Waterside Plaza

Waterside Plaza was a Mitchell-Lama Housing Program funded rental apartment complex constructed in 1974 and located in the Kips Bay section of Manhattan, New York City.

Overview

The apartment buildings that make up Waterside (as well as the neighboring United Nations International School) were constructed on top of piers above the East River.

The complex is made up for four residential towers as well as a row of duplex townhouses, clad in red brickwork, that encompass a large plaza overlooking the East River. There are 1400 residential units along with a health club (open to non-residents), supermarket, restaurant, dry cleaners, a convenience store, Creative Dream Parties, and parking garage.

Waterside is accessible to vehicles only by entering from 23rd Street. Cars and trucks leaving Waterside can do so through 23rd Street or driving along a service road to 34th Street. A footbridge at East 25th street allows safe passage across the FDR Drive. Waterside is also the last stop on the M16 bus.

Waterside is notable as the only residential complex currently located "east" of the FDR Drive. The Manhattan Waterfront Greenway passes between the two.

In 2004 Waterside Management Company LLC launched a three-year capital improvement program with a cost in excess of $35,000,000. The capital improvement program included upgrades to all new apartments as they became vacant as well as all hallways and each building's reception and concierge areas. The plaza itself was re-waterproofed and repaved and extensive park-like landscaping added. The health club, parking facilities, and security system were also upgraded.

In 2008 Waterside Plaza became host to the three day Make Music New York festival, during which 17 international bands and performers played concerts on three different stages - at the waterside, in the gardens, and on the plaza.

Architectural Significance

Waterside Plaza was designed by the architecture firm of Davis, Brody & Associates. In 2001, New York Times architectural critic Herbert Muschamp described Waterside as a "great urban composition" that is "picturesque and historically informed."

In 2004, the Municipal Art Society placed Waterside on its "30 Under 30", a watch list of future landmarks.

External links

*Official|http://www.watersideplaza.com
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RXACcMYL9I Living at Waterside YouTube Video]
* [http://www.archinode.com/WTCnytimes4herb.html New York Times article by Herbert Muschamp]