In addition to the perks of living next to a park in a culturally vibrant neighborhood, residents of a growing collection of buildings that hover above the High Line get to become an integral part of the park’s draw for architecture buffs as well as people-watchers.

The High Line park in Chelsea is one of New York City’s best new public spaces. The elevated rail yard-cum-public park is especially notable for the way it integrates with the neighborhood and city that surrounds it. Looking in any direction, visitors can immediately see the juxtaposition of old and new New York while getting an eyeful of the city’s iconic skyline. Since the park’s first section opened, architecturally exciting residential buildings have been rising to the challenge of becoming part of this urban landscape. Residents of these “fishbowl” apartments become part of an ever-changing tableau. One could call this people-watching-and-being-watched-by-people dynamic the embodiment of the NYC experience.

Almost as eye-catching as Frank Gehry’s IAC Headquarters with its undulant half-panes of milky white glass, Neil Denari’s HL23 condominium at 515 West 23rd Street is the only building that has been allowed to extend over the High Line, which it does, cantilevered over the park by about five feet. A recent Dwell magazine cover story features residents in their colorful-yet-comfortable apartment enjoying the way “overlooking the High Line in New York City captures views of a constantly changing urban landscape.” Residents of the building's eleven full-floor and duplex apartments can control their privacy with a remote-controlled window shade system and high-tech sound insulation.
Audrey Matlock’s 12-story Chelsea Modern at 447 West 18th Street (pictured) is another innovative High Line addition; the individual windows that make up the grid of its blue-tinted, angled facade open outwards parallel to the façade, letting air in and out on all four sides. The 20-unit 245 Tenth Avenue is another distinctive mid-rise with façades of randomly stamped stainless steel panels forming a faceted diamond pattern and window patterns that resemble a crossword puzzle. A residents’ terrace and lounge overlook the High Line. The trophy residences at the Annabelle Selldorf-designed 520 West 19th Street may be its two, five-bedroom duplex penthouses, but all apartments here are spacious.

Other notable High Line additions include the fascinating Metal Shutter Houses at 529 West 19th Street (more innovation on the privacy control front), Jean Nouvel’s 100 11th Avenue, Ten23 at 500 West 23rd Street and the Caledonia at 450 West 17th Street. A newcomer will soon be adding fishbowl appeal: Zaha Hadid’s latest creation hopes to raise the bar on the star power of High Line architecture. Wrapped in floor-to-ceiling glass and overlooking the park’s second section, the new condominium residence will also offer a large roof terrace and an indoor pool and spa.