Aerial View of The Apthorp's courtyard (via Douglas Elliman)
Years after the pandemic-induced lockdown forced many social activities outside, the renewed appreciation for public green space shows no sign of fading away. The city is committed to pedestrian-friendly initiatives that include new public plazas with green space, and new landscaped outdoor space is a key component of the redevelopment of New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA)'s Fulton and Elliott-Chelsea Houses in West Chelsea.
Redevelopment plans have been in the works since before the pandemic; and in June 2023, a partnership between NYCHA, Related Companies, and Essence Development called for demolishing the existing campuses and replacing them with towering new mixed-income buildings that would include both replacements for over 2,000 existing NYCHA units and 875 new affordable units. The project is to offer energy-efficient infrastructure, new apartments with custom-designed finishes and in-unit laundry, and state-of-the-art amenities. It is also set to offer community improvements like a new healthcare facility, a new grocery store, expanded childcare offerings, and new landscaped outdoor space.
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View over Elliott-Chelsea Houses from London Terrace
Elliott-Chelsea replacement map (New York City Housing Authority) | https://www.fultonelliottchelsea.com/
A Bridge Plan promises immediate resources as well as improvements while the new buildings are underway; and, as per the Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) program, all tenants' rights and rents will be preserved. But not everyone is convinced. Grassroots groups are protesting the new buildings, and The Daily News calls it "a cynical erasure of public process — and a warning shot for every public housing community in New York City."
Nevertheless, work is underway on the first stages of the project. In late June 2025, permits were filed to demolish the first of the buildings, a 14-story, 94-unit building at 441 West 26th Street that also houses the Hudson Guild Theater offices and childcare services. It and another older building are to be replaced with 38-story and 27-story towers with 10-story wings framing a common courtyard.
Harlem River Houses, spring 2025 (CityRealty)
Public housing has long provided a courtyard building model with buildings surrounding landscaped courtyards that provide sunlight, air, and safe places to gather and play. One recent and successful case in point is Harlem River Houses, which is in the midst of a series of comprehensive improvements under the PACT program. These included renovating the courtyards with the restoration of a historic fountain and the addition of new playgrounds in the central courtyard. Harlem River Houses dates back to 1937, when the complex was built under the New Deal, and these improvements promise to keep it going strong into the 21st century.
In early 2021, New York architecture firm ODA presented Beyond the Street, an urban renewal concept that would break open city blocks to create interior courtyards and pathways; over time, this would create a more walkable and enjoyable experience with the help of adaptive reuse, new development, and landscape design. To accomplish this, the architecture firm proposes a new zoning regulation that would allow buildings to receive an increase of floor area and height in exchange for creating bigger courtyards.
“Vibrant pedestrian attractions like the High Line, Madison Square Park, and the new Little Island show that breathing new life into unused space are possible with great design and a little bit of landscaping” - Eran Chen, ODA
Beyond the Street from ODA on Vimeo.
Nothing close to Beyond the Street has come to pass, but green space is a key part of several recent initiatives. A plan to "put the 'park' back in Park Avenue" calls for new landscaping; plans for the new Port Authority bus terminal include new public green space; and the recently approved Midtown South Mixed-Use plan allows new developments to add height in exchange for improved public spaces, such as new public plazas.
Additionally, some of the city's residential buildings are well ahead of the curve, having featured massive central courtyards from the start. Not only does this amenity allow residents to enjoy green space without having to trek to the nearest park, but it also cultivates a sense of community. We look at the 15 most beautiful courtyards in residential developments below.
Additionally, some of the city's residential buildings are well ahead of the curve, having featured massive central courtyards from the start. Not only does this amenity allow residents to enjoy green space without having to trek to the nearest park, but it also cultivates a sense of community. We look at the 15 most beautiful courtyards in residential developments below.
Bloom 45 is located in a bustling section of Manhattan near the Theater District, Hell's Kitchen dining, and the Javits Center. However, the 8,000-square-foot courtyard at the center of the building offers a peaceful oasis to get away from it all. Many units overlook the courtyard, and the green plants and honey locust trees are interspersed with seating.
Bloom on 45th, #227 (Triumph Property Group Ltd)
443 Greenwich Street courtyard
Thanks to its private location, beautifully appointed units, and extensive amenity package, 443 Greenwich Street has become a favorite of celebrity buyers. Many units have private terraces, and all residents enjoy access to a 4,000-square-foot interior courtyard.
(Google Earth)
Located on the Upper West Side, The Aldyn has first-class amenities like a 24-hour doorman, concierge, fitness center, spa, 75' indoor pool, yoga rooms, a basketball court, and a bowling alley. At the heart of it all is a landscaped interior courtyard with lounge seating and tables.
