The Citizen | Chelsea
This spacious and architecturally stunning building on West
23rd Street meets all LEED energy efficiency
qualifications, making it one of the greenest residential buildings in Manhattan.
The triple-layered windows let natural light in and keep noise pollution out.
Walls are specially formatted for soundproofing and have an extra layer of
drywall for quiet serenity. The building boasts low-flow toilets for water
efficiency and multiple secure bike storage spots. Should you need public
transportation, The Citizen is located within blocks of major subway lines. The
neighborhood is lively and buzzing with young families—providing playmates for
your little ones and the perfect culture boost.
Agent: Shelley
O’Keefe, The Corcoran Group, 212-839-0124
Emerald Green |
Midtown West
Centrally located
at 320 West 38th Street,
Emerald Green offers eco-minded living with style, functionality and
spectacular views from all angles. This pair of 
24-story towers, encompassing a
total of 568 apartments, is Glenwood’s very first LEED-certified rental
building. Living up to its name, Emerald Green has been designed according to ecological
guidelines with features like sustainable bamboo wood flooring, VOC-free
interior finishes and water-efficient plumbing. Other green features include a parking
garage complete with electric car charging stations. With families in mind,
Emerald Green also has a hand-painted children’s playroom and a screening room
with theater-style seating. The neighborhood offers a wide variety of shopping,
food and fun. Plus, the neighby boasts plenty of parks and schools.
Agent: Glenwood, 212-695-3838
The Helena |
Midtown West
With its Gold status, The Helena on West
57th Street is the first voluntary LEED-certified
residential building in the city. The building’s green features include recycled
materials that produce less waste output, a blackwater system and extensive
solar paneling. While at least 50% of The Helena’s purchased energy is wind-generated,
it also offers glass walls to maximize sunlight and reduce electrical needs. Additionally,
the spacious apartments sport amazing views and tons of room for the little
ones to run and grow. The Helena
comes with valet and cleaning services, a fitness room and a children’s
playroom. Plus, the building is pet-friendly—so Fido can make himself right at
home.
Agent: James Manning,
Durst Fetner Residential, 212-262-6500
New York by
Gehry | Financial District 
This much-admired building (towering at 76 stories!) is located
at Eight Spruce Street and touts
a ton of amazing amenities such as a fitness center, 50-foot swimming pool and
indoor secure bike storage. Eco-minded touches include the installation of
Energy Star appliances and use of low-emitting paints, coatings and sealants as
well as regionally manufactured and recycled materials. The New
York by
Gehry has truly unique views and the neighborhood is family-friendly and
hip to boot. To top it off, the building is pet-friendly and also boasts a Tweens’
Den, Children’s Playroom and Screening Room with Gehry-designed amphitheatre
seating.
Agent: Citi-Habitats
Marketing Group, 212-877-2220
For a great list of Earth Day activities taking place locally in Central
Park and beyond, see our Family Calendar at www.newyorkfamily.com/events. And for a round-up of eco-friendly crafts, recipes and toys, see our Quality Time story for May.
