Hudson River views as seen from Solaire (Corcoran)
At the beginning of August, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine proposed turning one car lane on the West Side Highway into a two-way protected bike lane. The proposal was inspired by the highly popular new bike lane on the Brooklyn Bridge, and would start with a stretch between Chambers and West 57th Streets that would add four miles of new protected bike lanes. The new bike lanes would have the effect of cutting congestion on the Hudson River Greenway (“the Greenway”), allowing for a more pleasant experience all around. It would also allow ebikes, which are currently prohibited on the Greenway.
A number of elected officials have come out in favor of the bike lane, and can attest to the crowding on the Greenway in their districts. However, because the West Side Highway is a state highway, the plan must first be approved by the New York State Department of Transportation. Former governor and self-proclaimed car guy Andrew Cuomo ignored a 2020 request to convert one lane of the West Side Highway to a bike lane when traffic was down at the height of the pandemic (h/t Streetsblog); as of this writing, there has been no comment from Governor Hochul or the Department of Transportation on this.
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Bike lane rendering (Office of Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine)
The new bike lane would also have environmental benefits, which cannot be ignored amidst the realities of climate change. As such, a multiphase effort is underway to reshape the coastline around Battery Park City to protect the neighborhood. The first phase is expected to break ground in September and run from the Museum of Jewish Heritage to a high point near Bowling Green Plaza. The second phase will stretch along the northern and western boundaries of the neighborhood, with completion estimated for 2026. This is part of the overall Lower Manhattan Coastal Resiliency Project to protect the city from future flooding, and there are echoes of the East Side Coastal Resiliency Project to this. Locals have expressed displeasure about temporary park closures for construction, but concede that officials have been highly transparent about the process and sought to engage the community.
South Battery Park City Resiliency Project map (Battery Park City Authority)
The Battery Park City Resiliency Project also seeks to create public amenities that double as flood protection. There is much inspiration to be found for these along the Hudson River: A few blocks north, the expanded Pier 26 opened to the public in September 2020, showcasing indigenous plants and trees that hark back to when only Native Americans occupied the area. The Tide Deck is an engineered rocky salt marsh that provides a supportive environment for wildlife and experiences high and low tide twice a day, allowing visitors to have an immersive ecological experience. Additional features include a lawn and a sports court with stadium-style seating.
Just south of the new but already beloved Little Island in the Meatpacking District, construction is underway on Gansevoort Peninsula, a new park taking shape on the former site of a Department of Sanitation parking lot. Upon completion, it will feature a soccer field, a dog run, kayak slips, an art installation entitled "Days End," and a resilient, soft-edged "beach." In July 2022, the Billion Oyster Project announced the installation of a new manmade habitat with 20 million juvenile oysters along the northern shore of the park; this will create an oyster reef complex while helping to mitigate the effects of storm surges. Completion is estimated for 2023.
Rendering of Gansevoort Peninsula (Hudson River Park)
But for all the new waterfront parks and attractions springing up piece by piece, New York infrastructure aficionados cannot help but think we could have transformed the entire Hudson River waterfront in one fell swoop decades ago: In the 1970s, a team of architects and city planners proposed Westway, a 4.2-mile underground highway to tunnel through landfill along the Hudson River, in response to decaying piers and crumbling sections of the West Side Highway. The landfill would be put in place to replace the piers, and a platform on top would have been the site of new parkland and real estate development, both commercial and residential.
As the underground highway would have been designated an interstate highway, the Federal Highway Administration would have picked up the vast majority of the costs. New York's business community largely embraced the plan, but environmental and community activists protested. Some thought the federal money would be better spent on public transportation improvements; others expressed concern about the environmental impact of the project; and there was an air of NIMBYism to the complaints of others. The Army Corps of Engineers approved the project in 1981, but lawsuits from environmental activists quickly ensued. A 1982 court order put the project on temporary hold on grounds that it would have an adverse effect on the Hudson River's striped bass population, but it was ultimately cancelled in 1985, with high costs as a factor.
Westway Highway Project details (Denise Scott Brown)
Through it all, waterfront real estate has become some of the most highly coveted in Manhattan. The river views have always been awe-inspiring, and once-desolate areas got a major cool infusion from artists living and working in the area. This led to greater demand for housing, which developers sought to meet either by converting industrial buildings to residential (often with industrial details preserved) or by erecting architecturally appealing new buildings.
Liberty Court, #22F (Douglas Elliman)
From the Listing: Walk into this newly updated apartment and you will immediately take notice of the breathtaking views from every room. The spacious open kitchen has generous cabinet space and counter space, and straight on views of the Hudson River views. The bright large bedroom has all brand-new custom closets, providing tons of storage. A lovely bathroom rounds off this wonderful one-bedroom apartment. 200 Rector Place is ideally located in Battery Park City, with direct access to the surrounding parks, the Hudson River promenade and a quick walk over to the Financial District. See floor plan and full details here.
