350 W 42nd St

The Orion

Why would anyone want to live in the heart of Times Square, you ask? For those who love the urbanity, the history, and the nonstop movement of New York, there’s an easy answer: it’s romantic. From the floor-to-ceiling windows of The Orion, there are priceless panoramic views of what many only see in stock images when searching for pictures of the “New York City skyline.” Designed by CentraRuddy – the same architects who designed One Madison Park luxury condominiums – The Orion comprises 60 stories of 551 units with sweeping views of New York City in every direction. From 520-square-foot studios to 1,463-square-foot three-bedrooms, each residence was crafted to maximize space and light with open floor plans and floor-to-ceiling windows. The glass and steel tower is home to a 3-story amenities suite, including relaxation, entertainment, fitness and business facilities. Along with a 24-hour doorman and a full-time concierge, residents have access to a variety of luxury services like housekeeping, massage therapy, and dry cleaning. The Orion is a family- and pet-friendly building offering amenities like a children’s playroom and community rec room. Here, residents can be tourists every day: those sky-high views serve as a reminder of just how beautiful New York City really is. Featuring extra high, 10-foot ceilings, each unit was designed with an open floor plan for spacious living. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide ample daylight and frame panoramic views of Hell’s Kitchen, Times Square, and the Hudson River. The interiors are finished with Wide Plank Hardwood floors, Italian luxury kitchens by Valcucine, Bosch appliances, fixtures by Waterworks and glass tiles by Ann Sacks. Each residence has a dishwasher and central climate control. On floors 30 and up, each residence is outfitted with in-unit washer-dryer. The building is designed in a T-shape with six corner units on each floor. The layouts have more square footage than similar nearby luxury condos – like the apartments at “Middle of Manhattan” (MiMA) and the condos at Atelier – typical to this part of town. A two-bedroom apartment at The Orion has 1,350 square feet, while an average Midtown high-rise 3-bedroom has the same square footage. “The Orion has the best views of any Midtown West high-rise,” says Rex Gonsalves, associate broker at Browns Harris Stevens, who is in the top 1.5% of Real Trend’s nationwide Top Real Estate Professionals. “Unlike the MiMA and Atelier, which are blocked by Hudson Yards, the panoramas are completely open on all sides.” The Orion has an amenities suite with 8,200 square feet spanning three stories – floors 29, 30 and 31. Three expansive outdoor terraces feature chaise lounges for sunbathing and dining areas for entertaining. The fitness center has an indoor two-lane lap pool, a jacuzzi, LifeFitness cardio machines, a yoga/Pilates studio, a massage therapy room and dry saunas. For entertainment, residents can take advantage of the billiard room, a movie theater and the community garden. HOA monthly fees vary by unit and are on par with other luxury buildings in the area. According to Gonsalves, a standard charge for a two-bedroom on the highest floor is $1364. Located on 42nd Street and 9th Avenue, The Orion’s prime location puts residents steps from iconic New York establishments and areas, including the Theater District, the flagship branch of the New York Public Library, the Museum of Modern Art, and 5th Avenue’s legendary stores. That goes the same for dining and drinking. Some of the best bars and restaurants in the city are nearby: residents can peruse the massive, multi-stall food hall Mercado Little Spain, sip cocktails at Darling in the Park Lane hotel, eat a pastry at Sullivan Street Bakery, and try the chef’s tasting prix fixe menu at Le Bernardin. For groceries, residents can shop at Food Emporium or Whole Foods, both along 42nd Street. The building offers onsite, designated parking in its in-house lot. But New Yorkers know that the subway is, 99% of the time, the fastest way to get anywhere. Because of the proximity to Times Square and Bryant Park, endless train options exist. The A, C and E trains are accessible at 42 St-Port Authority Bus Terminal. From Times Sq-42 St, the N, Q, R, S, W, 1, 2, 3 and 7 trains can transport residents to almost anywhere in New York City. If those were enough options, there’s also 42 St- Byrant Park, which services the B, D, F and M trains. “Beyond the amenities, the location is why people move here,” says Gonsalves. “When you exit the subway, tourists go eastwards to Times Square. Residents go west. Parents buy units in this building for students who go to NYU, FIT, and Columbia because there are trains in every direction.”