NYC Offers Heavenly Living in Hell’s Kitchen
In case the blazing sun, scorching temperatures of 95-plus degrees and rising humidity weren’t enough indication, New York City’s Hell’s Kitchen was sizzling last Thursday. The heat of the sun was just 
short of unbearable and the hot air that whipped through the streets did nothing to alleviate the sweat and grime of a typical urban summer day.
But in the middle of this noisy urban desert, I happened upon an oasis: The 505 on West 47th Street.
The 108-unit condo hosted its grand opening celebration Thursday night on the 6,000-square-foot garden nestled between the two buildings of the complex.
Suddenly the heat doesn’t seem so bad and the hot air becomes more of a calm breeze in this outdoor alcove. The courtyard is surrounded with plant life, pleasant colors and soft lights. Contrasted by the geometric design and monochrome colors of the buildings that flank it, it creates the idea of a peaceful sanctuary with metropolitan flair.
The garden feels like a secret place, hidden and shaded by the complex but still pooled in a generous amount of sunlight. On one end, a serene fountain creates the perfect backdrop to sit and relax with a glass of wine. On the other end, the entrance to the all-glass fitness center allows you to take in the full view of the space during a workout.
About 95 percent of the units are already occupied and the finishing touches to the complex – like the installation of grills and Jacuzzis on the rooftop – are underway. Prices range from $425,000 for a ground-floor studio, which includes a private balcony, to the $2.7 million 2-plus-bedroom penthouse with its own rooftop cabana.
Each of the units place emphasis on clean lines, open spaces and walk-in closets that you really can walk into, unheard of in the city where space is precious and every last inch counts. Residents can also take advantage of the luxury amenities in each unit: the kitchens are furnished with Italian cabinets, marble countertops and Miele cooktops; the bathrooms boast custom vanities and there are bamboo floors throughout.
And of course, it’s not luxury living until
you reach the very top. There’s a public rooftop terrace, ideal for outdoor cooking and eating, but each top-floor penthouse has its own private space, too. Outside, an additional stairway leads to a loft with an even more jaw-dropping view of the Hudson River and Times Square. There are no immediate plans for construction higher than The 505, which is also a neat plus.
From here, the city feels like it’s yours. True, it might be a hot night in this concrete jungle, but nothing is cooler than a taste of urban luxury living.
Find out more by checking out The 505′s site here.
-Jessica Decina
