At Home in the Flatiron District
As a Manhattan-based entrepreneur prepares to launch his next venture overseas, he leaves behind a soaring Union Square loft.
When Manhattan entrepreneur and investor Willy Heath decided to buy an apartment, he viewed roughly 70 homes before selecting the airy Flatiron loft he’s inhabited for the better part of a decade. Currently a partner at Mile High Run Club and fitness-focused DIBS Technology, he and his girlfriend, model Rosie Nixon, enjoy the convenience of the Union Square location, sharing the space with their handsome, three-year-old Vizsla, Nugget, and taking advantage of all that the vibrant neighborhood affords.
But as Willy prepares to open a new restaurant in England — and to spend much of his time across the Atlantic — he’s decided to place the expansive unit on the market with the help of Compass agent Michael Sandak. As they ready themselves to relocate, the couple invited us over to share what they’ve loved most about their home.
This is a stunning space! What appealed to you most when you bought it?
Willy: There are a total of 10 apartments in this building, and each one occupies its own floor, so the light and exposure is fantastic — especially with this one being on the ninth story. I also liked that there was a doorman and how central the location is.
Did you renovate or take on any home projects after moving in?
Willy: I knew that I didn’t want a brand-new apartment; I wanted to customize the space and make improvements to it myself. When I first moved in, I knocked out walls, built custom bookcases, installed a smokeless, ventless fireplace, and added steam showers in the bathroom.
You have an incredible art collection—can you speak a bit to where and what you’ve sourced?
Willy: I wouldn’t say that I have any one particular style; I’ve found many pieces in galleries, through friends, or from the artists themselves. For example, the sculpture in the hallway is by Patrick Smith, a New York street artist who used to strap his work to poles on the streets or rooftops where they could oxidize and weather, and another local artist, Alexander Kaletski, produced the “Cowboy Charlie” painting in one of the guest bedrooms. But then, I’ve also acquired works at auction houses or fairs like Art Basel.
Well, they all certainly work well in this space! Having lived here for a number of years, what are your favorite aspects about the apartment?
Willy: Probably that it’s really the perfect apartment for throwing dinner parties and entertaining. I love to cook, so the open layout is ideal — I’ve done everything from 20-person birthday dinners to holiday parties with 100+ attendees. Beyond that, I also love that the master bedroom is at the back of the building; it’s uncommonly quiet and dark for being in the middle of Manhattan.
Nice! What about when you’re not in the kitchen, any favorite spots in the neighborhood?
Willy: I really like ABC Kitchen, just a few blocks away, and By Chloe for a quick bite. I also love shopping at the Union Square Greenmarket around the corner.
Given your professional life, I assume you’re a runner? Any favorite routes you follow?
Willy: Usually I run across to either the West Side Highway or the East River track. Occasionally, I’ll take the subway up to Central Park. And we often take Nugget to any one of the many parks within walking distance: Madison Square Park, Union Square, and Washington Square Park.
So, what’s next for you?
Willy: I’m opening a restaurant in London called Counter Kitchen this fall—the concept being deliciously healthy, mindfully sourced food. I’ve also been toying around with the idea of maybe doing another renovation project. But I haven’t even begun thinking about where or what that would look like yet!
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