Few cities in the world have real estate as expensive as New York’s. For its millions of residents, the idea of certain amenities, such as a private garden—must be quickly abandoned. Yet one apartment building in Brooklyn’s trendy Dumbo neighborhood is creatively changing all of that.

Situated next to the Brooklyn Bridge is 60 Water Street, built by Two Trees Management (developers of the Domino Sugar Factory in Williamsburg) and designed by the New York–based firm, Leeser Architecture. The views of both the renowned bridge and the downtown Manhattan skyline would be enough to lure eager residents to the 17-story building. However, it’s what landscape designers constructed on the roof that sets the structure apart from nearly every other building in New York City.

A team from James Corner Field Operations (the same group who worked on the High Line, a popular tourist destination that cuts through Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood) used the 6,000-square-foot space to create a stunning rooftop garden. With a mixture of plants—Korean feather reed grass, Moor grass, coneflowers, yarrows, and calamint—that are divided by angular walkways, residents and their guests can enjoy the spectacular views while sitting in wood lounge chairs. The roof has been designed with multiple zones that offer different vantage points and experiences. At the northeast end, for example, residents can take in the sights while dipping their feet in mini pools.

On hot summer days, residents can dip their feet in small pools of water while taking in the sights.

If it’s a must to have amazing views of the city to complement your own “meadow in the sky,” as the firm calls it, there is still time to rent, as the newly constructed building is at 90 percent capacity. For more information visit 60waterom .