The design of 205 Water Street was conceived to complement and preserve the unique character of the DUMBO Historic Landmark District in which it is located— a neighborhood of 19th and early 20th century industrial architecture of greatly varied and often monumental scale. The principal exterior building material is cast in place architectural concrete, the very same material used in the district’s larger turn of the century loft buildings. This concrete, rendered in a more contemporary smooth, cool gray, is contrasted by warm Cor-Ten steel accents that are inspired by the weathered industrial metalwork found throughout the neighborhood.

The top floors fronting on Plymouth Street feature an unusual cantilevered penthouse balcony inspired by the striking appearance of the Manhattan Bridge as seen from DUMBO streets. Loft-like living spaces feature five-inch wide, fumed white oak flooring, thermally and acoustically insulated, high efficiency windows, 10-foot ceiling heights and architectural concrete accent walls. The lobby features a reclaimed Coney Island Board- walk accent wall, double height ceiling, concrete floors with recycled steel plate inlays and refrigerated storage.