New York City is filled with exclusive spots. But one recently opened that is grander than all the others. Why? Well, at 100,000 square feet, The Waterline Club is now the Big Apple's largest-ever, indoor private amenity space. And it was designed by David Rockwell's world-renowned firm, Rockwell Group.
At nearly twice the size of the White House, the private club is located inside Waterline Square, the starchitect-designed, three-tower luxury residential development is located on Manhattan's Upper West Side by Rafael Viñoly, Richard Meier & Partners, and KPF.
It spans three entire floors and is home to the first indoor skate park and regulation-size tennis court in a residential development. And what makes it even more unique is that it's all situated underground.
The hub of the Waterline Club is known as the "Nexus" that features an eye-popping, custom-made, 88-foot wood pedestrian bridge that welcomes guests into the underground oasis. Designed in collaboration with Maine-based boat designer Hewes & Company and NY-based metal and glass fabrication firm Jaroff Design, the bridge was inspired by Waterline Square's waterfront location and made to look like the hull of a boat.
"Our goal was to design an amenities space that architecturally and programmatically bridges the gap between the three buildings that form Waterline Square, creating a sense of community among all of the residents," David Rockwell, founder, and President, Rockwell Group, told Departures. "The Nexus is the literal heart of the project. Its sinuous, raised bridges and dynamic ceilings create a tension that draws you in both physically and emotionally."
From Nexus, residents can head to one of the many entertaining spaces, which includes an indoor tennis court and indoor half-pipe skate park, a squash court, a 30-foot rock-climbing wall, a golf simulator, a full-court basketball court, an indoor soccer field, and state-of-the-art fitness center complete with specialized studios. There's also a swim and spa area complete with a 3-lane lap pool, 25-meter, hot tub, steam rooms, saunas, and a dedicated children's pool.
Of course, that's not all. They've also included a bowling alley, art studio, music and recording studio, video and photography studio, indoor gardening studio, games lounge, cards parlor, screening room, party rooms, and catering kitchen. Plus, children get pampered in the unique space with a 4,600-square-foot interactive playroom designed by award-winning children's museum designer Roto Group. It features impressive 3D features like a slide, safari car, boat, and more.
And the designers even made sure residents don't feel like they're underground by adding a circadian lighting system that mimics the light cycles of day and night, and state-of-the-art filtration systems provide plenty of fresh air.
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"From its inception, our vision for Waterline Square was to create the most comprehensive and cohesive residential experience in New York City," James Linsley, President of GID Development Group, developer of Waterline Square, told us. "The Waterline Club fulfills this goal by providing our residents with the most innovative lifestyle offering in New York and connects all of our project's sought-after features, including the beautiful park, stunning homes, unique retail, and exciting restaurants."
He added, "We collaborated with Rockwell Group to design a world-class private club that caters to all ages and interests, and offers a range of inspiring features and experiences. We are thrilled to share this incredible space and unique amenity program with our residents."
