Waterline Square Rentals — Local services in New York

I’ve lived here for years, and what started out as the most luxurious building in Manhattan has tumbled into such a disappointing to live. The space is undeniably beautiful, but it’s astounding how poorly run the building is, and it causes real problems for residents.

Understaffing is a huge concern - compared to others in the area, and even specifically WS Building 2 over Buildings 1 and 3. The front desk is so understaffed that those who are there are beyond overworked, yet it still takes forever to get packages, have guests check in for elevator access, or get maintenance requests filled. There are significantly fewer people working than we first moved in, and apparently the building has no plans to replace their positions.

Even the very publicized violent slashing in our lobby would be handled better if there were consistent staff at the front desk. There should be two bodies there at all times, yet in reality, it’s left empty quite frequently. As someone with small children, the limited number of people at the front is an extreme safety concern that this tragedy has certainly highlighted.

Furthermore, the outdoor spaces that are advertised as being part of the building amenities are so poorly run - if run at all. The playground space has a dysfunctional lock that they never seem to get working properly; there was even a very serious incident of a child running out and onto the highway.

Second, the “park” that is in the center of the three buildings has become completely unregulated and has turned into an off-leash dog park. What used to be a space that I could take my kids to play with a ball or have a picnic is now both unsafe and unsanitary. I’ve have multiple instances of dogs trying to (at best) get into my stroller or pee nearby, and (at worst) nip at my kids trying play along the side, that now we completely avoid it. It’s so unfortunate to live here and feel unsafe across these amenity spaces. They’ve even cancelled all events that they used to host here (summer movie nights, jazz performances, etc) bc they fired their events staff and never rehired.

The Club is perhaps the most advertised perk of living in this building. However, the hours are extremely limited (any parent knows we live many lives before a 9am opening on a weekends), spaces are often booked for private events, or facilities are broken (the pool has dangerously broken tile along the edge, the bowling alley and golf simulator are constantly out of service). We’ve also had multiple swim lessons cancelled with unexpected pool closures.

Finally, it’s obvious that the building is tucked away from the subway and most restaurants, so we really benefitted from having both Empellon and Harry’s Table in the lobbies. Empellon closed months ago with no progress towards a new tenant, and Harry’s is set to close at the end of the month. Without these businesses here, we’re in a bit of a food desert (by NYC standards), and I have slim to no confidence in anything coming into these spaces in a timely manner.

When everyone is paying at least 10k/month, it’s appalling that there is such little staff to support it running smoothly and safely. At move-in, we thought we’d want to stay here forever, but at this point, we don’t plan to renew our lease, and most of our friends in the building feel the same way.

Clear actionable steps the the building should be taking: Increase doormen, front desk staff, and security (specifically in Building 2) Actively manage park space to stop unleashed dogs Fix lock system on the playground Rehire an Events Coordinator for community events Extend hours at The Club Replace businesses to return to the once present vibrant...

Moved in late September. Here’s my review. This place is exactly one level above most NYC self proclaimed “luxury” buildings that hand you loose door handles and a flickering hallway bulb. None of that here. Everything feels solid, thought through, finished.

It’s also always a good sign when owner, management etc. is in one hand, this is the case here.

⸻

What’s great Generally: You live in your own world incl. an “underworld” with EVERYTHING you need in your CELLAR. It’s almost unreal. It feels like a real HOME which is very rare in big NYC buildings. • The team: From day one I felt like the staff walks the walk. Everyone is sincerely adorable. Fixes happen, little things get caught, people actually move around with paint to touch up tiny wall stains. That kind of attention to detail speaks volumes and feels like genuine pride in the building. • Turnkey apartment quality: Walked through dozens of buildings over the years. Here: zero loose screws, zero flickering lightbulbs, solid finishes, high-end appliances. • Vibe & atmosphere: The surrounding development is ambitious, but within your walls and between the entrance and amenity spaces the feel is cohesive. Between the view, the light and the quality of common areas, you sense that someone cared. • Amenity package: This building (and the whole complex) deliver on what others pretend. Tennis court, rock-climbing wall, indoor skate half-pipe, full-sized basketball, lap pool - but that was already talked enough about. It doesn’t feel like a token add-on; it feels like a lifestyle designed by someone who actually lives in New York. • Sound environment relative to expectation: You obviously hear the highway. But what’s surprising is: it’s far quieter here than many city streets where you get sirens, constant yelling, bass lines at 2 a.m. Here you get the steady hum of traffic, predictable, manageable. I sleep so much better than in previous buildings. 

