By: Russ Spencer

The Hudson River waterfront welcomed a striking new addition this week with the opening of The Yacht Club at the iconic Starrett-Lehigh Building — a bold project that The New York Post reported is far more than just another upscale dining venue. The 20,000 square-foot indoor-outdoor space not only marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the West Side’s hospitality scene but also serves as the crown jewel of Level 10, a sweeping new amenities concept crafted by building owner RXR Realty.

As The New York Post report highlighted, The Yacht Club is a pivotal component of RXR’s broader vision to transform the 2.3 million square-foot Starrett-Lehigh monolith — bounded by 11th and 12th Avenues between West 26th and 27th Streets — from a relic of industrial New York into a vibrant destination of leisure, business, and creativity.

Featuring a 125-seat seafood-focused restaurant, expansive bars, and striking Hudson River views, The Yacht Club brings a distinct flair of nautical glamour to the West Side. Operated by CREW, the hospitality group behind downtown Manhattan’s immensely popular Grand Banks oyster bar on Pier 25, the venue exudes a maritime charm designed to captivate both casual visitors and event-goers.

But as The New York Post report noted, the real innovation lies in Level 10 itself — a lavish, full-floor amenities space perched atop the building. While office tenants have priority access to certain areas, Level 10 spans 50,000 square feet and is open to the public for private bookings, events, meetings, podcasts, and other gatherings. Its rooftop terrace, offering panoramic views of the Hudson, positions it as a coveted venue for corporate and social functions alike.

The Yacht Club’s opening represents the latest chapter in RXR’s ambitious revitalization of Starrett-Lehigh. As The New York Post reported, RXR acquired the massive building in 2011 for $920 million, inheriting a property known for its utilitarian design and a patchwork of tenants — from Martha Stewart’s Omnicom to companies linked to its manufacturing and shipping heritage.

RXR’s mission was clear: modernize the historic structure without sacrificing its character. As The New York Post report detailed, this meant replacing five miles of glass windows and attracting high-profile tenants such as Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren, ushering in a new era of fashion and creative business within the building’s storied walls.

The transformation also extended to culinary ventures. The New York Post previously spotlighted RXR’s decision to lease prime ground-floor space to celebrated chef Marcus Samuelsson, whose restaurant Hav + Mar brought a refined dining experience to the corner of the building — signaling RXR’s intent to blend business with high-end hospitality.

Now, with the debut of The Yacht Club, RXR doubles down on this approach. The New York Post report framed the venue not merely as a trendy eatery but as a statement of intent for how the Starrett-Lehigh Building serves as a nexus of commerce, culture, and community on Manhattan’s far West Side.

Unique among office buildings in New York, Starrett-Lehigh’s Level 10 concept speaks to RXR’s recognition of shifting workplace dynamics — particularly in a post-pandemic era where hybrid work models have recalibrated what tenants expect from office spaces. The Post noted that RXR’s fusion of amenities with traditional office space reflects a keen understanding of the evolving demands of both workers and the broader public seeking meaningful, multifunctional environments.