Up on the Roof
I have discovered yet another cool little park in the Financial District: the Elevated Acre. I stumbled upon this random bit of greenery, while walking around the area after work one day. It’s hidden on top of an office building, clearly to limit the amount of people who frequent it, but it is a public space. One of those public spaces that real estate developers put in for density bonuses and then try to make inaccessible to the public. But it’s now exposed: 55 Water Street. You can access it by escalator on one side and a staircase on the other.
It exhibits some pretty plants, a field great for picnicking, and a beautiful view of the water. It’s a great example of a “green roof,” which helps to lower the energy costs for a building (by insulating it) and provide plants that help clean the air.
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I worked in that building a couple of years ago when it was under construction. Nice to see it’s up, literally!
YES! i love this little sky plaza…i think they have concerts or something up there in the summers.. i took some video of it last year: http://velvet-sea.blogspot.com/2006/02/new-yorks-secret-places-sky-plaza.html