Anchored by over 100,000 square feet of amenities, One Manhattan Square proves that even the always‑on Lower East Side can indeed, take a pause. Read on for a look at the tower’s one-of-a-kind outdoor offerings — including a host of recreational, relaxation, and green spaces — contained in New York’s largest private garden.
Designed by the landscape studio West 8, creators of The Hills on Governors Island and Miami Beach’s SoundScape Park, this outdoor interface within One Manhattan Square is far more than decorative greenery. The firm calls the project an elevated space that “floats across different levels to embrace and complement the building … a reinterpretation of the classic garden typology, repurposed for modern needs.” Birch‑lined promenades lead to open lawns and sheltered alcoves, each tuned to a delightful mix of sunlight, shade, and breeze. From first light over the East River to late‑night stargazing in the observatory, every perspective invites its own moment of wonder.
Beyond its sheer scale, the garden unfolds as varied atmospheres that set the rhythm of the day and frame some of the best views on the Lower East Side. At dawn, the east‑facing cafe terraces catch the first rays of sun, turning coffee and headlines into a morning ritual against the sweep of the East River. Once the youngest residents are up and moving, attention shifts to the East River Treehouse and its adventure playground, where children climb and explore, while adults capture postcard-worthy shots of the Manhattan Bridge.
Any time of day, the activity lawn invites friendly competition. Table tennis volleys ring beside a manicured putting green, both with clear sightlines to the tower’s glass facade and the water beyond. In the early afternoon, a Japanese-inspired tea pavilion offers shaded seating beside reflecting pools, with skyline glimpses filtered through birch branches. As golden hour arrives, family and friends gather on the dining‑terrace. Meals sizzle on chef‑caliber grilling stations, while the bridge lights up beyond the railing, turning dinner into an event with a private skyline show.
Evening settles around stone fire pits encircled by cozy seating, a scene equally suited to toasting marshmallows or savoring a vintage malbec while city lights shimmer across the river. Late night belongs to the stargazing observatory, where low path lighting preserves darkness so telescopes can trace constellations over the East River, capping a day in which every corner of the garden offers a fresh view and a welcome pause in the energy of the Lower East Side.
What elevates this outdoor space beyond the ordinary is its imaginative blend of recreation, reflection, and refined design. Residents can greet sunrise immersed in nature, celebrate milestones under open skies, and close the night beside glowing embers, all without leaving home.
Discover how effortlessly city life and outdoor calm coexist at One Manhattan Square condos by Extell Development. Contact our sales team for pricing, availability, or a private tour and start your next chapter on the Lower East Side today.