New (residential) icon: introducing Bjarke Ingels Group's Via 57West

Over the past year, New Yorkers and visitors to New York alike would have spotted the rise of the dramatic pyramid-shaped residential building that today dominates Manhattan’s west midtown skyline. Designed by Bjarke Ingels Group and developed by the Durst Organization, the distinctive development – now known as Via 57West – and its 709 residential units begins leasing next month.
Situated on the far western side of Manhattan and boasting views of the Hudson River, Via 57West marks several significant milestones in Big Apple living. For one, it’s location – known mostly for its density of luxury car showrooms and for the Pier 92 and 94 venues –would not have previously been deemed desirable to live in because of its relative isolation from other parts of the city. It’s recognisable form, however, has quickly become iconic in a city with plenty of other towers contending for attention. It also marks BIG’s first completed project in the United States.
Within the building’s dramatic, sweeping structure, Via 57West will provide a bevvy of amenities so that residents will have little reason to leave once they are home. An indoor basketball court, indoor pool, spinning studio, golf simulator and putting green, screening room and poker room are just some of the in-house facilities on offer. Outside, a 22,000 sq ft sloping, courtyard garden which features 43 newly planted trees and 50 species of local fauna brings a taste of park life to the building’s front door.
Via 57West’s residences range from studios to three and four bedroom units. Each unit in the rental-only building comes equipped with its own washer/dryer (a luxury selling point in New York real estate terms), energy efficient appliances, oak wood flooring and Cesarstone countertops. In addition, the sustainably-minded development is also equipped with a central water filtration system, supplemental fresh air ventilation that pumps into each residence and high efficiency energy systems to keep everything running smoothly.
Rather than just being a full-on luxury development, 20 per cent of the Via 57West’s units are actually allocated to low-income housing, which have all been snapped up for this first leasing period. Still, with all the units available for rental only and a wide range certainly available at full price, there are opportunities to reside in this modern icon yet.
Situated on the far western side of Manhattan and boasting views of the Hudson River, Via West 57's dramatic, sweeping structure marks BIG's first completed project in the United States
A view of the building’s main entrance (left) and its sloping, courtyard garden which features 43 newly planted trees and 50 species of local fauna
The building’s lobby features a dynamic herringbone patterned wall made from bricks and a grand staircase
A view of Via West 57’s indoor pool
Ranging from studios to three and four-bedroom units, each residence comes equipped with its own washer/dryer, energy efficient appliances, oak wood flooring and Cesarstone countertops
Several of the units also boast private outdoor terraces
INFORMATION
Via West 57 begins leasing in March. For more details, please visit the website
ADDRESS
Via West 57
625 West 57th Street
New York, New York
Pei-Ru Keh is the US Editor at Wallpaper*. Born and raised in Singapore, she has been a New Yorker since 2013. Pei-Ru has held various titles at Wallpaper* since she joined in 2007. She currently reports on design, art, architecture, fashion, beauty and lifestyle happenings in the United States, both in print and digitally. Pei-Ru has taken a key role in championing diversity and representation within Wallpaper's content pillars and actively seeks out stories that reflect a wide range of perspectives. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and two children, and is currently learning how to drive.
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