As the first market-rate building in the area in two decades, brings “Miami sophistication” to the Coney Island Boardwalk.

Ocean Drive, 3514 Surf Avenue is a 21-story, 425-unit, market-rate apartment building that adds new housing and retail to the area. The towers overlook the Atlantic on the island’s western end and the building’s waveform feature on the base is fitting for its beachfront location.

Due to Ocean Drive’s waterfront location, technical requirements for the buildings were carefully considered. The beach and boardwalk informed the placement of the structural elements and the program of the building’s foundation. The heavier two towers were shifted back toward Surf Avenue while the lighter garage structure was moved towards the beach to mitigate erosion and depths of excavation required for the foundation. Ocean Drive’s garage location presented a challenge, but ultimately allowed our design team to develop a creative and effective solution. The garage’s playful cladding was designed to be a landmark on the boardwalk.

Ocean Drive’s base includes a large retail space set to house a new neighborhood food store, pharmacy, and restaurant. The site design improves the street ends and boardwalk. Hill West and the landscape architect collaborated on a design that serves the community with a public space for food, activity centers, shade, seating, and lush plantings allowing the building and boardwalk to become a destination in the neighborhood.

Interiors were designed by Whitehall Interiors.