Preeminent architects and interior designers from throughout New Jersey and New York City took on one incredible challenge: transform seven waterfront loft residences in a mere nine weeks at the recently renovated PEARL building in Edgewater, New Jersey. Thursday's Metro Designer Showhouse Gala Preview and cocktail party celebrated the designers’ transformative work, all while raising funds—and awareness—for the Alzheimer’s Association Greater NJ Chapter.
Designers celebrate at the Metro Designer Showhouse Gala.
Says Steven Mandel, publisher of ASPIRE Metro magazine, the event sponsor, “Working with such incredibly talented, passionate designers—along with co-sponsor and PEARL developer National Resources—has far exceeded our expectations. We set out to launch a luxury Showhouse like no other by offering these carefully selected designers the opportunity to transform not just one room, but an entire, newly constructed loft space from scratch. The freedom of that canvas led to the most stunning collection of Showhouse spaces I've seen. We are so proud to be part of inspiring Showhouse attendees while supporting the Alzheimer's Association, such a vital, worthy cause.”
Robert Passal and Steve Mandel
Participating designers included Fulya Can, Sam Ciardi, Andrea Daly, Joe Ginsberg, Anna Maria Mannarino, Amy Manor, Alan Tanksley and Catherine Weinstock. Guests were treated to menus designed by celebrity chef Danielle Saunders, who has cooked for the likes of Tom Hanks and Oprah Winfrey, and is the first African American female winner of both "Chopped" and "Chopped Champions" on the Food Network. The iconic PEARL building was designed in 1953 by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill as Unilever’s research and development world headquarters.
Joe Ginsberg with an associate; Amy Manor
"I am delighted to have been asked to be design chair of the first-ever Metro Designer Showhouse," said Robert Passal. "Not only does it benefit a most worthy organization, the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater New Jersey Chapter, but it is a chance to see the work of wide range of local design talents in a spectacular setting with breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline. The turnout at the opening event exceeded everybody’s expectations and I hope that attendance for the run of the show continues that trend."
Alzheimer's Association representatives celebrate together at the Metro Designer Showhouse.
"The Metro Designer Showhouse is spectacular, featuring seven residential units, each with a breathtaking view of New York City across the Hudson, that have been uniquely and beautifully designed into a historic building by the metropolitan area’s most prominent design professionals," said Julie Schuldner, Director, Constituent Events & Corporate Relations, Alzheimer’s Association Greater New Jersey Chapter. "The Alzheimer's Association is proud to have been selected as the charitable beneficiary of this fabulous event. Visitors will be treated to creativity and history at work in this wonderful example of metropolitan redevelopment and, at the same time, will help to further the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.”
Designers Anna Maria Mannarino, and Fulya Can and Andrea Daly
The 2015 Metro Designer Showhouse is a 10-week event that welcomes more than 5,000 visitors to explore programs and visit 32 rooms re-imagined by superior interior designs. Hosted by sponsors National Resources and ASPIRE Metro magazine, the event's charity proceeds will benefit the Alzheimer’s Association’s Greater New Jersey Chapter. Learn more.
