Even though New York still faces many challenges from the fallout of COVID-19, a stronger sense of optimism is in the air as the number of new cases remains low, and as some of the city's famous hustle-and-bustle returns thanks to business reopenings and the popular outdoor dining pilot. Over in East Harlem, one of Manhattan's most vibrant communities, the rental project named The Smile
is getting set for its leasing launch later this summer, and has put forth a registration site for interested renters. The building caters to those interested in an all-inclusive live, work, and play-from-home lifestyle as well those who cherish quick commutes to Midtown and other parts of the region.
Developed by Blumenfeld Development Group (BDG), The Smile rests atop and alongside the 2002-built Gotham Plaza commercial building on the iconic 125th Street shopping corridor. The building's main entrance will be on quieter 126th Street where the dramatic 11-story-high concave facade is found. According to a press release, the mixed-income building will introduce 233 much-needed housing units to Upper Manhattan. Twenty percent of apartments are designated as affordable housing, for which a housing lottery
took place earlier this year to delegate the homes to households.
Brown Harris Stevens Development Marketing is steering the initial lease-up of market-rate apartments, where rents are estimated to begin at a reasonable $2,256/month for studios, $2,795/mo for one-bedrooms, and $3,814/month for two-bedrooms.
Considering the robust amenity suite, expected rents at The Smile compare favorably to similar caliber projects in the metro area. On tap, residents will have a state-of-the-art fitness center called The Smile Fitness Club and a private rooftop club with a swimming pool, three whirlpools, grilling and dining areas, and an open-air movie theater. Other bells and whistles include 'The Smile Spa,' a facility envisioned to be on par with the city’s leading spas. It will have a hammam, sauna and steam rooms, color-changing LED Himalayan salt room, cold room, and private treatment rooms.
Considering the robust amenity suite, expected rents at The Smile compare favorably to similar caliber projects in the metro area. On tap, residents will have a state-of-the-art fitness center called The Smile Fitness Club and a private rooftop club with a swimming pool, three whirlpools, grilling and dining areas, and an open-air movie theater. Other bells and whistles include 'The Smile Spa,' a facility envisioned to be on par with the city’s leading spas. It will have a hammam, sauna and steam rooms, color-changing LED Himalayan salt room, cold room, and private treatment rooms.
The Smile is designed by Bjarke Ingels Group, one of the most cutting-edge architecture firms of our time. The mid-rise building stands out not only for its unprecedented amenity offerings, but its graceful swooping form, checkerboard charcoal facade, and a cantilevering wing that shelters rooftop programming and increases exposures of prized views of the city skyline, Harlem River, and the surrounding neighborhood.
"The Smile brings a soft, curvilinear expression to Harlem’s 126th Street as it nestles between the two neighboring buildings. The street wall leans inwards as it rises upwards in a relaxed gesture. The homes rise above and beyond the Gotham Retail Plaza, cantilevering over to 125th Street as it captures the views and sunlight from the south. The Smile is designed for the desires of Harlem’s residents of today – joining the diverse Harlem neighborhood, integrating wellness amenities, and offering generous roof gardens." —Bjarke Ingels
Enlarge Image
Enlarge Image
Enlarge Image
Enlarge Image
Enlarge Image
Enlarge Image
Enlarge Image
Enlarge Image
Enlarge Image
Enlarge Image
Enlarge Image
In addition to the rich cultural, dining, and retail offerings of the neighborhood, the building is steps from the local and express trains of the Lexington Avenue line, which can bring commuters to Midtown East within 20 minutes. Metro-North railroad, two short blocks away on Park Avenue, has next-stop service to Grand Central Terminal and north-bound trains to upstate New York and Connecticut. While the project's immediate area suffers from residual social woes, several large-scale developments by the city's busiest developers (ie. Extell and Durst) are in the works. Leasing is anticipated to begin later this summer and interested renters can register here for further information.
Blumenfeld Development Group
(888) 586-XXXX
{{error}}
Related Articles
Future New York
NYC apartments with on-site parking from $350K as new Empire Bins to claim curb space
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Future New York
Phillies pitcher's Soho penthouse leads Manhattan contracts; Hampshire House penthouse finds buyer after auction
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Future New York
Bally’s Bronx Casino files construction permits for expansive 19-story waterfront complex
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Future New York
Urban Edens: 20 NYC condo developments with lush resident gardens; Sales launch at The Morgan from $975K
Monday, July 20, 2026
Future New York
The best new Brooklyn condos with entertainment amenities for watching the World Cup finals
Friday, July 17, 2026
Future New York
The Final Frontier: 15 new projects taking shape on Eleventh Avenue + Beautiful Far West Side listings
Thursday, July 16, 2026
Future New York
Price Cuts include massive combo residence at The Plaza reduced by $5M; Marvel Comics illustrator trims price of Sutton Place townhouse
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Future New York
Annabel’s gets its crown: Landmarks approves glassy rooftop addition for Meatpacking’s ‘Little Flatiron;’ Private members club to debut in 2027
Wednesday, July 15, 2026More Rental Deals
Updated Amenities / Renovations
The Serrano is renting gracious Upper East Side apartments with beautiful views and updated amenities from $5,395/mo.
Updated Amenities / Renovations
Q&A with Ben Picket on Gotham Organization tech-forward approach to improving luxury rental living
Leasing Updates
How NYC’s 2026 rent freeze is different from past rent freezes + New affordable housing lotteries with rent-stabilized units
Leasing Updates
The Lotus: Eco-friendly Murray Hill rental gears up for leasing launch and affordable lotto
Grand Opening
New developments in Murray Hill as Midtown prepares for influx office-to-residential conversions
Special Offers
Avalon Fort Greene offering discounts on select units; No-fee rentals from $2,845/month
Special Offers
Security Deposit Discounts at Beatrice Apartments in Chelsea; No Fee Rentals from $3,855/Month
Special Offers
6sqft delivers the latest on real estate, architecture, and design, straight from New York City.
