6. HL23
515–517 W 23rd St at Tenth Ave, beside (and over) the High Line
Expected: Late 2009
What it brings to the neighborhood: Stylish architecture. The 14-story edifice—which is the subject of an exhibit at the Museum of the City of New York, closing Sunday 21—will expand as it rises, extending over the High Line. Inside, there will be 11 apartments, ranging in price from $2.65 million to $10.5 million.
What it takes away: Cachet. Some fans of the High Line contend that all the glitzy new buildings will eliminate the atmosphere of isolation that made the High Line special in the first place. Also, the developer of a building next door has filed complaints with the Department of Buildings, citing concern for the safety of the residents during construction.
The Rockaways is experiencing a major redevelopment and for N.Y standard, is very cheap to rent and buy.
How are they even allowed to represent projects like the way this is depicted? The looming fake illustration makes the building look like it's in the middle of some suburban corporate campus, not the insanely dense and cluttered Queensboro Plaza area. That rooftop deck will seem cozy with the clatter and squeal of the #7 train 50 feet away. More absurdly placed, cheaply built habitats for Bloomberg's lemmings. I hope the building offers a permanent supply of Kool-Aid in its lobby Sub-Zero.
No mention of Atlantic Yards?! Really?!