The architecture along The High Line offers a wide array of ingenuity and flair.  The area immediately surrounding the elevated park has become fertile ground for the world’s finest architects to create inspirational designs.  

The High Line has not only become a favorable place to build but also a commanding venue from which to admire.  The greenway offers a keen vantage point to fully appreciate the three-dimensional forms of these dramatic structures.

Perhaps the most lionized building that hovers near the Highline is one that doesn’t look like it belongs at all, 520 West 28th Street.  At first glance, even second, the structure looks like something out of a sci-fi movie.  No matter how you interpret the architecture, one thing is certain, the building is a work of art and a welcomed addition to our “Buildings We Love” series.

The graceful curves and futuristic appearance of 520 West 28th Street are in sharp contrast to the neighborhood’s historic architecture and industrial past.  It is one of many unorthodox buildings in the area but perhaps none make as bold a statement. The building’s hand-crafted metal façade creates a continuum of flowing curves; look closely and you will not find a single hard angle to the exterior. It almost seems that the structure landed on 28th Street in its current form.  

A towering main entrance leads into a dramatic double-height lobby. The entranceway is landscaped and offers a wall of vertical gardens. It’s guaranteed to give you a heightened experience each time you arrive home.

520 West 28th Street, often referred to as the Zaha Hadid building by architecture buffs, is named after its late designer, Pritzker Prize winning architect Zaha Hadid. The architect passed away in 2016 but her legacy lives on through her iconic buildings. 

Hadid designed more than 900 projects across the globe, stamping her influence in 44 countries.  520 West 28^th Street is her only residential building in New York City. Technically, Hadid was not licensed to work as an architect in New York State, which is why she is credited as the building’s designer. She worked closely with the New York City based firm Ismael Leyva Architects on the project.

Metallic ridges traverse the façade and jut out of the building to form balconies. Some balconies hover over the High Line and create the perfect perch to people watch – sometimes you watch them and sometimes they watch you.  

Completed in 2015, the full-service condominium has 39 apartments across 11 floors. The project was developed by the Related Companies. Hadid designed the interiors as well as the exterior form.  The residences range in size from two to five bedrooms and offer exquisite design and detailing. 

The artistic license that was used on the building’s exterior was also applied to the interior of these homes.  Distinctive features include loft-like open living areas, high ceilings, endless window expanses with curved detailing and custom wall paneling designed for art collections.

The kitchens are stunning, highlighted by sculptural marble islands.  The islands mirror the building’s curves; no corners here.  The Boffi designed space opens into the great room and features a suite of beautifully crafted Gaggenau appliances.

Building amenities include a 75-foot skylit pool, sauna, private IMAX theater, fitness center, resident entertainment lounge and a math and science lab for children. As if the building needed another “wow factor,” both parking and storage are provided by a fully-automated delivery system.  

520 West 28^th Street is located amidst the Chelsea Arts District. The building borders the High Line and is within easy walking distance to the Hudson River Greenway, Hudson River Park and Chelsea Piers. 

Since the beginning of 2020, 14 apartments have closed at an average price of $8.488 million.  The average price per square foot for the 14 units was $2,422.

At the time of this writing, there are two sponsor apartments available for sale.  Unit 10 offers a corner four-bedroom home at 4,220 square feet.  The apartment has an asking price of $10 million, a 20% drop from the initial ask of $12.5 million.  The price represents a per square foot price of $2,370.
520 West 28^th Street is being represented by Peter Zaitzeff, Julie Pham and Steve Gold of Corcoran.

Please visit Linecity to learn more.