Rachael Zarda

When I started looking for my first place, I’d wonder around the plaza area with my dad looking for “for sale” signs with no real concept of what things cost in the area. I spotted my dream condo just north of the plaza. We sat and stared up at what had to be one of the best rooftops in the city.

To our luck, a man pushing a stroller with two young kiddos was leaving the building and we somewhat awkwardly cornered him into talking to us about his home. There was no for sale sign in front of his unit, but they were getting ready to list! Next thing you know, I’m climbing up the two impeccably decorated stories and onto said rooftop dreaming of the endless dinner parties, romantic dates, and plaza lighting viewings that would take place there for years to come.

Turns out I couldn’t even afford the HOA payment, let alone the staggering mortgage. For a moment, I cursed my nonexistent trust fund and regretted all the time I’d been wasting not purchasing lottery tickets. Ah, but a girl can dream!

I really love where I ended up and actually have a pretty great view from my current balcony, but I still think about that rooftop sometimes. I imagine that the views from this penthouse rooftop garden aren’t too bad, either. The tall ceilings and oversized windows are what captured my attention. Even with the minimalist approach to it’s decor and the industrialism of it’s structure, the entirety of the home still feels warm and inviting. I wouldn’t hesitate to meet the owners as they’re leaving their home for a walk to bombard them with requests to climb up onto their rooftop for a quick look around, that’s for sure.

Images via The Cut