EI: You mention in your agent profile that you love the process that allows buyers to find a place that says ‘this is me.’ Does London Terrace hold a wide range of featuresamenitiesstyle that would appeal to lots of different buyers and renters? BWS: Yes, many of the higher floor residences in London Terrace are simply spectacular! Generally speaking, with a moment’s notice I am able to access many of them to show prospective buyers. Our shareholders love showcasing their beautiful homes since many have 12’ ceilings, wood burning fireplaces and private terraces. EI: What is your favorite stylistic feature about London Terrace (can be interior design, architecture, etc.). BWS: The impressive 18’ lobby ceilings are adorned with gold leaf floral plaster medallions styled after a famous palace in London. The arched ceiling vestibules have multi-colored mosaic tiles and the floors are impeccable polished travertine marble. I’m fascinated by the many statues of pelicans. Did you know that in Medieval days pelicans were considered symbols of love, sacrifice and motherhood? There are also gargoyles, monkeys, dragons and other impressive decorative embellishments placed high up on the exterior corners of the Towers. A favorite ritual of mine at the day’s end is to make my way up to the lushly planted and fully furnished roof deck to unwind and feel the Hudson River breezes while viewing our amazing city with its famous iconic towers, thankful for yet another day to be in New York City and residing in LLT. Most of the time, enjoying a spectacular sun setting over the New Jersey skyline. EI: What would be some of the reasons for continuing to remain the #1 Resident Broker Specialist in London Terrace Towers with Douglas Elliman? BWS: It would be very difficult for me to entertain the idea of residing in another neighborhood or building. Especially considering all the wonderful residents I have invited into this complex throughout the years, with its rich history, significant architecture and bountiful amenities. I speculate this could be why so many of my neighbors here refer to me as the Mayor of London Terrace Towers. See Bruce’s London Terrace Towers Listings Below: 465 West 23rd Street, 8BCDE | $4,250,000 465 West 23rd St, 11B | $1,495,000 465 West 23rd Street, 10CD | $7,800 monthly 405 West 23rd St, 9L Contact Bruce for all your real estate needs today.