Rendering of the renovated One Times Square. (Courtesy Jamestown)
On New Year’s Eve, the ball drop in Times Square has come to signify the start of the new year. But on all other days of the year, tourists from all over the world are drawn to Times Square's classic Broadway theaters and newer attractions like the Museum of Broadway, the immersive experience at RiseNY, and surprise concerts on the outdoor stage at TSX Broadway. It is set to attract even more attention as One Times Square, home of the ball drop, is in the middle of a redevelopment that will yield a new visitors’ center with a museum and observation deck that will welcome visitors all year round.
This makes for a bustling atmosphere, but Times Square has become more residential-friendly in recent years. During the 21st century, sections of Times Square have closed to car traffic, making for a more pedestrian-friendly area. Whole Foods opened a grocery store across the street from Bryant Park in January 2017, allowing for more dining options than ordering takeout from the oversized restaurants lining Times Square.
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Times Square from the roof deck at 1600 Broadway (CORE Real Estate)
More recently, between “City of Yes for Housing Opportunity” and a revised rezoning plan that would allow for residential development in formerly restricted commercial parts of the Garment District, some of the offices lining Times Square could turn residential. At least one is already on the way: In the waning days of 2024, Apollo Global Management, in partnership with RXR and SL Green, filed permits to turn the office building at 5 Times Square into a mixed-use building with retail space, office space, and 942 housing units (h/t The Real Deal). Gensler is the architect of record, and the project is set to be one of the largest office-to-residential conversions in New York.
In the meantime, if you want to live near "the center of the universe," there is already a good number of residential options out there. Enjoy the views and mind the tourists!
1600 Broadway
2 units for rent from $4,950/month
M&Ms New York is one of Times Square's best-known tourist destinations, but many people don't know there are condos on top reached through a separate entrance. All units feature floor-to-ceiling windows, modern appliances, and finishes, and in-unit washer/dryers. The fourth-floor Club on the Square offers such amenities as a fitness center, putting green, golf simulator, and lounge, and a rooftop terrace looks out on iconic views of Times Square and the Manhattan skyline.
1600 Broadway, #21A (Corcoran Group)
The Platinum, 247 West 46th Street
Up the street from the Lunt-Fontanne and Richard Rodgers Theatres, home to two of Broadway's hottest tickets, apartments at The Platinum high-rise condominium offer an escape above it all. All units feature full-length windows, white oak floors, kitchens with custom cabinetry and high-end appliances, zoned heating and cooling, and in-unit washer/dryers. Amenities include concierge service, a fitness center, golf simulator room, indoor/outdoor yoga studio, and lounge with a billiards table and access to an outdoor terrace with skyline views.
The Platinum, #3502 (Compass)
Cassa, 70 West 45th Street
7 condos available from $1.1M - $12M
1 unit for rent for $5,000/month
Just east of Times Square, Cassa also offers easy access to attractions like Bryant Park, Rockefeller Center, Grand Central Terminal, and Fifth Avenue shopping. All apartments feature abundant light, neutral-toned aesthetics, high-end kitchens, and luxuriously finished baths. However, hotel amenities like concierge service, housekeeping, fitness center, business center, outdoor terrace, and dining at Alex Guarnaschelli's BUTTER truly set Cassa apart. Rihanna and French Montana are among past residents (h/t New York Post).
Cassa, #41B (Corcoran Group)
Executive Plaza, 150 West 51st Street
4 condos available from $650K - $815K
4 units for rent from $3,550/month
Conversions of offices and hotels to residences has been a hot topic over the past few years, but Executive Plaza is one step ahead of them: The Taft Hotel was constructed in 1926, but partially converted to residential units in 1986. Executive Plaza represents the residential component (the hospitality component is the Michelangelo Hotel), and the apartments are on upper floors to make the most of city views. Amenities include 24-hour concierge service, dry cleaning service, a new fitness center, and a landscaped terrace.
Executive Plaza, #1927 (Compass)
135W52, 135 West 52nd Street
5 condos available from $1.98M - $6.95M
2 units for rent from $6,800/month
At the north end of Times Square, the Rafael Vinoly-designed 135 West 52nd Street was converted to a condominium in 2016. CetraRuddy was the architect of the conversion, which included new amenities like a three-story lobby, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a 12,000-square-foot Residents Club with indoor pool, fireside lounge, screening room, children's playroom, and furnished outdoor terrace. What has not changed, though, is its central location near Broadway theaters, Rockefeller Center, and Central Park.
135W52, #40A (Sothebys International Realty)
The Link, 310 West 52nd Street
2 condos available from $1.275M - $1.35M
4 units for rent from $3,750/month
Located at the nexus of Times Square and Hell's Kitchen, The Link is primely positioned for easy access to some of Manhattan's best entertainment, dining, and nightlife. All units feature floor-to-ceiling windows, sophisticated interiors, and in-unit washer/dryers. Amenities include an attended lobby with concierge service, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a lounge, and a landscaped terrace with beautiful city views.
The Link, #40C (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)
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