Freedom Plaza: A MegaProject Along the Waterfront

Along with the Freedom Plaza’s public space, two Bjarke Ingels Group-designed residential towers will rise 50 and 60 stories to offer 1,325 apartments. 513 of these, nearly 40%, will be designated as income-restricted units ranging from studio to three-bedroom apartments.

The pair of hotel towers will be linked by a skybridge extending over the corner of East 41st St. and 1st Avenue. Inside the skybridge lobby, there will be a multilevel viewing area with glass flooring and ceiling, alongside the Soloviev Foundation Art Gallery. The rooftop will host a massive 150,000-gallon infinity pool, set to become among the largest in North America. The bridge interior will house various amenities from the Banyan Tree hotel, such as a spa, wellness center, casino, dining, and bars.

Bjarke Ingels said “We are incredibly honored and thrilled to be part of the team that can envision a new major public space in this great city, to contribute to the iconic skyline of Manhattan’s riverfront, and to imagine the architecture of the museum celebrating one of mankind’s greatest inventions: Democracy.” You can read more and see photos of the design here.