555 W 22nd St

The Cortland

Passing through the arched, limestone-clad Porte-cochère and into the landscaped motor court, residents of The Cortland are greeted by valet service and a 24-hour door attendant before entering the double-height lobby. This space, dressed in Italian marble and crowned with a custom, handmade light sculpture by Markus Haase, hints at the opulence that awaits. Completed in 2022, the Chelsea project was designed by Robert A.M. Stern’s high-profile architecture firm and Olson Kundig, who brought a West Coast sensibility to his first large-scale project in the city. (Interestingly, the design practice has since opened a studio in the Garment District.) Every corner of The Cortland was expertly and intentionally designed to promote a lifestyle akin to the city’s most exclusive clubs. Residents may enjoy wine tastings hosted by renowned sommeliers in the event lounge, private classes from Equinox trainers in the health club or lessons from a golf pro in the golf simulator room. By owning at The Cortland, residents luxuriate in a refined lifestyle and design-forward spaces amid Chelsea’s rich culture and waterfront heritage. The common spaces include all the usual trappings of a white-glove building, such as the rooftop terrace with grill stations and impressive views or the game room with ping pong and foosball tables. But it’s the additional niche spaces that set this property apart. Lush drapery, oversized rugs and a bronze-paneled fireplace adorn the cozy family room, and an intimate screening room doubles as a performance space for private shows. The two-story, marine-themed playroom, aptly called the Beluga Pod, features striking, organic shapes and play structures, while the Sandbox maker space — outfitted with pottery wheels, 3D printers and a kitchen — caters to residents’ creativity. In the VR room, large flatscreens connect to high-tech headsets. Perhaps most impressive is The Cortland’s full suite of wellness spaces, including a 75-foot lap pool, jacuzzi, cold plunge, steam room and sauna. A motorized, retractable hoop converts the light-filled basketball court into a squash court with the flip of a switch. And next to the 11,200-square-foot fitness club, residents will find both yoga and Pilates studios that feature sleek, wood-slatted surfaces and integrated lighting. Those living at The Cortland enjoy hands-on service, in part thanks to Related, an urban development and management agency. The amenity spaces are swanky enough in their own right, but add an interactive experience — like dinners from acclaimed chefs or pet-friendly happy hours — and they become downright magical. The programming is in line with what one would expect from a top-tier travel agent: exclusive gallery previews, private fitness lessons or family-oriented events. Other programs allow residents to indulge in or discover new interests. Between the pre-planned social activities and built-in community, The Cortland proves that on-site convenience really is a luxury. Designed to look historical, the artisanal craftsmanship of this 25-story condominium is evident from its landmark location along the Hudson River. Over one million bricks were hand-made and hand-laid to compose the facade, which also features limestone and metal detailing, evoking the area’s industrial past. In each unit, Kundig applied his signature, contemporary minimalism, leaving room for residents to bring their own taste to the open layouts. Extended ceilings lend a lofty feeling, and floor-to-ceiling windows offer long views of the Hudson River or city skyline. Premium Italian finishes are present throughout, such as the hand-brushed, metallic lacquered kitchen cabinets, marble bathroom accents and Statuario Belgia marble countertops and backsplash. Gaggenau appliances, illuminated medicine cabinets and heated bathroom floors exemplify the minute attention to detail. Residences range from one- to five-bedrooms, as well as penthouses, with prices between $2 million and $25 million. Near the corner of Eleventh Avenue and West 22nd Street, The Cortland is practically across the road from Hudson River Park. While the whole park totals 550 acres, the nearest portion includes a playground, dog run, carousel and skatepark. Along the Hudson River, Pier 64 is lined with benches and trees, with a lane of green lawn in between, and Chelsea Piers Fitness — with its sports courts, indoor pool and waterfront sundecks — operates just south. On the other end of the block, the High Line stretches overhead, accessible by stairs or elevator just north on West 23rd Street. More than 200 art galleries are located throughout West Chelsea, over a dozen of which share a block with The Cortland, including Sikkema Jenkins & Co and Miles McEnery Gallery. Residents with cars can quickly access the Hudson River Greenway to head uptown or downtown. Commuters riding the subway will need to walk four blocks, or a half mile, to catch the A, C or E train at Eighth Avenue and West 23rd Street or five blocks to catch the 1 or 2 train at Seventh Avenue and West 23rd Street. A few bus routes operate closer to the condominium, and multiple Citi Bike stations are nearby, as well.