Lantern House

Lantern House is a full-service condominium development designed by Heatherwick Studio and developed by Related, located along the High Line between 18th and 19th Streets. The building is known for its distinctive “lantern-shaped” bay windows, oversized layouts, strong natural light, and quiet residential feel despite being next to one of the most visited public spaces in Manhattan. It attracts buyers who want modern construction, high-end finishes, private views, and immediate access to Chelsea’s waterfront and gallery district.

Quick Snapshot

Address: 515 West 18th Street, Chelsea

Architect: Heatherwick Studio

Developer: Related Companies

Year Completed: 2021

Residences: Approximately 180

Residence Types: One- through four-bedrooms, with a limited number of penthouses

Building Form: Two towers linked by a glass-walled amenity bridge over 18th Street

Amenities: Full-service concierge, pool, gym, lounge, coworking, playroom, roof terrace, parking

Location Highlights: Directly on the High Line, short walk to Chelsea Piers, Hudson River Park, Meatpacking, and the entire West Chelsea gallery district

Architecture and Design

Lantern House’s defining feature is its curved bay windows. They project outward in a lantern-like form, giving each residence a wide-angle view and more usable interior space along the windows. These are not decorative shapes; the curve physically enlarges the window area, expands sightlines, and brings in more natural light from multiple directions. Taller ceilings combined with these windows make the living spaces feel more open than traditional flat-windowed condos.

The building is split into two towers on either side of West 18th Street, connected visually by the High Line running directly past the façade. The exterior uses brickwork that references the industrial history of Chelsea, while the window design introduces a contemporary element. Inside, finishes include wide-plank European oak floors, marble kitchens, custom cabinetry, and high-end appliance packages (Gaggenau, Miele, etc.).

The amenity bridge that spans 18th Street is glass-walled, giving residents views of the High Line as they walk through it. This is a signature design feature unique to Lantern House.

Layouts and Livability

Residences range from large one-bedrooms to expansive four-bedroom penthouses. Lantern House is known for layouts that feel more substantial than what’s typically found in new Manhattan construction.

Key layout advantages:

Oversized living rooms thanks to the extended bay-window shape

Dining areas in most two-bedrooms and larger

Kitchens with full-height storage and generous counter space

Primary suites with large walk-in closets and five-fixture bathrooms

Secondary bedrooms sized for real use (not the “office-bedroom” you see in many new builds)

Multiple exposures in corner units for stronger light and better privacy

Deep window seats created by the lantern windows, which buyers actually use for seating or shelving

The building reads as quiet and residential inside. Even with the High Line outside, the glazing system is thick enough to keep the interior peaceful. Higher floors get Hudson River views; mid-level units overlooking the High Line get greenery and open sky while avoiding the noise profile of street-level traffic.

Buyers who want actual space — not just glossy finishes — tend to connect strongly with Lantern House’s floorplans.

Amenities

Lantern House has a full-service amenity package, sized to match the building and clearly designed for daily use rather than show.

24-Hour Concierge and Doorman: Fully staffed entrances and lobby areas.

Pool: Large, hotel-style lap pool with natural light.

Fitness Center: High-end gym with cardio machines, free weights, strength equipment, and separate studio space.

Spa Facilities: Sauna and steam rooms.

Residents’ Lounge: Seating, tables, and Wi-Fi for work or informal gatherings.

Coworking Areas: Dedicated tables and semi-private workrooms.

Children’s Playroom: Well-lit space with activity zones.

Roof Terrace: Landscaped space with seating and city/river views.

Bike Storage: Indoor bike room.

Parking: On-site garage access.

The amenity bridge between the two towers is one of the most unique components and gives residents an elevated common area above the street.

Location

Lantern House sits in the center of West Chelsea, one of the most desirable locations for buyers who want access to:

The High Line literally next to the building

Chelsea Piers and Hudson River Park for running, biking, and waterfront activities

Art galleries concentrated between 10th and 11th Avenues

Meatpacking District, about five minutes south

Chelsea Market and retail along 10th Avenue

Restaurants, cafés, and boutique shops throughout the surrounding blocks

Transit is a short walk to the A/C/E or the 7 train at Hudson Yards. Buyers often choose this area because they prefer the waterfront lifestyle and don’t mind a 5–10 minute walk to subways.

Despite the foot traffic on the High Line, the residential side of the building is quieter because it faces the water and interior streets rather than 10th Avenue.

Market Performance and Buyer Profile

Lantern House attracts a mix of:

End-users looking for large, modern layouts and strong amenities

Buyers upgrading from smaller downtown condos

Pied-à-terre buyers who want a visually striking building

High-net-worth buyers who want luxury new construction near the water

Resale performance is strongest for:

Corner units with multiple exposures

Larger two- and three-bedrooms with river views

High Line–facing units above tree level

Penthouses with terrace space

The combination of size, design, and amenities makes Lantern House competitive with other high-end new developments in Chelsea and Hudson Yards.

Strengths

Iconic lantern-shaped bay windows that increase light and usable space

Larger-than-average layouts for new construction

Strong amenity package with pool, spa, and coworking

High Line frontage with quiet interiors

High-quality finishes and appliances

Prestigious Chelsea waterfront location

Full-service building with strong long-term appeal

Considerations

Distance to subway requires a short walk

High Line visibility (buyers should evaluate privacy on lower floors)

Some lines have more limited river views than marketing suggests

Monthlies reflect the full amenity package and luxury-level staffing

Notable History or Press

Lantern House received extensive coverage from major media outlets during design and construction, largely due to its unusual window shape and Heatherwick Studio’s international reputation.
The New York Times, Architectural Digest, and Dezeen all published reporting on the project’s design inspiration, engineering challenges, and its impact on the High Line streetscape.

Who This Building Is Best For

Lantern House suits buyers who want space, light, and a distinctive architectural style within a full-service Chelsea building. It’s ideal for end-users seeking comfort and modern design, households needing functional two- and three-bedroom layouts, and buyers who want the combination of waterfront proximity and High Line access. Anyone who values unique design and generous interior proportions will find strong appeal here.