I’m one of the people living in the Octagon. In fact, I was drawn here by the building’s story and history. I think living here is pretty cool—it feels like stepping into a piece of history and becoming part of its story.
Wow!! I’ve wondered what it looks like inside that building and if they kept any historical details intact. You’re so lucky to live not only on the mysterious Roosevelt Island, but also in one of the coolest buildings there!
Overall, they preserved the elegant design of the tower, especially the spiraling staircase. The first-floor mezzanine showcases the original building materials (the original stones), and they display many photos describing the history of the building and Roosevelt Island. In terms of space design, they planned a large amount of public activity space to cater to different user scenarios and needs. For example, the first floor is a gallery used to showcase the creations of Roosevelt Island residents for free. I think it’s a great renovation. Additionally, many diplomats live in this apartment building—many work at consulates in New York or the United Nations. My husband is one of them. It seems to be a tradition for them to choose to live in this building. Very interesting.
Omg thank you so much for all of those details! I’m so happy to hear that they preserved some details and also have historical photos on view. I love that they have a gallery space to display residents’ art - so cool. I had heard lots of UN workers lived on the island, which makes sense since it’s just on the other side of the river.
This was such an amazing first hand account of what it’s like in the octagon. Thank you so much for sharing 🖤
baffles and befuddles me that they'd take the literal asylum where they tortured people and turn it into luxury apartments! pretty much sums up real estate in a nutshell
I’m one of the people living in the Octagon. In fact, I was drawn here by the building’s story and history. I think living here is pretty cool—it feels like stepping into a piece of history and becoming part of its story.
Welcome to have a visit inside(it’s open to public)!
Wow!! I’ve wondered what it looks like inside that building and if they kept any historical details intact. You’re so lucky to live not only on the mysterious Roosevelt Island, but also in one of the coolest buildings there!
Overall, they preserved the elegant design of the tower, especially the spiraling staircase. The first-floor mezzanine showcases the original building materials (the original stones), and they display many photos describing the history of the building and Roosevelt Island. In terms of space design, they planned a large amount of public activity space to cater to different user scenarios and needs. For example, the first floor is a gallery used to showcase the creations of Roosevelt Island residents for free. I think it’s a great renovation. Additionally, many diplomats live in this apartment building—many work at consulates in New York or the United Nations. My husband is one of them. It seems to be a tradition for them to choose to live in this building. Very interesting.
Omg thank you so much for all of those details! I’m so happy to hear that they preserved some details and also have historical photos on view. I love that they have a gallery space to display residents’ art - so cool. I had heard lots of UN workers lived on the island, which makes sense since it’s just on the other side of the river.
This was such an amazing first hand account of what it’s like in the octagon. Thank you so much for sharing 🖤
baffles and befuddles me that they'd take the literal asylum where they tortured people and turn it into luxury apartments! pretty much sums up real estate in a nutshell
Rich people will turn anything into a luxury condo 🥴
Love finding out more about Roosevelt Island! I heard a podcast episode about it last year and have thought about it ever since! https://thisiscriminal.com/episode-247-send-her-to-the-island-12-08-2023/
I *love* Criminal! I actually meant to include a link to a recent episode in this newsletter and totally forgot. I have a feeling you'll like it: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/criminal/id809264944?i=1000652869049