Press

Thursday, September 10 marks the first day of school in New York City. This comes roughly one year after Governor Kathy Hochul issued a statewide ban on cell phones in schools, and shortly after New York City's public schools announced new tech policies for the year ahead. They include no laptops or tablets for preschool to second grade students, time limits on laptop use from third to eighth grades, and a blanket ban on student use of artificial intelligence for all students below high school.

It is too early to know how these policies will play out and what effect they will have on students' educations and social lives. But at the end of the first school year with the cell phone ban, Governor Hochul revealed the results of a survey of educators reporting stronger student engagement and fewer distractions in the classroom in the wake of the ban. Students, too, reported positive experiences, including stronger social connections.

In the case of young students, stronger social connections can mean the beginnings of friendships that include play dates. These can get a little cramped in some New York City apartments, but residential developers have extended the amenity race to their youngest residents by including playrooms in their amenity packages. In some of the city's more luxurious buildings, they have partnered with acclaimed designers and illustrators, and include outdoor playgrounds along with the indoor playrooms.

These settings naturally appeal to children, and also show grown-up apartment buyers that these buildings are good places to raise their families. These spaces are situated near adult-oriented spaces like lounges or gyms, making it easy for parents to peek in while enjoying their own leisure. In addition to offering space for play dates with friends from school, they allow opportunities to foster friendships in the building. They also make great venues for birthday parties, though reservations are likely required for large groups. Below, we look at the most appealing children's playrooms in new development condos.

One Williamsburg Wharf

10 availabilities from $1.235M

One Williamsburg Wharf, the first condominium in the waterfront Williamsburg Wharf master plan, is open for immediate occupancy. All residents have access to the Williamsburg Wharf Resort & Recreation Club, which caters to residents of all ages with a game room, a playroom, sports courts, and a rooftop pool that can become a skating rink in winter.

One Williamsburg Wharf, #PHC

$4,320,000

Williamsburg | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths | 1,650 ft2

From the Listing: Welcome to this impeccably designed 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom penthouse graced with a private balcony and rooftop terrace. Brought to life by the acclaimed Naftali Group and Brandon Haw Architecture, One Williamsburg Wharf is a neighborhood-defining luxury project curated to a level never-before-seen in Brooklyn. See floor plan and full details here.