The Aldyn, #1902
$2,500,000
Riverside Dr./West End Ave. | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 1,410 ft2
The Aldyn, #1902 (Elegran LLC)
(Google Earth)
The Worldwide Plaza complex encompasses a full city block and features over 200 residences. Amenities include a new gym, a roof deck with open views, a saltwater pool and sauna, and a large residents-only courtyard/garden.
Worldwide Plaza, #TH1 (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)
(Google Earth)
One of the few private grand courtyards in the Upper East Side can be found in the beloved 1185 Park Avenue. It is distinguished by its circular shape and unique Gothic column entrance.
150 Charles Street from Hudson River Park (via COOKFOX Architects)
150 Charles Street (via COOKFOX Architects)
Record-breaking condominium 150 Charles Street is in a prime West Village location near Piers 45 and 46 of Hudson River Park. However, residents enjoy exclusive access to a landscaped courtyard and Zen garden at the center of the building's thoughtful amenity package.
150 Charles Street, #2ES (Serhant)
Front & York (CIM/LVWRK)
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The full-block Front & York's design by Morris Adjmi Architects pays respectful homage to the surrounding DUMBO architecture, and the apartments' interiors also feature industrially inspired details. However, the extensive indoor-outdoor amenity package was designed with the modern buyers' wishes in mind. The over half-acre park at the center of the building offers a green oasis away from the crowds of the nearby Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Front & York, #17E (Nest Seekers LLC)
#8. Kips Bay Towers
Kips Bay Towers (Compass)
Kips Bay is in the middle of a residential renaissance now, and the I.M. Pei-designed Kips Bay Towers complex was an early entrant. The four buildings surround a three-acre garden with a landscaped lawn, full-scale sports courts, picnic and lounge areas, and a children's playground.
Kips Bay Towers, #3N (Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New York Properties)
(Google Earth)
Piet Boon's The Oosten is a dramatic full-block development in Williamsburg that features 216 residences, ranging from lofts to penthouses to townhomes. Of all the building's amenities, it is the 13,860-square-foot interior lush courtyard that stands out the most.
Oosten, #L32 (Corcoran Group)
#6. Gramercy Square
Gramercy Square (Douglas Elliman)
Down the street from New York's only private park, the heart of the Gramercy Square condominium is an expansive courtyard garden accessible from all four buildings that were once the Cabrini Medical Center complex. Unlike Gramercy Park, though, residents are encouraged to play sports and walk their dogs in the buildings' green space.
The Tower at Gramercy Square, #4D
$3,450,000
Gramercy Park | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 1,872 ft2
The Tower at Gramercy Square, #4D (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)
Northside Piers and 50 North 5th Street are also nearby courtyard buildings (Google Earth)
Originally built in 1915, the landmarked Austin Nichols House was preserved and converted into a contemporary residence boasting over 30,000 square feet of amenities and 338 apartments – all surrounded by a zen-like landscaped courtyard/garden.
Austin Nichols House, #B503 (Compass)
The Greenwich Lane (Douglas Elliman)
Amidst the transformation of St. Vincent's Hospital into some of Greenwich Village's most coveted real estate, a suite of luxurious indoor/outdoor amenities was added to the mix. At the heart of it is a beautifully landscaped central courtyard designed by M. Paul Friedberg & Partners.
The Greenwich Lane, #3W
$19,950,000 (-12.3%)
Greenwich Village | Condominium | 5 Bedrooms, 5.5 Baths | 4,206 ft2
The Greenwich Lane, #3W (Compass)
Jardim (Corcoran Group)
Up the street from the High Line, the Isay Weinfeld-designed Jardim takes its name from the Portuguese word for "garden." Coincidentally, that's what's at the heart of this two-building complex - a beautifully landscaped space with native evergreens, flowering trees, indigenous shrubs, and long-blooming perennials. Many apartments overlook the garden, and several units have private outdoor space.
Jardim, #6NB (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)
(Google Earth)
This landmarked building was carefully converted to a luxury condominium by the prolific Robert A.M. Stern Architects, and the 22,000-square-foot center courtyard and garden has been beautifully redesigned by Hollander Design Landscape Architects. A historic fountain is the centerpiece of the courtyard, and elegant seating allows residents to enjoy the trees and plantings.
The Belnord, #407 (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)
(Google Earth)
The Apthorp is a prestigious landmarked building on the Upper West Side, and its beautifully landscaped center courtyard is equally deserving of landmark status. All four of the building's lobbies have access to the courtyard.
The Apthorp, #10D
$8,750,000
Riverside Dr./West End Ave. | Condominium | 4 Bedrooms, 4.5 Baths | 3,238 ft2
The Apthorp, #10D (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)
Would you like to tour any of these properties?
Just complete the info below.
Or call us at (212) 755-5544
Would you like to tour any of these properties?
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