635 W 42nd St

Atelier

Typically, Times Square is not thought of as a cozy residential neighborhood. However, if you go far west enough to the Hudson River Greenway, 42nd Street can be almost quaint. Situated by Hudson River Park along the waterfront, The Atelier feels not once but perhaps twice removed from the Times Square riffraff. “The Atelier is next to the block-long UPS shipping center,” says Richard Garcia, real estate broker at River2River Realty, who has sold more units than he can remember and lives in the building. “The residences facing north are more expensive because they have protected views of the Intrepid Museum, the Hudson River and upper Manhattan.” Next door to scores of luxury apartment towers (like Sky, River Place and Silver Towers), the 43-story condominium designed by the late architect Costas Kondylis in 2007 finds itself in a pleasantly unexpected pocket of Midtown West. Here, one can see sidewalks dotted with dog walkers, couples pushing baby strollers and kibitzing kids wearing backpacks. If it weren’t for the sporadic traffic noises drifting in from the Lincoln Tunnel traffic, it would be almost quiet enough to hear waves crashing into Pier 89. The interiors, designed by the late Greek American architect Costas Kondylis, feature a minimal contemporary design with floor-to-ceiling windows and wide-plank oak flooring. The kitchens and bathrooms — envisioned in the late 2000s — feel distinctly timeless because of their glossy white finishes, emphasizing the dramatic city and river backdrop behind the monolithic window walls. The only giveaway that the building is more than two decades old is slight wear and tear that occurs naturally over time. Fun fact: The original design entailed a glass-door Sub-Zero refrigerator in each residence. Stainless steel Bosh appliances include an in-unit washer-dryer, range and ventilation, dishwasher and oven. With 478 residences spread across 46 stories, Atelier offers studios to four bedrooms, as well as larger bespoke layouts. A 579-square-foot alcove studio on the 18th floor with a built-in wall bed sold for $780,000 in May 2022. Similarly, a one-bedroom on the 45th floor with a living room at the north corner of the building with picturesque views of the Hudson River sold for $900,000 in March 2024. A two-bedroom on the 28th floor facing the Intrepid Museum and Circle Line Tours sold for $1.5 million in June 2024. A 1,100-square-foot three-bedroom on the 32nd floor with double exposure city and river views sold for $2 million in July 2023. A 2,300-square-foot four-bedroom on the 21st floor with a gigantic primary bedroom and bathroom suite featuring a jacuzzi tub with breathtaking views sold for $5.5 million in March 2020. The grandest of listings, a seven-bedroom duplex on the 28th and 29th floors with two full-sized refrigerators, a grand dining room and a sitting room that was listed with a Steinway piano sold for $22.5 million in April 2020. Most condominium and rental buildings charge a membership fee to use the amenities spaces. Here, amenities are included. “At Atelier, residents only pay the monthly common charges, which are low compared to other Midtown West condo buildings,” says Garcia. “A one-bedroom could charge anywhere from $600 to $800 monthly common fees.” Conversely, “a one-bedroom in a place like 611 West 65th Street starts at around $1,500.” Atelier is a full-service luxury condominium with a 24-hour door attendant and live-in resident manager. Perhaps the most-favored amenity, the top-floor sky lounge, features a landscaped terrace with plush seating that extends around every corner of the structure. Inside is lounge seating, a theatre-style TV and fuse ball tables and billiards — all surrounded by views of Manhattan and the Hudson River through floor-to-ceiling windows. On the fourth floor, adjacent to the kid’s playground, is a full-sized outdoor tennis court that also functions as a basketball court. Canine owners have access to the dog run, which is swathed in plush AstroTurf and extends along the entire east side of the building, quietly tucked away from 42nd Street. On the second floor, the fitness center comprises up-to-date cardio machines and weight training equipment, a movement studio and an indoor pool. The basement consists of a kid’s playroom, personal rentable storage spaces, a bike room and a laundry room with dry cleaning services. Meanwhile, it could be said that one of the main reasons some move into this glass tower (as opposed to another Midtown West high-rise) is because of the massive parking garage; spots can be rented from third-party management. Those in Midtown this far west — in this case, directly across from the Hudson River Greenway — have the luxury of being adjacent to Hudson River Park and the Empire State Trail (which runs from Manhattan to North Canada). Charming cultural institutions are just a short walk from Atelier, including the Intrepid Museum, The Shed, The Vessel and Classic Car Club Manhattan. Similarly, Hudson Yards is just a half-mile walk down 11th Avenue, which provides access to luxury shops, chain lunch spots and specialty spots like the Spanish food market, Mercado Little Spain. Fitness enthusiasts rejoice: Other than the Life Time Fitness next door at Sky Luxury Apartments, the YMCA is one block north towards Times Square and the most luxurious Equinox clubs in the city are near Hudson Yards. For groceries, residents can shop at nearby markets, including Food Emporium, Target and Brooklyn Fare. Endless train options exist because of the proximity to Times Square and Bryant Park. 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. Additionally, a walk three blocks south to Pier 79, the NY Ferry provides access to Battery Park City and St George in Staten Island.