⸻

What could improve (minor stuff) • The tech is generally great (modern elevators etc.) but WHY do they have super outdated AC thermostats? It looks almost ridiculous to have such an ambitious building and then thermostats that look like a Holiday Inn hotel… BUT they installed my own Nest thermostats for me which I really appreciated! • No black out blinds and also gaps between blinds in several rooms so it’s very hard to create a complete blackout without extra curtains. Not sure why that wasn’t a priority since people want to actually sleep. • Food hall closure: The integrated food-hall at the base is currently closed. That’s a big loss — walking downstairs for any kinds of food and snacks was part of the promise. I’m sure it will re-open soon and maybe even better than before (the team in the previous food hall was SUPER weird). • Location and neighborhood rhythm: While the park and the views elevate things, you’re not right in the thick of traditional UWS nightlife or subway nodes. If you want instant destination food & shopping outside your door, you may find yourself walking a bit further. I don’t care. And by the way, I walk 10-15 min to Columbus Circle, not 20-25 as Google says for whatever reason. 

⸻

Summary

If you’re looking for a Manhattan residence that tries seriously to deliver on luxury, quality and amenity - this is one of the best choices. The building doesn’t pretend: it gives you the hardware, the service, the finishes. You’ll still hear traffic (you’re in NYC after all), and you might trade off some neighborhood immediacy — but if you value internal quality, service responsiveness, and of course one of a kind amenities and common spaces — this...

Disclaimer: YES, this will be one of those reviews that one posts reluctantly for fear that the secret gets out and the neighborhood becomes overpopularized ; )

Having lived seventeen years in the area that has since grown to become the Waterline Square neighborhood, I would start by shouting what a thrill it has been to have this GID wonderland grace our backyard. My wife Olivia and I consider ourselves lucky to be raising our daughter out in the beautiful green Waterline Sq. courtyard lawn as well as the state-of-the-art playground. My daily photo edit and make-shift office sessions most often begin at a corner table within the stunning Harry’s Table Café (ground floor of Waterline #2). Be sure to pair a fresh croissant with the best damn latte in town! Come springtime, our pseudo-work-from-home routine (and portable photo studio) includes a morning of client Zoom meetings logged in from the provided "silver tables” outdoor space at the entrance of Waterline Square Park! Add to that weekly schedule a Saturday morning splash for the kids out in the Waterline Square fountain and you’ve got the makings of a gloriously well-rounded week. Upgrade all of the above even further with a Happy Hour Frozen Marg from Empellón, and your weekend is golden.

Separately, as a commercial photographer for brands, companies, and headshots - I’ve been blown away by the white glove reception and treatment I have experienced at my recent Waterline Square photoshoots. Having spent time in all three of the residential buildings, I can say with great certainty that it’s pretty as a picture no matter where you aim the camera.

Last but not least, as a stalwart resident of the Upper West Side and this region nestled between Hell’s Kitchen and Lincoln Center, a family man, and a local entrepreneur - I am forever grateful to have these amenities and this sprawling oasis right outside our door. 5 Stars! Highly recommend it and look forward to calling this place home for many more years to come.

Ultra Thanks to Waterline Square & GID for nurturing and elevating our community,

Juan Patino

Commercial Photographer / Advertising / Business Portraits / Executive Headshots / Corporate / Branding / Food / Product / Lifestyle / Grammy Nominated MultiPlatinum...