101 Warren Street Has 101 Pine Trees Growing On Its Roof

You may have walked by this building in Tribeca, NY a thousand times and even been in the Barnes &amp; Noble or the Whole Foods there, but did you know about the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/stunning-bamboo-forest-continues-to-grow-atop-met-museum/" target="_blank">forest</a> on its rooftop? Defined by this cool green feature, 101 Warren Street is a two story retail podium mixed with a 35-story residential tower designed by firm <a href="http://inhabitat.com/san-francisco-unveils-solar-powered-stadium-for-americas-cup/" target="_blank">SOM</a>. <a href="http://www.tbany.com/projects_page.php?projectid=232&amp;categoryid=10" target="_blank">Thomas Balsley Associates</a> designed the 101 pine-tree forest, which residents and surrounding buildings can look down upon. The urban forest is thought to be a one of a kind project and residents can walk amidst the pines and enjoy the serenity in the heart of Manhattan.

In 2009, 101 Warren Street replaced a parking lot with a mixed-use residential and retail project covering over 2 acres in the Tribeca area.

The building's tower is mostly luxury condominiums, but also features market rate, middle and low income rentals for a total of 383 apartments.

Luxury condos are located in the tower with better views, while the more affordable residences are located in the middle.

Inspiration for the architecture and facade of the building came from existing masonry buildings from around the neighborhood.

The two story podium, constructed in a similar fashion with Jura stone, contains mixed-use commercial space and includes some big name retailers like Bed Bath &amp; Beyond, Whole Foods, and Barnes &amp; Noble.

Residents can quickly access shopping and groceries from within their own building, and area residents enjoy the convenience of the large commercial space.

Located on top of the commercial podium is a large courtyard and park for the residents of the building.

Dubbed the "forest-floor", this level is accessed by residents via their lounge and a deck with lounge chairs allow the residents to fully appreciate their own private urban forest designed by Thomas Balsely Associates.

Planted in a "formation of mounded ellipse-shaped forms" in piles of river stones, 101 Austrian Pines grace the deck of the building.

Year round, the pines are green and lush and help decrease urban heat island effect.

101 Warren Street was given an Award by AIA New York State in 2009.

Constructed out of a lacework of vertical stone piers, recessed glass pockets behind the stone give residents light-filled loggias (read: balconies).

The architecture of the building is formed by a lace screen of masonry infilled with glass.