Top of the Times

For New Yorkers, understanding the diverse fabric of our city includes recognizing the various ways buildings serve our community. When one encounters a name like "Top of the Times" associated with an address right in the bustling heart of Times Square – specifically, 255 W 43rd St, New York, NY 10036, USA – it immediately conjures images of iconic vistas and vibrant city life. However, unlike a conventional commercial hotel, "Top of the Times" refers to a specific and significant aspect of a building with a profound social mission.

The building at 255 W 43rd Street is historically known as The Times Square Hotel. Originally a grand hotel from the 1920s, it underwent a remarkable transformation. It is now the flagship supportive housing residence operated by Breaking Ground, a leading non-profit organization dedicated to combating homelessness in New York City. "Top of the Times" is the name given to a unique community space on the top floor of this building, offering spectacular views of the city.

This article aims to provide a clear, factual, and informative overview of this notable location. While it isn't a traditional commercial hotel where anyone can book a nightly stay, its presence and the purpose of "Top of the Times" are important for New Yorkers to understand. We will explore its prime Times Square location, discuss the services and features associated with the building (from the perspective of its residents), and highlight what makes "Top of the Times" a special communal space. We will also touch upon the general idea of what might be considered "promotions" in this context, and provide contact information for the operating organization. Ultimately, we aim to explain why this place, though not a typical hotel, is suitable and significant for the local community it serves.

By exploring "Top of the Times," we gain insight into a unique model of urban living and community support, contrasting with the commercial hospitality surrounding it, yet undeniably a part of the vibrant tapestry of New York City.

The building that houses "Top of the Times" is located at 255 W 43rd St, New York, NY 10036, USA. This address is in an exceptionally prominent and central part of Midtown Manhattan, placing it directly within the iconic Times Square and Broadway Theatre District. Its historical significance as the former Times Square Hotel further emphasizes its prime positioning.

For anyone familiar with New York City, this location signifies immediate and unparalleled access to some of the city's most famous landmarks and activities:

• Times Square: The dazzling lights, iconic billboards, and constant energy of Times Square are literally just steps away, making it an immersive experience.

• Broadway Theatres: The vast majority of Broadway's world-renowned theaters are within a very short walking distance, offering unparalleled convenience for theatergoers.

• Restaurant Row: Located just a few blocks west on 46th Street, this area boasts a high concentration of diverse and acclaimed restaurants.

• Jacob K. Javits Convention Center: For those attending events, the Javits Center is typically within a 15-20 minute walk, providing a practical connection for business and trade shows.

Public transportation access from 255 W 43rd Street is exceptionally robust, a crucial aspect of navigating New York City. The building is strategically positioned near major subway and bus hubs:

• Times Square–42nd Street / Port Authority Bus Terminal complex: This massive transportation hub is just a few minutes' walk away. It provides access to an extensive network of subway lines, including the A, C, E, N, Q, R, W, 1, 2, 3, and 7 trains. This allows for direct and efficient travel to nearly every corner of Manhattan, as well as easy connections to other boroughs. The Port Authority Bus Terminal also offers extensive regional and intercity bus services.

• Grand Central Terminal: While a slightly longer walk or a quick subway ride on the 7 train, Grand Central provides additional subway connections (4, 5, 6 lines) and Metro-North commuter rail services to the northern suburbs.

For air travelers, the central location provides relatively convenient access to New York's major airports. LaGuardia Airport (LGA), JFK International Airport (JFK), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) are all accessible via a combination of public transit and taxi/rideshare services. The "Walk Score" of this area is extremely high, making it ideal for those who prefer to explore the city on foot.

As "Top of the Times" is a communal space within The Times Square building, a supportive housing residence operated by Breaking Ground, the "services offered" are primarily directed towards its residents rather than being typical commercial hotel services. The building provides a comprehensive environment designed to support formerly homeless and low-income adults.

Here are the key services associated with the building at 255 W 43rd Street, emphasizing its function as supportive housing:

• Permanent Affordable Housing: The primary service is providing 652 units of permanent affordable housing for low-income and formerly homeless adults, including persons with serious mental illness and persons living with HIV/AIDS. Each studio apartment includes a private bath and a kitchenette with cooking facilities and a refrigerator, and units are partially furnished.

• On-Site Supportive Services: In partnership with the Center for Urban Community Services (CUCS), the building offers a wide range of crucial on-site social services. These include:

  • Case management

  • Recreational activities

  • Self-sufficiency workshops

  • Life skills training

  • Substance abuse counseling (as part of broader support)

• 24-Hour Security: The building features 24-hour security, ensuring a safe and secure environment for all residents.

• Property Management Staff: On-site property management staff are available during normal business hours to address building-related needs.

• Laundry Facilities: On-site laundry facilities are provided for residents.

• Communal Spaces: Beyond the "Top of the Times" community room, the building includes other communal spaces on each floor, fostering a sense of community.

• Medical Suite: The building has a dedicated medical suite, providing convenient access to healthcare for residents.

These services are integral to the mission of Breaking Ground, which is to help residents stabilize their lives and transition to greater independence. The building's amenities and support structure are designed to address the unique needs of its population, distinguishing it significantly from a commercial hotel operation.

The building at 255 W 43rd Street, and specifically "Top of the Times," possesses several notable features and highlights that underscore its unique identity and significance in New York City.

• "Top of the Times" Community Room: This is the namesake highlight. Located on the top floor, this spacious community room offers sweeping views of the city. It serves as a vital communal space for tenant events, trainings, and social gatherings, fostering a sense of community among residents. The reviews provided ("Great Views of the city..PEACE" and "To live in times square is a blessing.") likely refer to the stunning vistas from this top-floor vantage point.

