Waterside Plaza
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Waterside Plaza is a Mitchell-Lama Housing Program funded apartment complex constructed in 1974 and located in the Kips Bay section of Manhattan. The apartment buildings (as well as the neighboring United Nations International School) were constructed on top of piers above the East River. Waterside is notable for being the only residential complex currently located east of the FDR Drive.
Waterside is accessible to vehicles only by entering from 23rd Street. Cars and trucks leaving Waterside can do so through 23rd Street or driving along a service road to 34th street. A pedestrian footbridge is located on east 25th street allowing for safe passage across the FDR Drive. Waterside is also the last stop on the M16 bus.
The complex is made up for four residential towers as well as a row of duplex townhouses, clad in red brickwork, that encompass a large plaza overlooking the East River. There are 1400 residential units along with a health club (open to non-residents), supermarket, restaurant, dry cleaners, and parking garage.
[edit] Architectural Significance
Waterside Plaza was designed by the architecture firm of Davis, Brody & Associates. In 2001, New York Times architectural critic Herbert Muschamp described Waterside as a "great urban composition" that is "picturesque and historically informed."
In 2004, the Municipal Art Society placed Waterside on its "30 Under 30", a watch list of future landmarks.
