515 West 29 — West Chelsea’s Glass-Finned Gem on the High Line

Section 01Why 515 West 29 — And Why Not Its Competitors

The blocks surrounding the High Line’s northern bend have become one of Manhattan’s most concentrated luxury corridors. 520 West 28th Street (the Zaha Hadid building), Soori High Line at 522 West 29th, The XI by Bjarke Ingels, and The Lantern House by Heatherwick Studio all compete for the same buyer. So why does 515 West 29 deserve a closer look? Because it delivers something the larger buildings cannot: intimacy at scale.

Architect pedigree. Soo K. Chan, the founding principal of SCDA Architects, is one of the most respected figures in contemporary Asian architecture. His firm’s portfolio spans luxury hospitality and residential projects across Singapore, Bali, and New York. Chan also designed the neighboring Soori High Line at 522 West 29th — making this stretch of the High Line a showcase for his distinctive vision of calm, light-filled minimalism. By contrast, 520 West 28th is a bold sculptural statement by Zaha Hadid — spectacular, but polarizing. 515 West 29 appeals to the buyer who values serenity over spectacle.

Exclusivity. With only 15 residences, 515 West 29 is meaningfully more intimate than 520 West 28th (39 units), Soori High Line (27 units), or The XI (236 units across two towers). Fewer residents means a quieter lobby, less elevator traffic, and the kind of building where the doorman knows your name, your schedule, and your preferences. For buyers who consider new development condos across the city, this level of exclusivity is genuinely rare.

The High Line connection. 515 West 29 doesn’t just sit near the High Line — it wraps around it on two sides. The building occupies the exact point where the elevated park makes its dramatic 90-degree bend, which means residences enjoy unobstructed views of the park from multiple exposures. No other building in the neighborhood can claim that geometry. 520 West 28th faces the High Line from one side. Soori High Line sits across the street. 515 West 29 embraces it.

Build quality and finishes. The spec sheet reads like a curated design showroom: Bulthaup kitchens with Gaggenau appliances, Molteni millwork, light oak floors, 10-foot ceilings, and a Lutron Homeworks QS smart home system controlling lighting, temperature, and shades from your phone. The glass-fin facade creates a distinctive rippling effect on the upper floors — a subtle but memorable architectural signature that sets the building apart without overwhelming the streetscape.

Value positioning. At an average price per square foot of approximately $1,890, 515 West 29 trades at a meaningful discount to 520 West 28th Street (averaging around $2,500/sqft) and Soori High Line. For a building with comparable finish levels and arguably better High Line proximity, that pricing gap represents genuine opportunity.

Section 02The Residences — Precision in Every Detail

There are only 15 residences at 515 West 29, spread across an 11-story glass addition atop a converted former loft building. The building encompasses over 33,000 square feet of residential space with nearly 4,000 square feet of private balcony space distributed across the units. Configurations include two- and three-bedroom homes and a five-unit penthouse collection with panoramic High Line views.

Ceilings rise to 10 feet throughout, and the floor-to-ceiling windows are oversized single-pane glass — maximizing natural light and framing the High Line like a living mural. Upper-floor units feature the building’s signature rippling glass fins, which create a subtle interplay of light and shadow throughout the day.

The finishes are exceptional for a building of this scale. Kitchens are by Bulthaup with Gaggenau appliance packages, built-in multipurpose islands, and the kind of minimalist precision that SCDA is known for globally. Floors are wide-plank light oak. Millwork is by Molteni — the Italian furniture house known for its exacting standards.

Every unit includes a mobile-controlled Lutron Homeworks QS system that manages lighting, temperature, shades, and electronics from a single interface. In-unit washer/dryers are standard. The penthouses offer expansive private terraces with some of the most commanding High Line views available anywhere on the market.

Section 03Amenities — Curated for Fifteen Families

The amenity package at 515 West 29 is deliberately scaled to serve 15 residences — not 150. This means you’ll rarely share these spaces with more than a handful of neighbors at any given time.

The building features a 24-hour attended lobby with a full-time doorman — a significant commitment for a 15-unit building and a strong indicator of the ownership’s dedication to service. Upstairs, the rooftop deck includes a full outdoor kitchen, offering sweeping views of the Hudson River, the High Line, and the Hudson Yards skyline.

A private fitness center provides residents with a well-equipped gym without leaving the building. Private storage units are available — a practical amenity that many boutique buildings overlook. The building also features direct elevator access to units, a children’s playroom, a bike room, and central air conditioning.

At the ground level, the building’s eastern facade is dedicated to an art wall where local artists display work on a rotational basis — a thoughtful gesture that connects the building to West Chelsea’s gallery culture and gives residents a constantly evolving visual experience at their doorstep.

With only 15 units sharing the rooftop, the deck-to-resident ratio at 515 West 29 is among the most favorable of any condo in West Chelsea. Compare that to The XI or Hudson Yards towers where hundreds of residents compete for rooftop time. On a summer evening, you may have this space — and the views — entirely to yourself.

Section 04The Location — Where Chelsea Meets Hudson Yards

515 West 29 sits at the precise intersection of West Chelsea and Hudson Yards — two of the most dynamic neighborhoods in Manhattan. The High Line is not just nearby; it literally wraps around the building. Step outside and you’re on one of the most celebrated public spaces in the world.

