For years, steel casement windows, recognized by their gridded mullions and outward swing like a door, had fallen out of favor due to their tendency to leak and their fragile hinges, which could be damaged by strong winds. Many older buildings replaced these with more modern single-pane aluminum or double-hung windows. But recently, steel casements have made a notable comeback, especially in newer developments across West Chelsea and the West Village, as a nod to prewar architectural styles.
Much of this revival can be attributed to architect and developer Cary Tamarkin. Often referred to as ?the window guy,? Tamarkin has featured steel casement windows in many of his New York City projects, including 140 Perry Street, 495 West Street, 397 West 12th Street, and most recently, 456 West 19th Street, a 22-unit, 11-story duplex building, where five apartments are still for sale, starting at $2.2 million. Crosby Street Hotel Interior Featuring Blue Accent Wall and Steel Casement Windows © Crosby
Explaining his choice to use the more expensive steel casement windows, Tamarkin described it as a “commitment to a classic Modernism rooted in authenticity.” Many of his projects are in areas rich in warehouse architecture, and Tamarkin designs his buildings to complement their surroundings. He favors steel over aluminum because the former has slimmer mullions and a textured, weathered look. ?I don?t like fat-mullioned windows,? he said. The windows are carefully crafted, w...