You’ve seen it. If you’ve ever looked at the Manhattan skyline from the Lincoln Tunnel or wandered past the neon chaos of Times Square toward the quieter riverfront, that massive, glass-clad tower at 510 W 42nd St is hard to miss. It’s officially called MiMA—short for Middle of Manhattan—and it represents a very specific kind of New York ambition. It’s big. It’s shiny. It’s arguably one of the most polarizing addresses in Hell’s Kitchen.
People usually have two reactions to this building. They either love the "everything under one roof" luxury lifestyle, or they think living on 42nd Street sounds like a special kind of logistical nightmare.
Honestly, the reality is somewhere in the middle.
Developed by Related Companies—the same heavy hitters behind Hudson Yards—510 W 42nd St isn't just one thing. It’s a 63-story hybrid. It houses ultra-luxury rentals, the high-end YOTEL New York, and the Frank Gehry-designed Signature Theatre. It’s a massive ecosystem of glass, steel, and high-speed elevators. If you're looking for a quiet brownstone on a tree-lined street, this isn't it. But if you want a doorman who knows your name and a lap pool that looks like a movie set, you’re in the right place.
The Architecture of 510 W 42nd St and the Related Standard
When Related finished MiMA back in 2011, it changed the gravity of the neighborhood. Before this tower, the far west side of 42nd Street felt a bit like a "no man's land" of parking lots and aging warehouses. Now, it’s a corridor of glass. Arquitectonica, the firm behind the design, went for a sleek, vertical look that maximizes light. That’s the big draw here: the windows. Because the building stands so tall compared to its immediate neighbors to the north and south, the views of the Hudson River and the Empire State Building are, frankly, ridiculous.
Inside, the finishes lean heavily into that "New York Luxury" aesthetic. We’re talking oak flooring, kitchens with Miele and Sub-Zero appliances, and floor-to-ceiling windows that make your living room feel like it’s floating over the city.
But let's be real about the layout.
Some of the studio units are tight. You're paying for the zip code and the amenities, not necessarily for sprawling square footage. New York real estate is a game of trade-offs. Here, you trade a bit of bedroom space for a 44,000-square-foot amenity club. It’s a choice. Some people hate it; others find that they never actually spend time in their apartments because the lounge and the terrace are better anyway.
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M Club: The $1,000+ Question
If you live at 510 W 42nd St, you’re likely paying for the "M Club." This is the private residents-only fitness and social club. It's managed by Equinox (another Related brand), which tells you everything you need to know about the vibe. It’s polished. It’s exclusive. It’s very "Hells Kitchen professional."
The club features a heated indoor lap pool, a full-sized basketball court (a rarity in Manhattan), and a fitness center that rivals most boutique gyms. There’s also a tech center, a screening room, and multiple outdoor terraces with BBQ grills. During the summer, those terraces are the building's social heartbeat. You’ll see people out there with laptops at 2:00 PM and wine at 7:00 PM.
Is it worth the extra fee? That depends on your lifestyle. If you already have an Equinox membership elsewhere, it might feel redundant. But for someone who wants to take an elevator to their workout instead of trekking three blocks in a January sleet storm, it’s a game-changer.
The Neighborhood Factor: 10036 Realities
Let’s talk about the 10036 zip code. Living at 510 W 42nd St puts you at the crossroads of Hell’s Kitchen and the Theater District.
Walking out your front door is an experience. To the east, you have the frantic energy of the Port Authority Bus Terminal. It’s loud. It’s crowded. It’s peak NYC. To the west, things mellow out significantly as you head toward Pier 84 and the Hudson River Greenway. You’re basically caught between the most tourist-heavy part of the world and a serene waterfront park.
Food-wise, you’re spoiled. 9th Avenue is arguably the best food crawl in the city. You’ve got everything from the classic Thai spots like Pure Thai Cookhouse to the high-end Italian at Becco. If you’re a theater person, you can basically roll out of bed and be at a Broadway stage door in eight minutes.
The downside? Traffic. 42nd Street is a major artery for the Lincoln Tunnel. If you’re a fan of Ubering everywhere, prepare to sit in gridlock. Most savvy residents here rely on the A/C/E or 1/2/3 lines at Times Square-42nd St, which is about a 7-minute walk away. It’s convenient, but you have to have a certain tolerance for the crowds.
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The Signature Theatre Connection
One of the coolest things about 510 W 42nd St is its cultural weight. The building actually houses the Pershing Square Signature Center. This isn’t some tiny basement theater; it’s a stunning three-theater complex designed by Frank Gehry.
Having a world-class cultural institution in your own building is a flex. It brings a creative, sophisticated energy to the block that you don't get with standard residential towers. You’ll often see actors and playwrights grabbing coffee in the lobby or hanging out at the Signature's public bar. It anchors the building into the actual fabric of New York’s art scene.
Navigating the Rent and "Net Effective" Game
If you’re looking at listings for 510 W 42nd St, you need to be careful with the numbers. Like many high-end managed buildings in New York, they often use "net effective" pricing.
Basically, they might offer "one month free" on a 12-month lease. The price you see on Zillow or StreetEasy might be the lower average, but your actual monthly check will be higher. Always ask the leasing office for the "gross rent" so you aren't surprised when the bill hits.
Also, keep in mind that MiMA is a LEED Gold-certified building. That sounds like corporate jargon, but it actually affects your utility bills. The insulation and window glass are high-spec, meaning you won’t feel the draft in the winter like you would in a 1920s walk-up. It’s a "quiet" luxury—literally. The soundproofing between units is surprisingly good for a building of this scale.
What People Get Wrong About 510 W 42nd St
The biggest misconception is that it’s just a "dorm for rich kids."
Sure, you have your fair share of young professionals and international students, but the building has a massive contingent of long-term residents. There are families here. There are people who have lived in the building since the day it opened.
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Another myth is that it’s "in the middle of Times Square." It’s not. It’s two long blocks west. That distance matters. It’s far enough away that you don't feel the "Elmo in a dirty suit" energy every time you walk the dog, but close enough that you can get to any subway line in the city within ten minutes.
Is it right for you?
Think about your priorities.
- You'll love it if: You want a 24/7 concierge, you hate the idea of a laundromat, you work in Midtown, and you want a gym that’s better than most commercial clubs.
- You'll hate it if: You want "neighborhood charm," you need a quiet street with no sirens, or you have a phobia of elevators.
Moving Forward: Your 510 W 42nd St Checklist
If you’re seriously considering a move to 510 W 42nd St, don't just look at the floor plan online. You have to feel the building out in person.
1. Visit at Rush Hour
Go to the building around 5:30 PM. See what the lobby traffic is like. Check the elevator wait times. In buildings this size, the "vertical commute" is a real thing.
2. Check the Specific View Line
Because there are so many towers nearby, two identical apartments on different floors can have completely different vibes. One might look at a brick wall; the other might see the Statue of Liberty. Confirm your sightlines.
3. Factor in the Amenities Fee
Ask the leasing office for the current M Club membership rates. It’s usually an additional monthly cost per person, not per apartment. Factor that into your total budget before signing.
4. Walk the 10th Avenue Corridor
42nd and 10th is the real "home" intersection here. Explore the grocery options (like the Brooklyn Fare nearby) and the local bars. This will be your actual backyard.
Living at 510 W 42nd St is about embracing the "New" New York—efficient, vertical, and full of glass. It’s a far cry from the gritty Hell’s Kitchen of the 70s, but for the thousands of people who call MiMA home, it’s the perfect vantage point for watching the city evolve.