rockwell group completes amenities for 'waterline square' in NYC

rockwell group has completed the design of the ‘waterline club’, an amenity center inside ‘waterline square’, the three-building luxury residential development located along the hudson river on manhattan’s upper west side. the 100,000-square-foot (9,290 sqm) center — previously featured on designboom here — is one of the largest and most comprehensive amenity collections ever created in new york city. designed to meet residents’ every desire and inspire new interests, the comprehensive club includes an indoor tennis court, a rock-climbing wall, and a bowling alley.

all images by evan joseph

developed by GID development group, ‘waterline square’ comprises three buildings designed by rafael viñoly architects, kohn pedersen fox associates, and richard meier & partners, working alongside project architect hill west architects. the centerpiece of the ‘waterline club’ is rockwell group’s dramatic three-level space that connects the club’s 30 curated spaces with sculptural pedestrian bridges and a dramatic staircase that, in a nod to the development’s waterfront location, was inspired by a boat’s wooden hull and was crafted by maine-based yacht builders, hewes & company and new york-based metal and glass fabrication firm, jaroff design.

‘the choreography of the ‘waterline club’ is a departure from conventional residential amenity spaces,’ explains david rockwell, founder and president, rockwell group. ‘our studio and GID shared a commitment to create an unparalleled experience, and this project challenged us to reimagine how ‘waterline square’ residents could work, play, create, relax, share and celebrate in a space that is a fluid, dynamic and comfortable extension of their homes.’

the ‘waterline club’ has been designed to offer spaces for residents of all ages and all interests. the club’s sports and fitness amenities include a regulation-size indoor tennis court and an indoor half-pipe skate park — each the first of their kind in a new york city residential development — as well as a squash court, full-court basketball court, indoor soccer field, 30-foot rock-climbing wall, bowling alley, golf simulator, fitness center, and dedicated pilates, boxing/MMA, and yoga/barre studios.

residents will also enjoy the swim and spa areas that are complete with a 25-meter saltwater pool, children’s pool area, hot tub, steam rooms, infrared saunas, locker rooms, massage treatment rooms and salon areas for manicures, pedicures, and hair styling. a full suite of creative amenities gives residents access to an art studio, music and recording studio, video and photography studio, and indoor gardening studio, while spaces designed for leisure and social activities include a games lounge, cards parlor, screening room, party rooms and catering kitchen. an indoor playroom, washing and grooming stations, and training studio are available for pets.

elsewhere, for younger residents, roto group has created an interactive experience in the form of an experiential children’s playroom. the design of the playroom creates a children’s adventure club designed specifically for ‘waterline square’, and takes children on a fictional and fun journey around the world to stonehenge, on safari in africa, to the egyptian pyramids, surfing in australia, to the islands of hawaii and beyond. the vibrant space is complete with a slide, boat and safari car, plus an attached children’s party room that can be reserved for private events.

‘we are thrilled to unveil the ‘waterline club’, a one-of-a-kind lifestyle offering unlike any other amenity presentation in new york city,’ says james linsley, president of GID development group. ‘our goal with the ‘waterline club’ was to create a series of unique and inspirational lifestyle options for all our residents that would cater to a wide variety of social, health, wellness, creative, leisure and fitness expectations and aspirations. for GID and rockwell group, this wasn’t just about creating a spectacular list of amenity features, but also about seamlessly weaving the elements together with comprehensive planning and high- quality design to create a cohesive lifestyle offering that is superior to any other amenity program in the marketplace.’ read more about the development here.