Residential Buildings Unveil Rooftop Pools To Top Rivals

Rooftop pools crowning upscale residential buildings are a more and more popular amenity. As selling points for renters and condominium buyers, they’re more than high-altitude, photogenic features enabling relaxation, recreation, remarkable views and the chance to test different brands of sun block. In many buildings, rooftop pools and sundecks are the primary setting where urban neighbors meet neighbors, to build social networks that enhance a feeling of community within the property.

One might assume the near limitless stretch of Florida beaches would be sufficient to placate residents’ desire to swim. But luxury condominium building developers aren’t buying that assumption. They’re out to surpass competitors by incorporating luxe rooftop pools that induce “ahhhs.” Here are a few noteworthy examples.

La Baia North

A luxurious waterfront condominium at 9481 East Bay Harbor Drive in Bay Harbor Islands, Fla., La Baia features 57 well-sized two- to- four-bedroom residences priced from $1.3 to $3.3 million. Owners can take advantage of a 9,700-square-foot rooftop deck offering heated soaking spas, a sunset lounge with a fire pit, kids’ splash pad, dedicated kids’ lawn and kids’ rooftop grill station for outdoor dining.

“Rooftop spaces are the center of the social scene in developments today,” says Allie Eichner, president of La Baia developer Continuum Company. “With panoramic views of Bay Harbor, Bal Harbour and the Atlantic Ocean, the rooftop creates a sanctuary for residents to unwind in the busy city of Miami. [That is] an opportunity that sets La Baia apart from other developments in the area.”

The Residences at 1428 Brickell

Developed by Miami-based developer Ytech, the 70-story, 189-residence condominium tower in Miami delivers a myriad of qualities. Among them is that it’s the first high-rise residential tower partially powered by solar energy.

The 70^th-floor level features a rooftop pool with hot spa and daybed lounging area, as well as a sky atrium with a luxuriant frondescence-filled greenhouse that whisks occupants into tranquility.

“We created something unique for the Miami market, low-density, resident-only and a focus on truly delivering an ultra-luxurious and ultra-comfortable environment,” says Yamal Yidios, CEO of Ytech, who adds the rooftop pool and atrium offers “breathtaking panoramic views of the Brickell skyline and Biscayne Bay, serving as the perfect backdrop for sharing time with friends, family and neighbors in a memorable way.”

One Park Sarasota

Developed by PMG and JEBCO Ventures, with a design by Hoyt Architects, this is an 18-story, 123-residence luxury condominium tower featuring six private penthouses.

Each of the penthouses includes a private rooftop offering a summer kitchen and private plunge pool, from which residents will enjoy views of downtown Sarasota and Sarasota Bay. The sales gallery is located at 20 N. Lemon Ave. in Sarasota.

According to Dan Kaplan, PMG managing partner, each of the residences in the tower’s “Penthouse Colllection” includes the rooftop deck affording indoor and outdoor living. Nearly the same square footage of space is offered outside as inside, allowing plenty of room for “residents to host social events, spend time with family or even enjoy a flexible workspace in the comfort of their own homes,” Kaplan noted.

Outside Florida

What works in coastal Florida appears appealing to select building developers on either coast. In New York City, the 29-story Mandarin Oriental Residences, Fifth Avenue (at 685 Fifth Avenue), filling out the same space as the former Gucci headquarters, offers Manhattan’s lone residents-only rooftop and pool. From this vantage point, sun worshippers can savor 360-degree views of the city’s skyline.

On the opposite coast, The Pendry Residences West Hollywood on the Sunset Strip provides both a rooftop pool and private in-residence pools, each serving up a serene sanctuary from the high-energy hustle and bustle of West Hollywood.