Walk down 42nd Street toward the Hudson River and you can't miss them. Two massive, glass-clad pillars rising 60 stories into the Midtown West skyline. That’s 500 West 42nd Street, better known to New Yorkers as Silver Towers. It’s a polarizing spot. Some people see it as the pinnacle of luxury high-rise living, while others wonder why anyone would want to live that far west, basically on the edge of the island.
It's huge.
Larry Silverstein—the same guy behind the World Trade Center redevelopment—put his stamp on this corner of Hell's Kitchen back in 2009. It changed everything for the neighborhood. Before these towers went up, this specific stretch of 42nd was... let’s just say it was a lot of parking lots and quiet industrial space. Now? It’s a vertical city. If you're looking at 500 West 42nd Street, you’re looking at over 1,300 apartments spread across two blocks. It’s not just a building; it’s a massive operation that runs 24/7.
The Architecture and That Iconic View
Costas Kondylis designed this place. He was the go-to architect for developers who wanted that sleek, "glass box" aesthetic that defines modern Manhattan. The towers are wrapped in a distinct pinstriped glass facade. It looks sharp. Inside, the layouts are actually pretty diverse. You’ve got tiny studios that feel like high-end hotel rooms and sprawling three-bedroom units that catch the sunset over the Hudson.
The floor-to-ceiling windows aren't a gimmick. They're the whole point.
If you’re on a high floor facing west, the view of the river is unobstructed. You watch the cruise ships roll in and the Intrepid sitting right there. It’s breathtaking. But honestly, the east-facing views are just as wild because you’re staring straight into the heartbeat of Times Square and the Empire State Building without having to actually deal with the tourists on the sidewalk. It’s a weird contrast. You're in the middle of the chaos, but 500 feet above it, everything is silent.
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Life Inside the 500 West 42nd Street Ecosystem
Living here is kinda like being on a permanent vacation, but with a monthly rent check that reminds you exactly where you are. The amenities are where the building tries to justify the price tag. There’s a 75-foot indoor pool. That’s massive for NYC. Most "luxury" pools in this city are basically oversized bathtubs where you can’t even do a proper lap. This one is legit.
Then there’s the gym. It’s a Club 7 by Silverstein Properties. They have personal trainers, yoga classes, and all that. But the real "flex" for residents is the private shuttle.
Since 500 West 42nd Street is a bit of a hike from the A/C/E or the 7 train at Hudson Yards, the building runs its own bus. It takes residents across town during rush hour. It sounds like a small thing. It isn't. When it’s raining or 15 degrees outside, that shuttle is the difference between a decent morning and a miserable one.
The outdoor space is another weirdly great perk. There’s a quarter-acre public park right between the towers. It’s got a playground and some art—specifically a bronze sculpture by Tom Otterness. It’s a bit of greenery in an area that is mostly concrete and glass. Residents also get a rooftop deck that makes you feel like you own the city.
The Reality of the "Far West" Location
Let's talk about the neighborhood. Hell's Kitchen is legendary for its food. You’re a short walk from 9th Avenue, which is basically the world's longest buffet. Thai, Italian, Ethiopian—it’s all there. But 11th Avenue, where Silver Towers sits, feels different. It’s windier. It’s more industrial. You have the Lincoln Tunnel traffic to deal with, which is no joke.
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If you drive, you're going to spend a lot of time sitting in gridlock.
However, the upside is the proximity to the Hudson River Park. You can be on the bike path in two minutes. For runners or dog owners, this is gold. You aren't fighting for space in Central Park; you have the whole waterfront. Also, the expansion of Hudson Yards to the south has made this area feel much less "isolated" than it did a decade ago. You have the shops at the mall, the Vessel, and a whole new ecosystem of high-end dining just ten blocks away.
Is It Worth the Premium?
Rent at 500 West 42nd Street isn't cheap. You're paying for the brand, the security, and the view. Management is generally on top of things, which you'd expect from Silverstein. But you have to ask yourself: do I want a boutique building with character, or do I want a high-tech fortress?
Some people find the "big building" vibe a bit cold. You might not know your neighbor's name after three years. It’s transient. Lots of corporate housing and people who are only in the city for a year or two. But if you value privacy and a 24-hour doorman who handles your Amazon packages like a pro, it works.
There’s also the "affordable housing" aspect that many people forget. A portion of the units in Silver Towers were set aside for low-to-moderate-income residents through the 80/20 program. This creates a slightly more diverse community than you might find in a pure billionaire’s row penthouse, which honestly makes the building feel a bit more like "real" New York.
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Maintenance and Practicalities
The apartments themselves feature:
- White oak flooring that holds up surprisingly well.
- Kitchens with Caesarstone countertops and Sub-Zero/Bosch appliances.
- In-unit washers and dryers (in most units, though not all—always check).
- Individually controlled heating and cooling.
One thing to watch out for? The wind whistle. In some of these glass towers, when a storm hits the Hudson, you can hear the wind whipping around the corners. It’s the price you pay for being so high up.
Final Thoughts on the Silver Towers Experience
500 West 42nd Street is a landmark for a reason. It represents the "new" West Side. It’s for the person who wants to be near the action but wants to retreat to a sanctuary at the end of the day. You get the sun, the water, and a pool that actually lets you swim.
If you’re considering a move here, don’t just look at the floor plan. Go there at 5:30 PM on a Tuesday. See what the lobby feels like. Check the shuttle schedule. Walk to the nearest subway station and see if you’re okay with the 10-15 minute trek. For many, the view alone settles the debate.
Actionable Steps for Prospective Residents
- Verify the Unit Exposure: If you want light, go for the South or West facing units. The North units are cooler but can feel a bit dark in the winter because of the second tower's shadow.
- Check the Amenity Fee: These are often separate from the rent. Make sure you factor that $100+ per month into your budget before signing.
- Audit the Commute: Walk from the building to the 42nd St-Port Authority station. If that walk feels too long, you’ll be dependent on the shuttle, so download the shuttle tracking app immediately to see its reliability.
- Negotiate on Lease Terms: Silver Towers often offers "concessions" (like a month of free rent) during the winter months. If you're looking in July, you'll pay full freight. If you can wait until January, you might save thousands.
- Visit the Roof at Night: Before you sign, ask for a tour of the common spaces after dark. The view of the city lights is the building's strongest selling point—make sure it moves you.