The Orchard

The Orchard is a 1.4-acre rooftop community park crowning Long Island City's tallest residential tower. Conceived by HMWhite as the social and recreational heart of an 824-unit residential community, the landscape transforms an otherwise inaccessible rooftop into an immersive open-space destination that promotes wellness, social connection, and engagement with nature.

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Known as "New York City's Largest Backyard," the landscape establishes a new benchmark for urban residential living. Located within a rapidly growing neighborhood with limited access to significant public open space, the rooftop functions as a contemporary interpretation of the village green—a shared outdoor living room that brings residents together through recreation, gathering, and everyday encounters. Inspired by the woodland ecologies and native plant communities of the nearby East River waterfront, a framework of shade trees, flowering understory plantings, meadows, and sculpted landforms organizes a diverse collection of outdoor destinations. A resort-style pool, running track, pickleball courts, great lawn, yoga terrace, children's play area, dog park, outdoor dining venues, and signature apple orchard provide opportunities for activity and relaxation throughout the year.

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At the center of the park, an expansive lawn serves as a communal gathering space from which a series of garden rooms and activity zones unfold. Together, these landscapes create an immersive natural environment that visually dissolves the rooftop's structural boundaries while softening the presence of the surrounding city. The Orchard demonstrates how landscape can become the defining identity of a residential development—creating enduring value, fostering community, and redefining the experience of urban living.