A quest for light and views led a longtime Greenwich Village resident to leave the charm of Abingdon Square.

To his surprise, the search led to Chelsea, and a postwar 1960s building in the center of the bustling High Line District. Trading pedigree for vistas, the new space provides iconic, unbroken views: the city to the east, the Freedom Tower to the south, and an expansive panorama of the Hudson River to the west. Here, New York City is on display and ever-present.

The spacious apartment was fully renovated with careful attention paid to crisp detailing and uninterrupted sight lines. The space has a loft-like feeling, with poured-in-place concrete floors finished in a soft, cool gray. White walls amplify the abundant natural light, and large single pane windows framed by floor to ceiling draperies emphasize verticality.

Taking cues from the International Style, the overall effect is Mad Men meets Halston—embracing many eras of modernist design for maximum impact. Curated furniture by Paul McCobb, Florence Knoll and Thonet are joined by custom pieces, enhancing the sexy, modern aesthetic. Extravagant materials abound throughout; cashmere, silk, fur and natural rugs amp up the luxury quotient. There is a slight ethnic vibe, seen in the tie-dye and shibori accessories.

In the striking, tailored study cum guest room (which also houses a full bath) a vintage wall-mounted desk unit was repurposed to incorporate state of the art a/v and computer equipment and acts as the dwelling’s media center. ­­­

The living room takes center stage, offering unique furnishings, and most important, expanses of windows from which to observe daily city activities, boats upon the Hudson, and gorgeous sunsets. An airy corner dining room is anchored by a white marble Angelo Mangiarotti table and paired with black Hans Olsen chairs—the result: a high contrast, sculptural tableau. The sleek galley kitchen is outfitted with gray lacquer cabinets, white stone counters and high-end appliances.

Private areas are discreetly separated from entertaining spaces—sliding doors with elegant chrome-plated tracks are designed to modulate the flow as needed. Custom closets line the corridors, leading to a richly appointed bedroom in shades of warm white, soft gray and heathered blue. The bespoke headboard and bed are covered in plush dove grey velvet; and soothing art enhances the contemplative vibe. An expanded master bath features a custom vanity of solid basalt stone. This muscular approach is echoed at the soaking tub and separate shower.

Throughout the apartment, photography, painting and print works abound, with carefully selected contemporary artists Kevin Cooley, John Duckworth, Bill Jacobson, Tracey Rocca, Donald Sultan, and Cecil Touchon represented, among others. The apartment is the epitome of New York chic, a study in modern design and an urbane refuge in the heart of the city.