The Solaire, #12H (Corcoran)
From the Listing: Enjoy Hudson River views and breathtaking sunsets in this sundrenched, spacious 862-square-foot west-facing one-bedroom residence with home office designed by Pelli Clarke Pelli to meet the highest level of green building certification. This bright, river-view residence boasts ample closet space in the bedroom and by the foyer. An added delight is the spacious alcove area near the entry which is perfect for a home office, formal dining room, or sleeping area for guests. The open kitchen features a suite of stainless steel, Energy Star appliances and a granite breakfast bar that is perfect for entertaining. A Bosch washer and dryer set completes the appliance package and a four-pipe multi-zone heating and cooling system allows for whisper quiet comfort and energy savings year-round. See floor plan and full details here.
Hudson Tower, #7AB (Corcoran)
From the Listing: Stunning Hudson River and sunset views await from this spacious 1526 SF 2-bedroom 2.5-bathroom at Hudson Tower condominium. Enjoy an oversized living and dining room with a bay window framing the tree-top and river views. An elegant mantle over the electric fireplace is the perfect centerpiece, providing an elegant and sophisticated aesthetic. Gracious 9-foot ceilings throughout and an open concept make this home bright and airy. The fully renovated, expansive open kitchen is beautifully designed with white Quartz countertops, sleek tile backsplash, and extensive kitchen island bar seating. In the spacious primary suite, wake up to unobstructed Hudson River views and watch the boats pass by from this magnificent view. See floor plan and full details here.
Liberty Terrace, #17G (Corcoran)
From the Listing: Corner 2-bedroom/ 2-bathroom home faces south, east and west with breathtaking observation deck style views of the Hudson River, Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Governors Island, and the Verrazano Bridge. An incredible layout with entrance foyer opening up to living room, open kitchen, surrounded by windows with a large marble center island and a dining bay window creating the perfect entertaining space. Brand-new top appliances abound this kitchen; Bosch dishwasher, microwave, oven/stove and Fisher Paykel fridge The primary bedroom has an ensuite bath with double sink and deep soaking tub and shower. See floor plan and full details here.
The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton New York Battery Park, #27A (Compass)
From the Listing: Jaw-dropping Hudson River views become your daily backdrop in this stunning high-floor home at the elegant Ritz-Carlton Battery Park condominiums. A gracious foyer invites you inside this 1,540 square-foot showplace where herringbone floors and floor-to-ceiling, west-facing windows frame extraordinary vistas that stretch to the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the surrounding skylines. Imagine entertaining in the expansive open-plan living/dining room that seems to float above the shimmering water below. Head to the tranquil primary suite to discover a king-size layout with breathtaking sunset vistas, two extra-large closets and a graciously sized en suite bathroom featuring a soaking tub, frameless glass shower and double vanity. See floor plan and full details here.
The Visionaire, #23C (Compass)
From the Listing: Sophisticated luxury and views for days is what you'll experience in this stunningly spacious corner 2-bedroom, brand-new to the market at the Visionaire in Battery Park City. Enter through the gracious foyer into the main living space, and prepare for your jaw to drop as you are greeted with unparalleled light and views from the 23rd floor - spectacular Hudson River and unending views to the west, Statue of Liberty view to the south, and World Trade Center and city views to the north. The living and dining space is large, spanning nearly 30 feet across, and the kitchen is beautiful and open, making this the perfect layout for entertaining. Kitchen features include: Wolf range and oven, dishwasher, integrated full-size Sub-Zero refrigerator, In-Sinkerator, fantastic cabinet & counter space, and large center island / breakfast bar. Furniture can be included with sale. See floor plan and full details here.
One Rector Park, #1008 (Compass)
From the Listing: This 2,022-square-foot designer dream home will transport you to another world as you gaze out at spectacular vistas of the city and Hudson River. Thoughtfully updated interiors offer elegant light-filled living space with a backdrop of wonderful views and refined finishes throughout. Gorgeous hardwood floors, ceiling beams and chic lighting enhance the spacious great room boasting open living and dining areas, and access to both outdoor balconies through sliding glass doors. The modern open kitchen is well-appointed for the chef featuring quality cabinetry, marble countertops and backsplash, and premium stainless steel appliances including a wine fridge. See floor plan and full details here.
The Visionaire, #22C (Battery Park Realty)
From the Listing: The Visionaire is the only platinum LEED certified green building in Battery Park, offering many top amenities. This spectacular northwest corner two-bedroom has wraparound Hudson River, Statue of Liberty, and Wall Street skyline views. The kitchen is outfitted with custom marble counters with flagship appliances from both Miele and Wolf. The spacious living area has a built-in fireplace. The primary bedroom has three custom-built California closets and en suite bath with deep soaking tub covered and a separate stall shower. The second bedroom is currently configured as a home office with stylish custom fixtures. See floor plan and full details here.
