2009-2010
AKA: Focused on Amenities
The challenging economy did not stop the Korman pioneering spirit. Instead, the innovators focused their attention to enhancing their amenities programs, raising a bar they already set so high. Korman Communities Investment team partnered with well-respected architects and designers like Joan Pierpoline, Meyer Davis Studio and Edward Asfour and created four special spaces for its residents: a.lounge, a.cafe, a.fitness, and a.kitchen. These unparalleled amenities to enhance the resident experience were a direct result of the Korman family tradition of listening to its residents’ needs and wants; and Larry Korman’s passion for design.
a.lounge at Sutton Place, designed by Meyer Davis Studio, artfully complements the property’s traditional warmth with numerous cozy seating areas, an open fireplace and a marble bar serving coffee in the morning and a curated selection of wine and cocktails in the evening.
a.fitness at AKA Central Park is the largest hotel workout facility per suite in New York City. It features state-ofthe-art Precor elliptical cross trainers, treadmills, cycles and climbers with Cardio Theater, as well as weighttraining equipment and a vertical Pilates machine. A panoramic video installation of flowing water and nature scenes by artist Monika Bravo, is projected across a 60-foot wall.
a.kitchen is a 48-seat restaurant designed by the award-winning NYC architect Edward Asfour at AKA Rittenhouse Square, serving European-style cuisine focusing on boldflavored, medium-sized plates designed for sharing.
a.café at AKA Central Park, designed by Joan Pierpoline and developed by David Fields in the fall of 2009, is a sophisticated and modernized take on a European-style café. The design is conceived around the idea of sculpted light – a changing program of colored light marks the different times of day and the shifting moods associated with time.
a.lounge at Central Park was also designed by Joan Pierpoline. The warmly lit and intimate space features relaxed seating areas, quiet nooks and two fireplaces. Experienced mixologists serve contemporary cocktails, and a carefully curated selection of natural wines, mico-brews and artisan spirits.
a.lounge at White House, also designed by Meyer Davis Studio, is inspired by a residential living room and is the ideal spot for coffee in the morning or a cocktail at the end of the day.
Live Like a Local at AKA
In 2009, AKA launches its “Live It!” program so residents can experience iconic destinations like a local. The brainchild of co-CEO Larry Korman, “Live It! by AKA” was designed to offer residents an opportunity to pursue their ambitions and dreams through curated experiences including aerial arts instruction at the Trapeze School of New York, private surfing lessons on the shores of Santa Monica, and dance workshops with world-class instructors at the Philadelphia Argentine Tango School.