European artisans work on Park Towers

Artisans from Europe have been commissioned to create a new entry at Park Towers, a high-rise condominium development located in Hughes Center.

Four French metal workers are in Las Vegas to install palatial iron and glass gates onto the front entry of the property. Based from a 300-year-old industrial workshop outside of Paris, the craftsmen will use a traditional method of hand-hammered decorative elements and hand-forged ironwork into a one-of-a-kind piece. A gold-leaf artist will complete the creation.

The gilder was the sole craftsman for the gold-leaf restoration of the fountains at the Palace of Versailles, as well as the restoration of the Ritz in Paris, which took 10 years to complete.

To open the doors, special hinges were made to specification in Germany. Brass and gold-leaf handles are the exclusive work of the French atelier in charge of Historical Monuments of France, which oversees every door, window and lock on time-honored buildings. Each handle made for Park Towers takes three weeks to produce by women artisans who have studied cisleur, the art of hand-turned gold leaf.

When completed, the 20-foot by 20-foot facade of iron, gold leaf and glass will weigh approximately 3,000 pounds.

Overseeing the project is Alisanne Frew of Source Francaise, who frequently travels to Europe in search of antiques and artifacts for her clients.

"The developers of Park Towers have taken great strides to bring true Old World elegance to Las Vegas," she said.

On previous excursions, Frew selected relics in the form of stone capitals, tapestries, statues, fountains, tiles and other antiquities that have been placed throughout such areas of Park Towers as the gardens, wine cellar and spa.

Two new fountains will be installed curb side. Made of limestone, the fountains will be 11 feet off the ground and have steps leading to them.

"The steps are 300 years old and were found in a village in the south of France. They are worn from the thousands of people who walked upon them," Frew said.

On a recent expedition to France, developer Irwin Molasky was impressed by the lanterns in the Plaza Athene. He thought it would be ideal if they could be recreated for Park Towers. After some research, Frew located the company that originally created the lanterns.

"The firm ... was established in 1789, and in their archives are more than 4,000 original patterns from the Renaissance to modern times," Frew said.

"Like the Golden Gate Bridge or the Hope Diamond, there is nothing like Park Towers in the world," Molasky said. "It's the result of a group of hand-selected architects, designers, craftsmen, and sales and marketing professionals who have worked very hard to bring it to fruition. These finishing touches will cement Park Towers as the finest luxury condominium property."

Park Towers at Hughes Center is a $130 million project developed by Molasky and Steve Wynn. There are 84 residences within two 20-story towers. Five floor plans range from 2,100 to 5,400 square feet.

Prices start at $750,000 at the property, which is currently 90 percent sold.

Resident amenities and services include valet and concierge, a wine cellar, board room and conference center, fitness center, health spa, Hollywood-style screening room, game and billiard rooms, and a grand salon for entertaining.

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