166 Bank Street, #3A (Corcoran)
From the Listing: Enjoy Hudson River sunsets in this sprawling 2,200-square-foot, 3-bed, 2-bath prewar loft in the heart of the cobblestone West Village. Graciously proportioned living, dining areas and bedrooms deliver west exposures with stunning river views. This spectacular home presents fantastic scope for a masterful renovation to create luxurious living with all the advantages of an expansive floor plan, seamlessly blending contemporary style, pre-war elegance, and modern living in the heart of the West Village. The space can be reconfigured to include up to 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, as well as central A/C (as a result of very few load-bearing columns) and vented laundry and kitchen. See floor plan and full details here.
Millennium Tower Residences, #16F (Compass)
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From the Listing: Experience magical sunsets over extraordinary Hudson River and Statue of Liberty views from floor-to-ceiling windows in this 2,100-square-foot 3-bed, 3.5-bath southwest-facing corner apartment. The residence boasts an open concept living room, dining room and kitchen, making the space perfect for entertaining. The apartment is outfitted with automatic shades and a built-in sound system. The chef's kitchen is equipped with top of the line appliances including a Viking stove and Sub-Zero refrigerator. The spacious primary bedroom suite includes two walk-in closets and a five-fixture bath. The two secondary bedrooms are very well proportioned and each include en-suite baths. See floor plan and full details here.
River & Warren, #11C (R New York)
From the Listing: Encompassing both southwest and southeast corners of River and Warren, 11C offers panoramic views of the Hudson River, Teardrop and Rockefeller Park. Enter onto 5-inch-wide plank oak flooring with a custom inlaid oversized pattern in the elegant entry gallery with large marble powder room. Walk through the large separated dining area and into the main living room that is flooded with natural light from five large windows with unobstructed views of Hudson River. The windowed kitchen has views of the Statue of Liberty and includes custom white cabinets with oak accents, 48" Sub-Zero refrigerator and dual zone wine refrigerator, 6 burner Miele gas cooktop, speed oven, two dishwashers and garbage disposal. This fully ready-to-entertain kitchen also features gorgeous Blue-de-Savoie marble island, Calacatta marble backsplash and counter and abundant pantry space. See floor plan and full details here.
The Cortland, #6AW (Core Group NYC)
From the Listing: Inspired by West Chelsea's historical architecture and rich heritage, The Cortland, located at 555 W 22nd Street, is striking a new presence on the Hudson waterfront. Residence 6AW is 2,512 square feet with three bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms. The expansive, open-plan living and dining areas feature private courtyard views, a 27-foot corner great room, a kitchen with a custom Olson Kundig-designed Jackbox and walk-in pantry, warm wood flooring, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Designed by Olson Kundig and curated by Related Life, The Cortland's amenities have all the style and sophistication of a private members club in the city. See floor plan and full details here.
551W21, #6A (R New York)
From the Listing: This split 2-bedroom, 2.5-bath residence features massive windows framing views to the north, east and west paired with column-free spaces of grand scale for modern living and entertaining. Custom designed interiors by Foster + Partners include beautifully proportioned rooms with eleven-foot ceilings, a distinctive windowed foyer with integrated cove lighting and millwork, a dramatic 35'19' west-facing grand room, and a top-of-the-line kitchen with beveled Blanco de Macael marble countertops and natural oak cabinetry by Molteni. A well proportioned primary bedroom features a fully finished dressing room with custom millwork by Foster + Partners, a luxurious spa-like bathroom oasis with double door entry, a freestanding tub, radiant heated Luna Black granite floors and a custom Corian vanity with integrated lighting. See floor plan and full details here.
Greenwich West, #PH29A (Corcoran)
From the Listing: Perched at the top of Greenwich West, Penthouse 29A is an impressively scaled 3-bedroom three and a half-bathroom condominium home which offers south, east, and west exposures with city skyline, Hudson River, and statue of liberty views from its 859-square-foot terrace. An expansive south and west-facing great room has the largest terrace to bring you the world famous Manhattan skyline while at the same time showcasing stunning sunsets over the Hudson. Oversized casement windows allow for abundant light to stream across wide-plank European white oak floors. In the kitchen, Miele appliances nestle into custom walnut integration, with metal lacquer and fluted mirror casework upper cabinetry crafted by Molteni&C. See floor plan and full details here.
