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NYC's Top 10 Most Daring Cantilevered Buildings

As readily available development sites become more scarce in New York City, and as air rights transfers become more commonplace, the cantilever is a tool used by developers and designers to expand a building's floorplate. The result is an eye-catching building at street level and unique layouts for the apartments inside.

#1 - 56 Leonard Street

Condo in Tribeca

Also known as the Jenga Tower, 56 Leonard Street is a striking addition to the Lower Manhattan skyline. Each floor is different and rotated from those above and below, creating cantilevers, balconies, and unique floor plans for every apartment.

View Residences at the 56 Leonard Street building profile


#2 - 1 West End Avenue

Condo in Riverside Dr./West End Ave.

On the Hudson River waterfront, One West End features a dramatic sculptural design with two glass towers. The smaller tower creates a cantilever over West End Avenue, and the glass facades make for abundant natural light.

View Residences at the 1 West End Avenue building profile


#3 - The Porter House, 66 Ninth Avenue

Condo in Chelsea

In the heart of the Gansevoort Market Historic District, The Porter House represents the expansion and conversion of an industrial building to luxury condominiums. The yellow brick warehouse was restored amidst the conversion, and a modern new addition cantilevers over the top of the building.

View Residences at the The Porter House, 66 Ninth Avenue building profile

#4 - 35XV, 35 West 15th Street

Condo in Chelsea

In the building at 35 West 15th Street, the first six floors are occupied by Xavier High School, and the grater-style glass addition cantilevers over the stone building. The result was the 2010 REBNY winner for "most ingenious deal of the year."

View Residences at the 35XV, 35 West 15th Street building profile


#5 - 101 West 14th Street

Condo in Chelsea

Located on the border of Greenwich Village and Chelsea, 101 West 14th Street has been described as "Tetris-inspired," and the tastefully reflective facade was designed to maximize both privacy and interior square footage. Nearly half the apartments are duplexes with private terraces, and all apartments feature interiors by Whitehall Interiors and top-of-the-line appliances and finishes.

View Residences at the 101 West 14th Street building profile

#6 - 100 Norfolk Street

Condo in Lower East Side

100 Norfolk Street's glassy, cantilevered facade came about as a result of strict zoning laws and a narrow lot. No two units are identical, but all feature floor-to-ceiling windows, oak flooring, and custom kitchens with Gaggenau appliances.

View Residences at the 100 Norfolk Street building profile


#7 - Central Park Tower, 217 West 57th Street

Condo in Midtown West

At 1,550 feet high, Central Park Tower is the tallest residential building in the Western Hemisphere. The eastern portion contains a cantilever above the neighboring Art Students League of New York building, and maximizes views of Central Park.

View Residences at the Central Park Tower, 217 West 57th Street building profile


#8 - 11 Hancock Place

Condo in Harlem

In the heart of Harlem, Eleven Hancock is distinguished by its glass, steel, and brick facade. The cantilevered mid-section rises over a base that angles it away from the building line.

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#9 - 160 East 22nd Street

Condo in Gramercy Park

On the southwest corner of Third Avenue and East 22nd Street, 160 East 22nd Street stands out for its Indiana limestone facade and dramatic cantilever over Third Avenue. Apartments feature floor-to-ceiling windows, 5" white oak floors, and high-end kitchens and baths.

View Residences at the 160 East 22nd Street building profile


#10 - 303 East 77th Street

Condo in Lenox Hill

303 East 77th Street is distinguished by its greenish-gray panels and two cantilevered sections. No more than two units per floor allows for incredible privacy, and apartments feature high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows.

View Residences at the 303 East 77th Street building profile