
Apartment Rooftop Outdoor Living
Bloomfield, NJ
Landscape Design & Installation By
Sponzilli Landscape Group

Rooftop Landscape Design & Installation
As part of the 550 Madison Avenue project, Sponzilli installed the privately owned public open space spanning between 55th Street and 56th Street in midtown Manhattan.
The privately-owned public space and plaza includes a partially covering glass canopy of monumental proportions giving the space a unique atrium-like feel. Orange County Ironworks was the steel fabricator, and Gabriel Steel Erectors assembled the steel over the rectangular space that spans between East 55th and 56th Streets.
The custom granite plaza extends an entire NYC block with over 10,000 sq ft of large format granite stone selected to match the existing materials utilized in the building.
Within the plaza you will discover a dense garden…the only publicly accessible green space in the East Midtown district. The area is beautifully enhanced by dozens of 25’ specimen trees, a waterfall, extensive plantings, custom outdoor furniture, and common area seating, all installed by Sponzilli.
The project is a magnificent repurposing of a previously closed off passageway between 55th and 56th Streets and required specialized engineered soil and custom-designed irrigation systems to support the sustainable urban landscape project. Learn about the team of individuals who played a role in the incredible transformation of 550 Madison.
This rooftop landscape design and installation project transformed a new condominium development into a vibrant and multi-functional outdoor retreat, catering to diverse lifestyles and social needs. The thoughtfully crafted space combines luxury amenities, entertainment, and relaxation with innovative landscape solutions that maximize the rooftop’s potential. Designed to enhance the urban living experience, the project incorporates a blend of recreational, social, and private areas that provide a haven for residents amidst the city’s hustle and bustle.
At the heart of the rooftop is a stunning brick paver patio, installed on pedestals to ensure proper drainage while accommodating electric and plumbing requirements for various entertainment spaces. The design includes multiple zones for leisure and activities, such as a dedicated game area equipped with a foosball table, pool table, and ping pong table, offering residents endless entertainment options.
A large outdoor movie screen and projector were installed adjacent to an area of artificial turf, creating a flexible space used for weekly movie nights and exercise classes during the day. This adaptable turf surface serves as a dynamic centerpiece, allowing for a range of group activities that bring the community together.
Planters were strategically placed to create private patio spaces for residents whose doors open directly onto the rooftop. These planters not only define personal areas but also provide a sense of seclusion, ensuring that each resident can enjoy a measure of privacy without compromising the openness of the main space. Larger planters add vertical greenery to the landscape, introducing natural elements that soften the urban setting while allowing future shaded areas to develop as the plantings mature.
In the public sitting areas, water features deliver the calming effect of running water, helping to mask urban noise and enhance the tranquil atmosphere. A gas fire pit adds warmth and ambiance, fostering inviting gathering spaces perfect for social interaction and relaxation.
A central pavilion, equipped with operable louvers that adjust to weather conditions, shelters a large dining area complete with a built-in grill, bar stools, tables, and chairs for al fresco dining and entertainment. This versatile structure allows residents to enjoy the space year-round, adapting to both sunny and inclement weather. A secondary pavilion was constructed on an additional rooftop level, featuring another grill, bar seating, and an assortment of tables, chairs, and sofas, providing an alternative venue for dining and unwinding.
Specially designed ADA-compliant ramps and pathways ensure that every resident can fully enjoy the rooftop experience. The accessible layout prioritizes inclusivity, allowing all users to navigate and engage with the space seamlessly.
The entire installation showcases commercial-grade quality in every aspect, from the durable materials used to withstand rooftop conditions to the meticulous execution of infrastructure elements such as drainage, lighting, and utility connections. The design ensures that the rooftop remains not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and resilient for years to come.
The completed project delivers an exceptional rooftop oasis, seamlessly integrating urban luxury with natural beauty and functionality. It provides residents with an elevated living experience, offering versatile spaces for relaxation, social gatherings, and recreation. By redefining what a rooftop can offer, this multi-use space enhances the condominium’s value and creates a true escape within the urban skyline.

