brooklyn rooftops: taking the new york terrace to the next level

while the rooftop has long been an amenity staple of many luxury new york condominium buildings, brooklyn’s newest wave of development boasts a number of projects that take the terrace to the next level — sometimes literally. no longer a generic area outfitted with scattered chairs and tables, many new buildings are transforming their sky-high spaces with outdoor movie theaters, grow-your-own vegetable gardens, and private party venues. see a roundup of some of the outdoor rooftops currently sprouting up in new york’s biggest borough.

austin nichols house (also main image) was originally designed by architect cass gilbert

austin nichols house, located at 184 kent avenue in williamsburg, was originally designed by cass gilbert in 1915 and is currently being re-imagined by morris adjmi architects. a private rooftop sundeck features sunbathing areas, summer kitchens, and landscaped garden lounging spots. individual homes showcase gilbert’s signature architectural style, and feature a collection of fixtures and finishes by morris adjmi. other amenities include a new lobby with a 500 square foot green wall, incorporating 3,500 plants and 25 different species.

550 vanderbilt features a 3,500 square foot landscaped roof deck

550 vanderbilt is a condominium complex that forms the first of 14 residential buildings that will comprise brooklyn’s vast pacific park scheme. the project has been designed by COOKFOX architects and developed by greenland forest city partners.

360-degree view from 550 vanderbilt’s roof garden
image courtesy of VUW

550 vanderbilt features a 3,500 square-foot landscaped roof deck with private gardens for residents to cultivate and nurture their own herbs, fruits, and vegetables. the communal space is also outfitted with a grill and full kitchen, allowing alfresco dining.

‘oosten’ is a 216 unit, block-long luxury residential building in williamsburg

located at 429 kent ave, ‘oosten’ has a prominent waterside location next to the williamsburg bridge. the development is a 216 unit, block-long luxury residential building — one of williamsburg’s largest. developed by XIN development, the building’s roof includes a reflecting pool, barbecues for residents, and a variety of seating areas.

‘baltic’ is an 11 storey boutique condo building located in park slope

located in park slope, ‘baltic’ is an 11 storey boutique condo building that contains a total of 44 residences. the development also includes a number of on-site amenities — many of which are found on the building’s rooftop. residents have access to a landscaped terrace with lounges, grills and dining areas, a sunbathing lawn, and — most notably — an outdoor cinema. other amenities include a lounge that opens up to a two-level landscaped garden and fitness center wrapped with floor to ceiling windows.

the landscaped rooftop terrace has lounges, grills, and dining areas