The gallery district is at your doorstep — Gagosian, Pace, David Zwirner, and Hauser & Wirth are all within a short walk. Hudson Yards, with its shops, restaurants, and cultural programming, is two blocks north. The Vessel and The Shed are a five-minute stroll. For dining, the neighborhood offers everything from Cosme to Mercado Little Spain.

Transit access is strong. The 7 train at 34th Street–Hudson Yards is approximately one-third of a mile away. Penn Station and the A/C/E lines at 34th Street are about a half-mile walk. The West Side Highway provides direct access for drivers heading to the airports or points north. For buyers exploring different Manhattan neighborhoods, our Midtown West guide offers a useful comparison in terms of lifestyle and commute.

Section 05Market Data & Pricing

515 West 29 is a building where units rarely trade — with only 15 residences, each sale is an event. Here’s where the market stands:

The building’s overall price range spans from approximately $3.4 million to $8.5 million, depending on unit size, floor, and whether it’s part of the penthouse collection. Unit sizes range from 1,895 to 2,326 square feet for standard residences, with penthouses commanding premiums for their terraces and views.

What stands out is the value relative to neighbors. 520 West 28th (Zaha Hadid) trades at approximately $2,500 per square foot, while Soori High Line commands similar or higher premiums for its pool-equipped units. At 515 West 29, you get comparable SCDA design quality at a lower per-foot cost — which makes this building particularly compelling for the design-minded buyer who understands the market. For context on the costs involved beyond the purchase price, our breakdown of NYC buyer closing costs covers everything from mansion tax to title insurance.

Section 06Who Is 515 West 29 For?

In my experience, 515 West 29 attracts a buyer who values design intelligence over brand recognition. This is not the buyer who wants to say they live in the “Zaha Hadid building.” This is the buyer who wants to live in the best-designed apartment they can find — and have the building practically to themselves. The typical 515 West 29 buyer values:

• Boutique scale over tower living — 15 units means genuine community, not an anonymous lobby. You know every resident in the building.
• Design pedigree without excess — SCDA’s approach is calm, precise, and deeply considered. Every material choice serves a purpose.
• High Line proximity as lifestyle — the park wrapping around the building is not a marketing talking point; it’s a daily reality that shapes how you experience your home.
• Smart home integration — the Lutron whole-home system appeals to buyers who want technology that works invisibly, not conspicuously.
• Relative value in a premium corridor — at roughly $1,900 per square foot, this building delivers comparable quality to neighbors trading at $2,500+ per foot.

Buyers here tend to be design-conscious professionals, gallery owners, creative directors, and international buyers who appreciate SCDA’s global reputation. If you’re considering selling a luxury property to move into a building like this, our guide on selling a luxury apartment in NYC covers the strategy and timing that matter most.

Section 07The Bottom Line

515 West 29 is not trying to be the most talked-about building on the High Line. It doesn’t need a celebrity architect’s name on the marquee or a 100-unit sellout story. What it offers is something rarer: a building where 15 families share an architect’s singular vision, world-class finishes, and the most intimate relationship with the High Line of any address in New York.

The market data confirms what the design promises. Units hold their value. Inventory is scarce by design — when one of 15 units trades, it’s an event. The building is fully occupied by owners who chose to be here for the design, the scale, and the location. That combination of architectural distinction, genuine livability, and relative value is exceptionally hard to find on this corridor.

If you value design over spectacle, intimacy over amenity excess, and the High Line as a genuine part of your daily life, 515 West 29 belongs on your shortlist. It’s the kind of building that, once you understand what makes it different, makes the bigger buildings feel a little impersonal. For a broader overview of navigating the NYC buying process, start with our ultimate buyer’s guide to NYC real estate.

QuestionsFrequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to buy at 515 West 29?

Recent sales have ranged from approximately $3.4 million to $6.6 million. The average price per square foot for recent closed sales is $1,891, while current listings average around $2,180 per square foot. Two-bedrooms have traded between $3.7–$4.7 million, while penthouses and larger units command $5–8.5 million.

Who designed 515 West 29?

Soo K. Chan, the founding principal of SCDA Architects, designed the building. The Singapore-based firm is internationally recognized for its minimalist, light-driven residential and hospitality architecture. Chan also designed the neighboring Soori High Line at 522 West 29th Street. The project was developed by Forum Absolute Capital Partners.

What amenities does 515 West 29 offer?

The building features a 24-hour attended lobby with full-time doorman, a rooftop deck with outdoor kitchen, a private fitness center, private storage units, children’s playroom, bike room, central air conditioning, and direct elevator access to units. A ground-floor rotating art wall showcases local artists.

Is 515 West 29 a co-op or condo?

515 West 29 is a condominium. This means there is no co-op board interview or approval process. Buyers can finance their purchase with a minimum 20% down payment, sublet with fewer restrictions, and close more quickly than in a co-op. Pets are allowed.

Where exactly is 515 West 29 located?

515 West 29th Street is in West Chelsea, at the crossroads of the Chelsea gallery district and Hudson Yards. The building sits at the High Line’s 90-degree bend and fronts the elevated park on two sides. It’s approximately one-third mile from the 7 train at 34th Street–Hudson Yards and a short walk to Penn Station.