Perched atop historic Staple Street alley in lower Manhattan this penthouse unit’s roof was severely weathered but offered the unique possibility of sweeping city views for looking at while protected from all its nearby neighbors. Directly across the street lies the Beaux Arts Mercantile Exchange building, whose upper floors are lightly occupied for commercial purposes, guaranteeing private evenings with a celebrated classical companion view. In contrast the other three sides of the terrace invite in views of a diverse set of architecture from the avant 57 Leonard Street tower to the the nouveau classicism of the four seasons tower, down to the glass obelisk of 1 World Trade.