Top glass: 1 Seaport is New York's latest residential high rise

With the revamping and careful restoration of the historical downtown district of South Street Seaport in Manhattan, the new is as important as the old. Among the area’s new architectural crop is Goldstein, Hill & West Architects' (GHWA) and designer Groves & Co 1 Seaport. This luxury residential development by Fortis, inspired by sunlight shining on water, has been designed for people who appreciate views of the East River and, of course, prime real estate.

'We pixelated the image of sunlight on water and then placed it on the façade,' says L Stephen Hill, co-founder of GHWA. 'We wanted to express a movement in this tower. Think of it as creating the crest of a wave especially on the eastern side of the building.'

The building, sat atop the South Street Seaport redevelopment, is at a distinct 45-degree angle with the East River and features a dream set of amenities: double-height floor-to-ceiling windows, where sculpted glass walls with horizontal mullions add to the effect, a pool and wet area with spa facilities and a handy car port.

The challenges of new hurricane laws, that have come into effect after the devastation of Hurricane Sandy in 2012, were a major focus for the building. 'Because of Sandy we created this double lobby so that the elevators open up on the second floor into the lobby, in case of an emergency that the ground floor is not accessible,' says Ruso Panduro, business director and senior designer at Groves & Co. 'It’s all in the details for us: for the pool amenities, for instance, we wanted to do something special so we created these twinkling lights at the bottom and the wet area has a walk through wall of water – all magical elements to this project.'

But the beauty doesn’t end there. Bespoke detailing includes custom millwork and hardware designed by Groves. The kitchens (designed by Groves and Co, offering Gaggenau appliances) feature Calacatta Gold inlays, concealed pulls, and an illuminated Calacatta Gold marble backsplash; matching an impressive exterior with tailor made interiors.

Construction has already began and completion is currently planned for the end of 2017.