123 Washington St

W New York - Downtown-The Residences

For those looking for hotel-style living, or a Financial District, FiDi, pied-a-terre, the W Downtown Residences aim to serve. Settled between the Marriott Downtown and the Cloud One Hotel, the W building doubles as a hotel, welcoming the first-time CitiBike riders readying to tour the city from the bicycle racks near the W’s entrance and tourists rounding the corner to purchase “I heart NYC” t-shirts at the large nearby gift shop. Built in 2010, the 56-story grey stone and glass tower strikes a modern, if conventional, note — contrasted by the ornate tan brick façade of the prewar conversion that abuts it at 120 Greenwich; the aesthetics of the two condo buildings offering different appeal and catering to different lifestyles. The W Downtown Residences offer full-service spaces for those desiring an NYC address, even if it’s part-time. The 223 units in the W Downtown Residences start above the 21st floor, ensuring up-close views of One World Trade Center, the Lower Manhattan skyline and the Hudson River. Residences are mostly one to four-bedrooms, though a few studios have been available in the past, and some units have been combined to create multi-bedroom abodes, including an expansive three-floor 24-bedroom residence, which sold for $22 million. A one-bedroom with dark hardwood floors, white lacquer kitchen cabinets and compact living space can go for around $1 million. Even in large residences, kitchens are small with a slanted wall connecting the cabinets to the countertops intended to be a trendy futuristic nod, but which somewhat conjures the interior of an airplane. Another design choice, a cut-out section of a wall creating an open space between rooms, may mean that bathrooms don’t feel totally private. The German design firm Graft executed the interiors, in a style they dubbed “punk minimalism.” A cozy two-bedroom with city and water views might cost around $2 million. Cascading views over Midtown and the Hudson River are easy to come by from the W’s roof deck, one of the higher residential rooftop spaces in Manhattan. The roof space and the other amenities, including the fitness facility, are all shared with the hotel, and residents can utilize hotel maintenance and housekeeping services. Additionally, an on-call concierge is available to assist with planning and reservations. The building’s compressed residential lobby offers only a few small seats, but focuses on service with the concierge desk, porters and bellhops at the ready. A private dining room, movie screening room, and a spa and sauna are also available. Units are equipped with washer/dryers and pets are allowed in the building. Even from street level, the W’s location, at 123 Washington Street, gives it a stunning view of One World Trade Center, less than a 10-minute walk away. The pedestrian bridge over West Street plus a brief walk north leads to Brookfield Place and high-end shopping and dining. While many other hotels surround the building, ensuring a stream of tourists, commuters to the Financial District only have to make a short walk south to the Stock Exchange and Wall Street. Groceries are easily available at the Whole Foods nearby on Rector Street, and bars and restaurants abound, including Morton’s Steakhouse, caddy-corner from the W’s entrance. While Zuccotti Park might be the nearest plaza, a 10-minute walk directly west reaches the Battery Park City Esplanade, a path that rounds south to Battery Park. Numerous subway lines are within easy reach, including the R and W trains at Rector Street and the 4 and 5 at Wall Street, plus a larger transportation hub at the nearby World Trade Center.