New York real estate is a mess. Finding a place that doesn't feel like a glorified closet requires either a massive inheritance or the luck of a lottery winner. But then there’s 500 West 42nd Street New York NY, better known to locals and luxury hunters as MiMA.
It stands tall. It’s shiny.
It also sits right on the edge of Times Square and Hell’s Kitchen, a location that makes some people cringe and others reach for their checkbooks. If you’ve spent any time walking down 42nd Street, you know the vibe. It’s loud. It’s chaotic. It’s quintessentially Manhattan. Yet, once you step inside this specific glass tower, the city noise just... vanishes.
What You’re Actually Getting at MiMA
Most people looking at 500 West 42nd Street New York NY are trying to figure out if the premium is worth it. We aren't talking about a standard walk-up here. This is a 63-story mixed-use behemoth completed around 2011 by Related Companies. Related is the same developer behind Hudson Yards, so they have a very specific "look"—lots of glass, high-end finishes, and a level of service that feels a bit like living in a five-star hotel.
The building is split up in a way that confuses people. The lower floors are generally rentals. Then you have the ultra-luxury LEED Gold-certified apartments. And way up top? Those are the condos, often referred to as "One MiMA Parc."
The views are the real seller. On a clear day, you’re looking straight at the Hudson River or watching the lights of the Empire State Building. It’s distracting. You'll be trying to cook dinner and suddenly realize you've been staring at the sunset for twenty minutes.
The units themselves feature Miele appliances and floor-to-ceiling windows. It sounds like a sales pitch, but the insulation is the real MVP. You can have a literal parade happening on 42nd Street and you wouldn’t hear a peep inside your living room.
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The Logistics of 500 West 42nd Street New York NY
Living here means dealing with the Port Authority vicinity. Let's be real. It’s gritty.
However, the "Club MiMA" situation is what usually seals the deal for people who want to stay. We are talking 44,000 square feet of amenities. It’s massive. There’s an Equinox fitness club built right into the building, which is a huge perk if you hate commuting to the gym in the rain. There's also a heated indoor pool, a full-size basketball court, and—this is the weirdly popular part—a "dog run" on one of the terraces.
In a city where finding a patch of grass for your Frenchie is a daily struggle, having a dedicated spot on the property is a game-changer.
Why the Location is Polarizing
Hell’s Kitchen has changed. A lot.
Some folks miss the old, dangerous days, but most appreciate that they can now walk to some of the best food in the city on 9th Avenue without looking over their shoulder every ten seconds. 500 West 42nd Street New York NY puts you within walking distance of the Theater District, which is a dream for Broadway fans but a nightmare for anyone who hates slow-walking tourists.
You’ve got the A, C, E, 1, 2, 3, N, Q, R, W, S, and 7 trains all within a few blocks. It’s arguably the most connected spot in the world. But that convenience comes with the "Times Square Tax"—crowds, noise, and expensive groceries.
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Is it Worth the Rent?
Honestly, "worth it" is subjective in Manhattan. If you want a quiet, tree-lined street in the West Village, you will hate it here. You’ll feel suffocated by the glass and the sheer scale of the building.
But if you work in Midtown or Hudson Yards, the math starts to make sense.
The building is managed by Related Management, and they are notoriously strict. That’s good for maintenance—things get fixed fast—but it means the "vibe" is very corporate. It doesn’t have the soul of a pre-war brownstone. It’s efficient. It’s clean. It works.
- The Good: Unbeatable views, insane amenities, pet-friendly, and very high security.
- The Bad: The 42nd Street chaos, high monthly fees, and a lack of "neighborhood" feel.
- The Unexpected: The building also houses the Signature Theatre, designed by Frank Gehry. Having a world-class theater in your actual building is a flex that most other NYC towers can't match.
Navigating the Application Process
If you’re looking at 500 West 42nd Street New York NY, you need to have your paperwork ready yesterday. These units don't sit.
Because it’s a Related building, the credit requirements are stiff. They want to see the 40x rent rule strictly enforced. If you’re looking at the condo side, be prepared for a board package that feels like a colonoscopy. They want to know everything.
It’s also worth noting that the building has different entrances. There's a dedicated entrance for the luxury rentals and another for the residents of the upper-floor condos. It keeps the traffic flow manageable, which is necessary when you have hundreds of people living in one footprint.
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The Verdict on MiMA
500 West 42nd Street New York NY represents a very specific type of New York dream. It’s for the person who wants to be in the center of the world but wants a quiet, high-tech fortress to retreat to. It’s for the person who values a 24-hour doorman and a gym that doesn't require a subway ride.
Is it overpriced? Probably. But so is every other square inch of this island.
The difference here is that you actually get what you pay for in terms of infrastructure. You aren't going to deal with a radiator clanking at 3:00 AM or a landlord who ignores your emails about a leaky ceiling.
Moving Forward with Your Search
If you are seriously considering a move to this part of Manhattan, do not just look at the floor plans online. You have to stand on the corner of 10th and 42nd at 6:00 PM on a Tuesday. If you can handle that energy, you can handle living here.
Check the specific listing history for any unit you like. Prices in this building fluctuate based on the season, and sometimes you can snag a "concession" (like a month of free rent) if you time it during the winter lull.
Walk through the amenities during the hours you would actually use them. If the gym is packed at 7:00 AM and that's your only workout window, the "Equinox perk" might be less of a draw.
Lastly, look at the orientation of the unit. South-facing units get incredible light but can turn into an oven in July if you don't blast the AC. North-facing units offer that iconic Midtown skyline view but can feel a bit gloomier in the winter months.
Take the tour. Ask about the "lifestyle" fees. Make sure the pet policy matches your specific breed. Living at 500 West 42nd Street New York NY is a lifestyle choice as much as a housing choice. Make sure it's actually yours.