Avenue Magazine

October 2008

Life on the Park

Several new residential buildings maximize the idea of "green" living with easy access to some of the city's most popular parks.

In the concrete jungle that is Manhattan, access to green space is highly coveted. Fresh air and abundant flora-not to mention public art, live performances and a deeper connection to fellow New Yorkers-are a relief for both the senses and the soul. "Nothing competes with seeing a bit of green," says Jasmine Mir, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Corcoran Sunshine Marketing Group. "It's such a gift to be able to walk among the trees, bring the kids out to play or just take off your shoes and walk in the grass." Park living has been a priority for the New York elite since the city was founded, but six new residential buildings are redefining it for the 21st century.

Madison Square Park is one of the city's most popular and historic public spaces-home to reading and music series, world-class public art, and of course, Danny Meyer's Shake Shack.

A converted neoclassical loft building on the park's north end, Fifteen Madison Square North, offers one- to four-bedroom residences designed by architect Daniel Goldner. Homes, which range in size from 1,100 to 3,626 square feet, feature interiors by Nathan Egan and possess a natural elegance evident in the solid walnut floors and spacious 12-foot ceilings. "Being both a grand, historic property and one of the only residential buildings directly on Madison Square Park, the overall character of Fifteen Madison Square North has been a big part of our success," says Jim Brawders, Corcoran Sunshine Marketing Group's senior vice president. "People appreciate the nature of a true `New York-style' loft building that's strongly rooted in the history of the park. And the views don't hurt either."

In the West Village, locals often find respite in Jackson Square, a charming, triangular green space, bounded by Greenwich Avenue, Horatio Street and Eighth Avenue, that is one of New York City's oldest parks. Directly off the triangle, One Jackson Square embraces the neighborhood's eclectic, industrial roots with a clean, modern design and serpentine glass fa‡ade. Conceived by architect William Pederson, One Jackson Square features a palatial duplex penthouse and beautifully-appointed one-, two-, and three-bedroom lofts with exceptional park views.

The design of Riverhouse in Battery Park City gives it direct access to the Hudson River and two bucolic green spaces - Rockefeller Park, which faces the western fa‡ade, and a new extension of Teardrop Park nestled within the building's U-shaped courtyard. An in-house yoga studio and 50-foot lap pool complete the package.

A LEED-certified property, Riverhouse is at the forefront of green design, with Polshek Partnership Architects, Ismael Leyva Architects and Rockwell Group incorporating locally sourced renewable materials and nonpolluting paints into the construction process. Advanced water and air-filtration systems and a geothermal well for heating reveal a strong environmental aesthetic, as do rooftop photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight into electricity.

Dramatic design and generous proportions are key elements at 57 Irving Place, an exclusive new condominium situated between Gramercy Park and Union Square. The property presents a great opportunity to live close to both parks, says Robert Gladstone, CEO of Madison Equities. "Even with its contemporary style, the understated grandeur of the building will blend naturally with both the rich history of the neighborhood and its beautiful tree-lined streets." Prospective residents can choose between a three-floor townhouse, spacious five-bedroom duplex or full-floor residences.

The largest new greensward on Manhattan's West Side, Riverside Park South sprawls over 21 acres of lush foliage, ball fields, tennis and basketball courts and bike paths. The Rushmore rises dramatically at 64th Street and Riverside, offering unobstructed water views and 15,000 square feet of resort- like amenities, including a La Palestra wellness center with training, spa and rehabilitative services.

Nestled amid the shops and galleries of the landmark Soho CastIron Historic District, Soho Mews offers residents access to a private courtyard garden. Designed by renowned landscape architect Peter Walker, the garden connects the property's two buildings, one of which faces West Broadway and the other facing Wooster Street. Combining a sleek, modern design with a respect for the neighborhood's iconic 19th-century architecture, Soho Mews contains 68 generous two- and three-bedroom lofts, deluxe penthouses and three- and five-bedroom townhouses. Downtown's rich cultural heritage is celebrated through a private gallery curated by Art Production Fund and membership to the New Museum of Contemporary Art.