Bjarke Ingels-designed The Smile has officially launched its teaser website. Designed inside and out by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), this one-of-a-kind new rental development builds on the Copenhagen-founded firm’s mission of breaking the confines of traditional architecture. The gently curved shape of the building was hand-drawn by Bjarke Ingels in a moment of inspiration during an initial meeting with the development team. Now nearly complete, The Smile hugs 126th Street and resembles the welcoming grin of a smile. The curve provides the apartments and the street below with an abundance of direct sunlight. An interlocking checkerboard pattern dots the façade, making each home a bright pop of activity and life.

"The Smile brings a soft, curvilinear expression to Harlem’s 126th street as it nestles between the two neighboring buildings. The street wall leans inwards as it rises upwards in a relaxed gesture. The homes rise above and beyond the Gotham Retail Plaza, cantilevering over to 125th street as it captures the views and sunlight from the south. The Smile is designed for the desires of Harlem’s residents of today – joining the diverse Harlem neighborhood, integrating wellness amenities and offering generous roof gardens."

Located in Upper Manhattan in the heart of Harlem at East 126th Street and Lexington Avenue, The Smile overlooks Harlem’s historic “Main Street” and cultural capital, 125th Street moments from the subway and Metro-North stations.

Photos credit: Vizerio Architectural Visualization

The Smile provides residents with a robust amenity package including complete spa, fitness and work-from-home experience, that will adhere to all CDC guidelines and enhanced occupancy, maintenance and cleaning measures. The list includes The Smile Rooftop Club, with swimming pool, three whirlpools, grilling and dining areas and open-air movie theater all in a beautiful landscaped setting with panoramic views of the Harlem River and Manhattan skyline. The Smile Fitness Club, a state-of-the-art fitness center that includes yoga and personal training rooms. The Smile Spa, a facility on par with the city’s leading spas and featuring a Hamam, sauna and steam rooms, color-changing LED Himalayan salt room, cold room and private treatment rooms. 

Developed by Blumenfeld Development Group (BDG), The Smile will continue the firm’s dedication to investing in the surrounding community. The company has been active builders in the neighborhood since 1994 – in fact, The Smile creatively cantilevers over Gotham Plaza, a mixed-use building on 125th Street completed by BDG in 2002. BDG is also a strong patron of the arts and philanthropic causes, and will be housing neighborhood non-profit and performing arts group MAMA Foundation for the Arts on site.

The Smile will launch leasing this summer and pricing for the market-rate apartments will start at $2,256/month. Brown Harris Stevens Development Marketing is the exclusive leasing and marketing agent for The Smile.

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