Top courtyards in New York City residential buildings

When many of New York’s indoor attractions were closed at the height of lockdown, public green space experienced a renewed appreciation. Years later, that shows no sign of fading away, especially as the days get longer and the temperature (theoretically) rises.

In early 2021, New York architecture firm ODA presented Beyond the Street, an urban renewal concept that would break open city blocks to create interior courtyards and pathways; over time, this would create a more walkable and enjoyable experience with the help of adaptive reuse, new development, and landscape design. To accomplish this, the architecture firm proposes a new zoning regulation that would allow buildings to receive an increase of floor area and height in exchange for creating bigger courtyards.

“Vibrant pedestrian attractions like the High Line, Madison Square Park, and the new Little Island show that breathing new life into unused space are possible with great design and a little bit of landscaping” - Eran Chen, ODA

Nothing close to Beyond the Street has come to pass, but the city remains committed to more pedestrian-friendly initiatives that include new public plazas with green space. However, some residential buildings are well ahead of the game on this one, having featured massive central courtyards from the start. Not only does this allow residents to enjoy green space without having to trek to the nearest park, but it also cultivates a sense of community. We look at the 15 most beautiful courtyards in residential developments below.

Bloom 45 is located in a bustling section of Manhattan near the Theater District, Hell's Kitchen dining, and the Javits Center. However, the 8,000-square-foot courtyard at the center of the building offers a peaceful oasis to get away from it all. Many units overlook the courtyard, and the green plants and honey locust trees are interspersed with seating.

443 Greenwich Street courtyard

Thanks to its private location, beautifully appointed units, and extensive amenity package, 443 Greenwich Street has become a favorite of celebrity buyers. Many units have private terraces, and all residents enjoy access to a 4,000-square-foot interior courtyard.

(Corcoran)

(Google Earth)

Located on the Upper West Side, The Aldyn has first-class amenities like a 24-hour doorman, concierge, fitness center, spa, 75' indoor pool, yoga rooms, a basketball court, and a bowling alley. At the heart of it all is a landscaped interior courtyard with lounge seating and tables.

(Google Earth)

This Midtown development encompasses a full city block and features over 200 residences. Amenities include a new gym, a roof deck with open views, a saltwater pool and sauna, and a large residents-only courtyard/garden.

(Brown Harris Stevens)

(Google Earth)

One of the few private grand courtyards in the Upper East Side can be found in the beloved 1185 Park Avenue. It is distinguished by its circular shape and unique Gothic column entrance.

150 Charles Street from Hudson River Park (via COOKFOX Architects)

150 Charles Street (via COOKFOX Architects)

150 Charles Street is in a prime West Village location near Piers 45 and 46 of Hudson River Park. However, residents enjoy exclusive access to a landscaped courtyard and Zen garden at the center of the building's thoughtful amenity package.

Front & York (CIM/LVWRK)

The full-block Front & York's design by Morris Adjmi Architects pays respectful homage to the surrounding DUMBO architecture, and the apartments' interiors also feature industrially inspired details. However, the extensive indoor-outdoor amenity package was designed with the modern buyers' wishes in mind. The over half-acre park at the center of the building offers a green oasis away from the crowds of the nearby Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Kips Bay Towers (Compass)

Kips Bay is in the middle of a residential renaissance now, and the I.M. Pei-designed Kips Bay Towers complex was an early entrant. The four buildings surround a three-acre garden with a landscaped lawn, full-scale sports courts, picnic and lounge areas, and a children's playground.

(Google Earth)

(Halstead)

Piet Boon's The Oosten is a dramatic full-block development in Williamsburg that features 216 residences, ranging from lofts to penthouses to townhomes. Of all the building's amenities, it is the 13,860-square-foot interior lush courtyard that stands out the most.

Gramercy Square (Douglas Elliman)

Down the street from New York's only private park, the heart of the Gramercy Square condominium is an expansive courtyard garden accessible from all four buildings that were once the Cabrini Medical Center complex. Unlike Gramercy Park, though, residents are encouraged to play sports and walk their dogs in the buildings' green space.

Northside Piers and 50 North 5th Street are also nearby courtyard buildings (Google Earth)

(Kushner Companies)

Originally built in 1915, the landmarked Austin Nichols House was preserved and converted into a contemporary residence boasting over 30,000 square feet of amenities and 338 apartments – all surrounded by a zen-like landscaped courtyard/garden.

The Greenwich Lane (Douglas Elliman)

Amidst the transformation of St. Vincent's Hospital into some of Greenwich Village's most coveted real estate, a suite of luxurious indoor/outdoor amenities was added to the mix. At the heart of it is a beautifully landscaped central courtyard designed by M. Paul Friedberg & Partners.

Jardim (Corcoran Group)

Up the street from the High Line, the Isay Weinfeld-designed Jardim takes its name from the Portuguese word for "garden." Coincidentally, that's what's at the heart of this two-building complex - a beautifully landscaped space with native evergreens, flowering trees, indigenous shrubs, and long-blooming perennials. Many apartments overlook the garden, and several units have private outdoor space.

(Google Earth)

This landmarked building was carefully converted to a luxury condominium by the prolific Robert A.M. Stern Architects, and the 22,000-square-foot center courtyard and garden has been beautifully redesigned by Hollander Design Landscape Architects. A historic fountain is the centerpiece of the courtyard, and elegant seating allows residents to enjoy the trees and plantings.

(Google Earth)

(Brown Harris Stevens)

The Apthorp is a prestigious landmarked building on the Upper West Side, and its beautifully landscaped center courtyard is equally deserving of landmark status. All four of the building's lobbies have access to the courtyard.