• Historic Preservation and Landmark Status: The building is a former grand hotel (originally the Claman Hotel, then the Times Square Hotel) built in 1922 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 4, 1995. Its transformation by Breaking Ground involved a full historic restoration, combining preservation with its new social mission, earning it several awards for innovative programs and historic preservation.

• Flagship Supportive Housing Residence: This building is Breaking Ground's largest permanent supportive housing residence in the nation, contributing significantly to the revitalization of the Times Square neighborhood. Its model has demonstrated a new approach to addressing long-term urban homelessness.

• On-Site Arts Studio and Gallery: The double-height lobby serves as a gallery showcasing the work of resident artists, highlighting a commitment to creative expression and personal development among the residents. An arts studio further supports this.

• Green Building/Green Roof: The building incorporates environmentally friendly features, including a green roof, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability.

• Central Times Square Location: While not a commercial hotel, its physical location in the heart of the Times Square Theatre District means it benefits from unparalleled access to public transportation, dining, and cultural attractions. This desirable location makes supportive housing more accessible and integrated into the city's core.

• Library: A dedicated library space provides a quiet area for residents to read and learn.

These features highlight the building's dual identity: a historically significant structure that has been repurposed to serve a crucial social function, providing both essential housing and a supportive community environment with remarkable amenities for its residents.

As The Times Square building at 255 W 43rd Street is a supportive housing residence operated by a non-profit organization (Breaking Ground) rather than a commercial hotel, it does not offer "promotions or special offers" in the traditional sense of discounted room rates or vacation packages. Its "offers" are instead focused on providing essential and affordable housing and services to its target population.

Therefore, instead of typical hotel promotions, the "offers" here are tied to its mission of supportive housing:

• Affordable Housing Units: The primary "offer" is access to permanent, affordable studio apartments for eligible low-income and formerly homeless adults, individuals with serious mental illness, and those living with HIV/AIDS. This is a critical provision that addresses a significant need in New York City.

• Comprehensive On-Site Support: The integrated social services (case management, recreational activities, self-sufficiency workshops, etc.) provided by the Center for Urban Community Services are a core "benefit" or "offer" that goes beyond basic housing, aiming to help residents stabilize their lives and achieve greater independence.

• Community Building and Engagement: Features like the "Top of the Times" community room, arts studio, and various resident events are "offers" that foster a supportive and engaging living environment, promoting well-being and social connection.

Potential "promotions" from Breaking Ground would typically revolve around fundraising campaigns, public awareness initiatives, or calls for volunteers to support their mission. They do not offer nightly stays or commercial bookings. Individuals interested in accessing housing at The Times Square or other Breaking Ground properties would need to go through an application process to determine eligibility, which is based on specific income and need criteria, not commercial booking availability or pricing.

For direct inquiries regarding The Times Square building at 255 W 43rd Street, particularly concerning its operations as a supportive housing residence, and for information about Breaking Ground's mission and services, you can use the following contact details:

Address: 255 W 43rd St, New York, NY 10036, USA

The phone numbers provided in the initial prompt ((646) 233-1932 and +1 646-233-1932) are not directly associated with Breaking Ground or The Times Square supportive housing residence based on public data. Breaking Ground's contact information for general inquiries or their Central Intake Unit (for housing applications) is typically different.

Based on public records for Breaking Ground:

Breaking Ground's Central Intake Unit (for housing applications) can be reached at:

Phone: (212) 659-0878

Fax: (212) 302-8147

It is important to contact Breaking Ground directly via their official website or the phone numbers listed for their specific programs if you are seeking information about their supportive housing services or wish to engage with them.

For New Yorkers, understanding "Top of the Times" within the context of the building at 255 W 43rd Street reveals a unique and profoundly suitable purpose, though not in the typical sense of a commercial hotel. This location is an exemplary model of how a city can repurpose its historical assets to address critical social needs, making it deeply relevant to the local community.

"Top of the Times" is suitable for locals not as a booking destination for a nightly stay, but as a testament to New York's commitment to supportive housing and community revitalization. For any New Yorker interested in urban planning, social services, or effective solutions to homelessness, this building stands as a beacon. Its success story, transforming a dilapidated former hotel into a nationally recognized supportive housing residence, is a point of local pride and a model for urban development.

The physical space of "Top of the Times" itself, with its "Great Views of the city" and atmosphere of "PEACE," offers a crucial amenity for its residents – a beautiful communal space that fosters well-being and connection in the heart of one of the world's busiest neighborhoods. This contrasts sharply with the frantic pace outside, providing a sanctuary for those who need it most. For a local, understanding this highlights the diverse ways our city's prime real estate can serve not just tourism and commerce, but also essential human needs.

Furthermore, the building's central Times Square location makes it highly accessible for its residents, connecting them directly to job opportunities, social services, medical facilities, and the vast public transportation network. This integration into the city's core is vital for fostering independence and reducing isolation, which is a key aspect of Breaking Ground's successful model.

In essence, while "Top of the Times" is not a "hotel" that you or your visiting relatives would book for a commercial stay, it is profoundly suitable for locals because it represents:

• A successful model of supportive housing: Demonstrating how a major city can effectively address homelessness and provide stability.

• Historical preservation with a social mission: Showcasing how iconic New York buildings can be revitalized for community benefit.

• A vital community resource: Providing a safe, stable, and supportive environment for vulnerable New Yorkers, complete with amenities that enhance quality of life.

For New Yorkers, appreciating "Top of the Times" means recognizing a powerful example of social innovation and community care, located right in the very heart of our city. It's a reminder that beneath the bright lights of Times Square, there are fundamental efforts to build and restore lives, creating pockets of "PEACE" and "blessing" for those who reside there.

Top of the Times

255 W 43rd St, New York, NY 10036, USA