NEW YORK, Aug. 16, 2011 — (PRNewswire) — A symbol of Lower Manhattan's resurgence over the past decade as a vibrant residential, commercial and cultural neighborhood, the shining New York by Gehry at Eight Spruce Street ( NewYorkbyGehry.com) is lauded by architecture critics worldwide. With stainless steel cladding curving like draped fabric, it's an inspired addition to the Manhattan skyline.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110816/NY53068 )

"I designed a building I would want to live in as a New Yorker," said renowned architect Frank Gehry. "You could say this is my love letter to New York City. I'm thrilled we were able to do it in Lower Manhattan, which allowed me to be part of something so meaningful -- to stand with this building's neighbors, the residents and businesses of this neighborhood. We worked together over the past seven years to create a new icon for Lower Manhattan."

With over 300 families already residing in this all-rental 903-unit, 76-story vertical city, it's clear that Lower Manhattan's matrix has expanded beyond the finance industry. Many tenants work in design and media as well as law and finance.

Gehry designed not only the exhilarating façade but all of the interiors, and the artist's vision is everywhere from the sculptural concierge desk to the screening room's amphitheater seating. Amenities include a pool, a grilling terrace and chef's kitchen, a "tweens' den," children's playroom, and 3,300 sf fitness center overlooking the Brooklyn Bridge.

Bruce C. Ratner, Chairman and CEO of Forest City Ratner Companies, said, "Lower Manhattan has shown its resilience, and we are so proud to be part of its residential growth and renewal. It's been extremely fulfilling to collaborate with Frank Gehry to realize his stunning design and to work with the Bloomberg Administration and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver to create a new five-story, 100,000-square-foot public school -- much-needed by local families."

In addition to the preK-8 school at its base, the building will house doctors' offices for New York Downtown Hospital and hospital parking. Open space includes two public plazas designed by Field Operations, the creative force behind Manhattan's High Line and Dutch horticulturist Piet Oudolf, who collaborated with Gehry on Chicago's Millennium Park.

Click here for more images of New York by Gehry at Eight Spruce Street: NYbG images

SOURCE Forest City Ratner Companies