Walk down 42nd Street toward the Hudson River and the noise of Times Square starts to fade, replaced by the salty, aggressive wind whipping off the water. This is where you find 635 West 42nd Street, better known to most New Yorkers as The Atelier. It’s a building that has spent years oscillating between being a high-end luxury condo and a bit of a local legend for its over-the-top marketing.
If you’re looking at this address, you’ve probably seen the headlines about the $85 million apartment that came with a trip to space. Yeah, that was real—sort of. It was a massive marketing play by the developer to package several units together. But for the average person living here or looking to rent, the reality is a lot more grounded, though still pretty flashy.
The Vibe at 635 West 42nd Street
It’s tall. Really tall. 46 stories of glass and steel that went up back in 2007, right before the world changed.
The Atelier was one of the first buildings to really bet big on the "Far West Side." Before Hudson Yards was even a blueprint in a billionaire's mind, this block was kind of a no-man’s land. Now? It’s surrounded by glass towers and high-end gyms. But 635 West 42nd Street feels different than the brand-new builds. It has a bit more history, a bit more personality, and, honestly, some of the best unobstructed views of the Intrepid and the river you can get in Hell’s Kitchen.
People choose this spot because they want the amenities. It’s not just a lobby; it’s a whole ecosystem. You’ve got a 12,000-square-foot fitness center, a lap pool that actually feels like a pool and not a glorified bathtub, and a rooftop lounge that makes you feel like you own the city.
The crowd is a mix. You’ve got the pied-à-terre owners who show up three times a year, tech workers who want to be near the Midtown offices, and a surprising number of people who just really love being near the water. It’s not a cozy, "everyone knows your name" brownstone vibe. It’s a "I have a doorman and a valet and I want my life to be seamless" vibe.
📖 Related: Bates Nut Farm Woods Valley Road Valley Center CA: Why Everyone Still Goes After 100 Years
What the Floor Plans Are Actually Like
Most apartments at 635 West 42nd Street feature floor-to-ceiling windows. That’s the big selling point. If you’re on a high floor facing west, the sunsets are basically a religious experience.
The finishes? They were top-of-the-line in the late 2000s. Sub-Zero refrigerators, Bosch appliances, white oak floors. Some owners have renovated, but the bones are solid. The layouts are generally efficient, though some of the smaller studios can feel a bit tight if you’ve got a lot of furniture. If you’re looking at a unit, check the closet space. New York apartments are notorious for "forgetting" that humans own clothes, and The Atelier is hit-or-miss depending on the specific line.
Why Location Matters (And Why It Doesn't)
Living on 11th Avenue and 42nd Street is a choice.
You are far from the subway. Let’s be real. It’s a hike to the A/C/E or the 7 train at Hudson Yards. If it’s raining or it’s 10 degrees outside, that walk feels like an expedition. The building knows this, which is why they run a private shuttle bus for residents. It’s a lifesaver. It takes you across 42nd street to the major transit hubs, and honestly, without it, the location would be a much harder sell for commuters.
On the flip side, you’re right across from Pier 84. You can walk out your door and be on the Greenway in two minutes. For runners or dog owners, this is gold. You have easy access to the Circle Line, the ferry, and the whole waterfront park system.
👉 See also: Why T. Pepin’s Hospitality Centre Still Dominates the Tampa Event Scene
The neighborhood has also filled in. There’s a Gotham West Market nearby for great food, and plenty of bars and restaurants on 10th and 9th Avenues that don't feel like tourist traps. You get the benefits of Hell’s Kitchen—the grit, the food, the theater energy—without being stuck in the middle of the Times Square madness.
The Elephant in the Room: The "Space Trip" Penthouse
We have to talk about it because everyone asks. For years, the 45th floor was marketed as a massive, multi-unit combination. The price tag was astronomical, and the perks included things like a $1 million yacht, two Rolls-Royce Phantoms, and a trip to space.
It was a brilliant PR stunt. It got 635 West 42nd Street into every major newspaper in the world. But for the people who actually live there? It’s just another floor. The building isn't just for billionaires; there are plenty of one and two-bedroom units that are priced competitively with other luxury condos in the area.
The Logistics: Costs and Common Charges
If you're buying, you need to look at the monthly costs. Taxes and common charges in these high-amenity buildings can be steep. Because the building has so much "extra" stuff—the pool, the gym, the lounge—you're paying for it every month.
Prospective buyers should always check the latest board requirements. Like many Manhattan condos, they want to see financial stability. Renters, on the other hand, usually deal with individual condo owners. This means your experience can vary. Some owners are great; others live halfway across the world and might take a week to fix a leaky faucet. That's just the reality of the condo-rental market in NYC.
✨ Don't miss: Human DNA Found in Hot Dogs: What Really Happened and Why You Shouldn’t Panic
Is It Worth It?
The question usually comes down to lifestyle.
If you want a quiet, tree-lined street with a local butcher and a neighborhood deli where they know your order, 635 West 42nd Street is going to feel like a cold, glass fortress. It’s busy. There’s traffic. The wind off the Hudson is relentless in January.
But if you want to wake up and see the river, hit a high-end gym without leaving your building, and have a concierge handle your packages, it’s a powerhouse. It’s one of the more established luxury towers in the area, meaning it’s worked out the kinks that some of the brand-new buildings are still struggling with.
Real Talk on the Amenities
- The Rooftop: It’s one of the best in the city. Period. 360-degree views.
- The Pool: It’s a 47-foot indoor lap pool. Great for actual exercise, not just splashing around.
- The Gym: Better than most commercial gyms. You can cancel your Equinox membership if you live here.
- The Shuttle: Don't underestimate this. It’s the difference between a miserable commute and a manageable one.
The building is also pet-friendly, which is a big deal in this part of town. There's plenty of space nearby for walks, though you'll be competing with a lot of other West Side dogs for the best grass patches.
Actionable Steps for Potential Residents
If you're seriously considering a move to 635 West 42nd Street, don't just look at the listing photos. The "vibe" changes depending on which side of the building you're on.
- Visit at Rush Hour. See how the elevator situation is. High-rise living can involve a lot of waiting if the service isn't optimized.
- Check the View Corridor. Hudson Yards is still growing. Make sure that "unobstructed view" isn't slated to be blocked by a new skyscraper in two years. At 635 West 42nd, the west-facing views are generally safer because of the river, but south-facing views have changed a lot recently.
- Audit the "Net Effective" Rent. If you're renting, landlords here often offer "months free." Make sure you know what the gross rent is, because that’s what your increase will be based on next year.
- Talk to the Staff. The doormen and concierges at The Atelier have been there for years. They know the building better than anyone. A quick chat can tell you more about the building's current state than any brochure.
- Review the Board Minutes. If buying, have your lawyer look for any upcoming assessments or major repairs. Large glass towers eventually need facade work (Local Law 11), and you don't want to be hit with a surprise five-figure bill three months after closing.
Living at this address means embracing a specific kind of New York life—one that's fast-paced, high-altitude, and focused on convenience. It's not for everyone, but for those who want that "top of the world" feeling on the edge of the island, it still delivers.