Three Waterline Square,
639 West 59th Street

Overview of Three Waterline Square at 639 West 59th Street

Three Waterline Square is a striking 34 story residential tower at 639 West 59th Street, designed by renowned architect Rafael Viñoly, who also created the famous 432 Park Avenue. The building features a distinctive "netted" façade with uneven banding that creates a dramatic, faceted glass form described as rising "like an angled crystal." This architectural approach contrasts sharply with Viñoly's rigid grid design at 432 Park Avenue, showcasing bold exterior piers that shift and cross dramatically at the rooftop. The tower's floor-to-ceiling windows offer unobstructed views in all directions, with the Hudson River to the west and city skyline to the east.

The building is part of the three tower Waterline Square complex, which encircles a 2.6 acre public park designed by Mathews Nielsen Landscape Architects that connects to Riverside Park South. Three Waterline Square contains 214 total units: 167 rentals and 47 condominiums, each with separate entrances. The residences range from one to four bedrooms and feature interiors by AD100 designer Groves & Co., custom Italian kitchens by Scavolini with Gaggenau appliances, and Dornbracht fixtures. All units include wine refrigerators, fully vented dryers, and filtered air and water systems. Condominium owners enjoy private amenities on the 22nd floor, including a 12 seat dining room with catering kitchen, media room, great room with two fireplaces, and access to a furnished landscaped terrace.

The complex boasts an extraordinary 90,000 square foot, three level underground amenities facility designed by David Rockwell. This comprehensive recreational space includes an indoor tennis court, squash court, rock climbing wall, half pipe skate park, golf simulator, indoor soccer field, 25 meter, 3 lane lap pool, children's pool, two lane bowling alley, recording studio, screening room, and various fitness studios for pilates, boxing, and yoga. Additional amenities include a gardening studio, cards parlor, games lounge, and dedicated pet facilities with washing and training stations.

Waterline Square represents the final phase of the complex Riverside South development, originally conceived as part of Donald Trump's redevelopment of a 77 acre freight rail yard between 59th and 72nd Streets. The site has a fascinating history, beginning with a failed 1960s plan for "Litho City" that would have featured Le Corbusier as architect. After Trump's involvement and subsequent financial difficulties, the land passed through various developers including Hong Kong investors, Gary Barnett's Extell Development, and ultimately to the current developers GID (General Investment and Development Companies) and Henley Holding Company, a subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Development Authority. The project benefits from a 20 year 421a tax abatement and represents a significant architectural departure from the more traditional towers that preceded it in the area.