Third at Bankside — South Bronx, New York

Leong Leong designed the amenity interiors for Third at Bankside, developed by Brookfield Properties. The 15,000-square-foot program is distributed across 4 floors of a 25-story, 450-unit residential tower and podium located along the Harlem River and beside a new public waterfront park and esplanade.

At the heart of the design is the lobby, a multifunctional space that combines elements of co-working and relaxation. The lobby’s layout incorporates a strategic placement of co-working tables and soft seating, allowing residents to work collaboratively or unwind while enjoying breathtaking views across the Harlem River. This deliberate arrangement not only encourages productive interactions among residents, but also welcomes the presence of the wider community, blurring the boundaries between the private and public realms.

The concierge desk serves as the focal point within the lobby, organizing visitors as they enter and orienting them towards the two elevator banks located within the building. Arched ceilings flow overhead, creating processional moments as one moves through the space. Additionally, just off the main lobby, a monumental stair connects the lounge to the second floor, creating a sculptural figure within the space. This feature adds a sense of dynamism and elegance to the design, while also serving as a functional element that enhances vertical circulation and accessibility.

In dialogue with the neighborhood’s historical industrial context, the material palette integrates the natural textures of wood, stone, and exposed concrete. To underscore the project’s commitment to sustainability and context, the design incorporates the use of reclaimed Heart Pine, sourced from nineteenth century heavy timber industrial structures in the Northeast United States.