DEVELOPMENT Sales Launch at The BensonThe Naftali Group, a privately held global real estate development and investment firm based in New York City, announces via a press release that it has launched sales for its 15 boutique con-dos at its new luxury development, The Benson. Located at 1045 Madison Avenue and East 79th Street in Manhattan, The Benson is the first new luxury condominium to rise on the Upper East Side portion of Madison Avenue in over 20 years, the release notes. Miki Naftali, CEO and Chairman of Naftali Group, says that The Benson, named for his father, Benjamin, “represents an extraordinary opportunity to call one of New York City’s most famous avenues home.” Peter Pennoyer Architects designed the 19-story building, drawing inspiration from the surrounding neighborhood and its historic apartment houses. Founder and Principal Peter Pennoyer says, “The Benson fits seamlessly into its Madison Avenue neighborhood with grand Beaux:-Arts mansions, prominent galleries, and storied hotels like the Carlyle and the Mark nearby. Above the street level the building sets back, following the pattern of the great apartment houses of Rosario Candela. The form of building, with its echelon of terraces set behind custom ironwork railings climbing to the free-standing tower, is shaped by the Art De-co-inspired chamfered corners carved in the same limestone that graces prominent Jazz-age apartment houses on Park and Fifth Avenue. At night, the six-foot-tall lanterns that mark the top of The Benson will add their soft glow to the skyline over Central Park:’ The lobby’s interior design is by Italian designer and architect Achille Salvagni and inspired by great string instruments like the violin, according to the release. A private elevator landing leads to each of the half-floor, full-floor, and duplex residences ranging from three to seven bedrooms. Several homes feature private outdoor space, including three penthouses, each with its own secluded terrace, and a townhouse residence that overlooks a garden. In addition to a 24-hour-attended lobby and concierge service, amenities at The Benson include a landscaped roof-top lounge with Central Park views and a fire pit; a private cinema; private spa with sauna and steam rooms; creative art studio for all ages; wood-paneled library with an adjoining landscaped garden; a half-basketball court; a state-of-the-art fitness center; a pet spa with washing station; bi-cycle storage; cold storage with room for fresh food and flower deliveries; and private storage available for purchase. Residences at The Benson start at $12.5 million. For additional information or to schedule a private appointment, contact Alexa Lambert and the Compass Development team at 212-482-1045 or visit www. thbenson.com.