160 Leroy Street, #SOUTH10B (Fox Residential Group)
From the Listing: This sprawling 2,351-square-foot 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath, mint condition apartment is designed to maximize light and spectacular views of the Hudson River and downtown Manhattan. Sunlight streams in all day from floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall windows while colorful sunsets and the magical city lights add to the nighttime views. The residence features 11-foot ceilings, triple glazed, insulated windows, and 12" wide Scandinavian Larch wood floors throughout. An expansive gallery leads to the great room, perfect for luxurious entertaining and relaxed living. The state-of-the-art Bulthaup open kitchen with Sivec marble countertops and backsplash, Sub-Zero 30" refrigerator, Wolf 36" oven, Gaggenau 36" cooktop and Miele 24"dishwasher, is seamlessly integrated to the dining/living area. The primary bedroom suite has panoramic views of Hudson River, an oversized dressing area and spacious closets, and a lavish en-suite bathroom. See floor plan and full details here.
165 Charles Street, #21 (Compass)
From the Listing: On the 10th floor, this stunning 2,541-square-foot loft offers unparalleled Hudson River and city skyline views. Interior furnishings are by sophisticated, polished, and timeless Italian design brand Minotti. This pristine, sun-drenched home features 11-foot ceilings, Wenge African hardwood floors, and double-glazed windows. A vast gallery leads to a dramatic 33-foot by 22-foot living room with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Hudson River with Southern skyline views and a 35-foot terrace. A private wine cellar and large storage unit come with the unit. See floor plan and full details here.
Medium Lipstick, #PH (Sotheby's International Realty)
From the Listing: This expansive penthouse home offers the best of Tribeca loft life along with great outdoor space and spectacular Hudson River views. Enjoy your own private planted rooftop terrace, ideal for entertaining or just quiet relaxation. Inside, spread out in the iconic downtown sophistication of the large, lofty living space, with four bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths. Relax by the wood-burning stove in the library. Celebrate in the enormous, double-height skylit kitchen. And, every evening, delight in glorious sunsets over the Hudson River. See floor plan and full details here.
111 Jane Street, #PH (Sotheby's International Realty)
From the Listing: This palatial Jane Street penthouse offers a townhouse lifestyle with Hudson River views to the State of Liberty. This extraordinary penthouse boasts 6 terraces, 3 wood-burning fireplaces and a 1,176-square-foot +/- private rooftop. The Penthouse Level is comprised of an open foyer with a beautifully crafted center staircase, south-facing open concept living, dining and kitchen, media/library living space and a stunning powder room. Four exposures with Hudson River and West Village views fill this full floor entertaining space with radiant light and provide a peaceful ambience. The center staircase leads upstairs to a luxurious full-floor primary suite with two private terraces and downstairs to the private bedroom quarters. See floor plan and full details here.
River Lofts, #PHB (Douglas Elliman)
From the Listing: This recently renovated residence includes 3 new bathrooms, the addition of a powder room, spectacular new eat-in kitchen, tray ceiling and lighting in living room, new central a/c system, refinished floors and new doors throughout. Additional features include 11' ceilings, large skylight in great room and primary bath, custom fitted closets, laundry room with vented dyer, and two private storage units. A 400-square-foot landscaped terrace has a gas grill station and outdoor shower. See floor plan and full details here.
565 Broome SoHo, #S28A (Douglas Elliman)
From the Listing: This one-of-a-kind 4,682-square-foot full-floor residence with 10' ceilings and 6-inch wide-plank white oak floors features 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, and a powder room. Keyed elevator access and a well-proportioned foyer, ideal for displaying art, leads into an expansive 40-foot great room exceptionally designed for both entertaining and daily living. Floor-to-ceiling glass wraps the corner great room allowing for abundant natural light and spectacular Hudson River views to the West and South views showcasing the One World Trade Center. The eat-in kitchen, open to the great room, features floor-to-ceiling windows with west and south views. A formal gallery opens into the primary bedroom suite, which boasts three exposures to the east, west, and south. See floor plan and full details here.
70 Vestry Street, #PHS (Corcoran)
From the Listing: Penthouse South, located atop Robert A.M. Stern's masterpiece, 70 Vestry, is a magnificent triplex villa on Tribeca's 'Gold Coast' with 360-degree views and breathtaking panoramic Hudson River and city skyline views from thirteen rooms and three floors. This luxurious one-of-a-kind home offers grand proportions, luxury amenities, exquisite finishes, state-of-the-art comforts, unmatched private outdoor space and truly spectacular views in every direction. Extraordinary for large-scale entertaining and private living, this rare trophy home is comprised of an astounding 7,808 interior square feet and 3,687 square feet of private terraces on every level with an interior elevator, as well as two chef's kitchens, 5 bedrooms, 5 full baths and 3 powder rooms. See floor plan and full details here.
Would you like to tour any of these properties?
Just complete the info below.
Or call us at (212) 755-5544
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