The Building –To this day, the ground floor
retains the form of the old restaurant
frontage, with polished granite pilasters.
On the upper floors, the elaborate,
decorative plasterwork and woodwork
testify to the decadence of the private
dining rooms, which inhabited these
spaces. The first and second floors had
existing elaborate hardwood doors,
featuring carved architraves, some
incorporating cats’ heads (as reference
to the Gatti (cat) Brothers). Walls consist
of panels above dado rails, which still
integrate the large mirrors on the first
floor.
PEEK Architecture’s mission was to
celebrate the ornate style of this building,
while providing well-proportioned and
comfortable accommodation. With
the addition of rooftop extensions, and
insertion of a lift, the upper floors now
house 4 spacious and unique apartments.
As credit to the development, they
achieved record sale prices last year for
the location.
The scheme has been designed to work
with the characteristics of the building,
and to ensure minimum intervention in
rooms with historical value. A strategic
method was followed while working
with Westminster Council planning
department, who could immediately see
the benefits of restoring this property and
making it a vibrant destination once again.
The building was awarded a green plaque
last year, to celebrate the Gatti Brothers
endeavours there, and to acknowledge
Enstar Capital, the buildings latest
beneficiaries.