20 River Terrace

The Solaire

When one thinks about what it’s like to live in New York, serenity and balance might not be top of mind. An alternative to the high-energy residences that line cavernous streets and fill in densely packed city blocks, The Solaire is more horizontal than vertical. It pulls away from the hustle and bustle of city life to face the Hudson River’s surprisingly placid waters. Lush parks surround the 29-story, 290-unit property with one even buffering the nearby Westside Highway. Designed by major architecture firm Pelli Clarke Pelli in 2004 and with a large portion of the units and all amenity spaces reimagined by equally illustrious practice COOKFOX in 2022, The Solaire was the country’s first LEED Gold residential high-rise, a rating system for green buildings. “Buyers are drawn to the building because of the quality of its construction but also surrounding amenities,” says Stephanie Gaasterland, a realtor with Corcoran Sunshine heading up sales in the building. “The Solaire is in the middle of what North Battery Park has to offer: tons of green space, free concerts and Art in the Park kid events that take place throughout the summer.” “The air and water are purified to the highest standard,” Gaasterland notes. “Rainwater is captured to irrigate the plants in the roof garden. The HVAC is hyper-efficient and over 3,400 solar panels clad the building’s facade.” The Solaire residents benefit from MERV-14 filtered and conditioned fresh air through an innovative ventilation and exhaust system. Residences are outfitted with double-paned floor-to-ceiling windows with low-e coating that provides optimal heat retention and energy efficiency without altering the views. A wastewater reuse system processes 25,000 gallons a day. Essentially, The Solaire is nearly self-sufficient and is close to achieving a WELL Building certification, the next level up in operational sustainability. “When the building went from being a rental property to a co-op, it also adopted condo rules,” Gaasterland says. “This means that residents buy into a co-op but can do so as an LLC, with the intention of having a pied-a-terre or rental. The only caveat is that there is a minimum of 12 months, but that is standard in most condominiums.” While 550-square-foot studios start at $850,000, one-bedrooms range from $920,000 to $1.5 million. Two bedrooms sell for $1.9 million and three bedrooms fetch between $2.5 million and $3.5 million. A few 2,300-square-foot penthouses have sold for upwards of $5 million. The prices are extremely competitive when considering the views and the cost of comparable residences in nearby Tribeca. Though The Solaire has had record-breaking sales since its conversion in 2022, just under half of the original sponsor units are still available as of late spring 2024. From the exterior, the building blends in well with other buildings, given the neighborhood's strict code, but with COOKFOX’s recent revamp, a good portion of the available units also received a contemporary refresh. The Solaire now has two distinct categories of residences. While the Original Collection incorporates a plethora of easily maintained natural finishes that help accentuate river views, the COOKFOX collection centers on a more contemporary and off-white palette. Both styles are intended to soothe and offer residences a sense of respite. COOKFOX kitchens are outfitted with Adamantium Quartzite slab countertops and tone-matched backsplashes. Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances are common throughout. Bathrooms are clad in Montpellier Limestone and Bianco Dolomite Marble. Walnut vanities encase illuminated medicine cabinets. Original Collection kitchen and bathroom are appointed with efficiency and durability in mind. COOKFOX’s intervention centered on the various amenity spaces, most of which one would not expect to see in a co-op. The fitness center features state-of-the-art equipment. The Residents’ Lounge is outfitted with a calming scheme of mid-tone woods and greens and includes a kitchen for catered events. Rendered in a similar palette, the Playroom is a space for recreation and learning. There’s also a kitchenette and a stroller parking area. The roof garden was re-landscaped with local plants; it has barbeques, ample seating and plenty of river-facing lounge chairs. Perhaps the best amenity is the river walk right outside the building that connects to the larger greenway wrapping much of Manhattan’s perimeter. “The Solaire is situated in what is considered North Battery Park City, which many people prefer because it offers easy access to transportation and all of daily necessities,” Gaasterland describes “Everything is within close walking distance.” A pedestrian bridge on nearby Chamber Street straddles the West Side Highway and provides residents with a less stressful way to access the Financial District, otherwise known as FiDi, an area well served by subway and ferry links. While shopping and dining abound in FiDi, Tribeca – a few blocks North – has emerged as a popular art and design gallery district.