40 Mercer Street

Overview of 40 Mercer Street

40 Mercer Street stands as one of SoHo's most architecturally significant residential buildings, designed by Pritzker Prize-winning French architect Jean Nouvel in collaboration with renowned hotelier André Balazs. Completed in 2006, this 14-story, 41-unit luxury condominium occupies an entire blockfront on Grand Street between Mercer Street and Broadway. The building's striking glass façade features distinctive red and blue fenestration and a deep blue rooftop that makes it an unofficial landmark of the neighborhood. Originally conceived as a hotel, the project was converted to residential use following the September 11 attacks, with Balazs adding two additional stories to accommodate the change.

The building's apartments showcase Nouvel's innovative design philosophy, featuring 11-12 foot ceilings and massive floor-to-ceiling windows, some of which are electronically retractable - a rarity in New York residential buildings. Units range from 1,800 to over 3,000 square feet, with many featuring dramatic great rooms up to 57 feet in length, custom sliding walls that can expand living spaces, and chef's kitchens designed by prestigious European firms like Bulthaup and Molteni. The penthouses are particularly notable, offering private pools and nearly 1,600 square feet of landscaped terraces with mature trees, creating what's described as "a private park in the sky." Celebrity residents have included Meg Ryan.

The building's amenities rival those of a five-star hotel, reflecting Balazs's hospitality expertise. Residents enjoy 24-hour white-glove concierge service, underground valet parking with direct building access, and the exclusive M40 club featuring a 50-foot T-shaped lap pool with Carrara marble walls, a fully equipped fitness center with Pilates reformer, and spa facilities including sauna, steam room, and 12-person Jacuzzi. Additional amenities include landscaped rooftop and courtyard spaces, private storage, and a residents-only lounge with catering bar and projection screens.

Located on a quiet cobblestone street in prime SoHo, 40 Mercer Street represents a successful fusion of cutting-edge architecture and luxury hospitality. The building's use of massive glass panels up to 7 by 12 feet was considered the most advanced residential glass application in the United States at the time of construction. With its combination of architectural pedigree, exceptional amenities, and prime location among SoHo's cast-iron architecture and high-end boutiques, the building has established itself as one of downtown Manhattan's most prestigious addresses.