Eight Residential Buildings with Amazing Roof Decks

Photo courtesy of Girard

1. Girard

The South End’s Girard is the ultimate apartment building for lovers of midcentury modern design. It draws from the aesthetics of famed furniture designers Eames, Knoll, and Nelson, and has a jaw-dropping roof terrace overlooking the neighborhood—complete with Bertoia diamond chairs, of course. 50 Malden St., Boston, girardboston.com.

Photo courtesy of Lovejoy Wharf

2. Lovejoy Wharf

As one of the newest condo complexes along the waterfront, it’s no surprise Lovejoy Wharf offers unrivaled views of the harbor. The 12th-floor rooftop terrace, designed by landscape architecture firm HM White, provides a front row seat to watch the Zakim Bridge light up at night. 100 Lovejoy Pl., Boston, lovejoyboston.com.

One Canal photo by Anthony Crisafulli

3. One Canal

Landscape design firm Copley Wolff dreamed up the rooftop oasis overlooking the Greenway at One Canal. The 9,000-square foot deck has a swimming pool, a fireplace lounge, and an outdoor theater. 1 Canal St., Boston, liveonecanal.com.

Zinc photo by Anthony Crisafulli

4. Zinc Apartments

The garden terrace at East Cambridge’s Zinc Apartments comes with barbecue grills, a fireplace, and a pavilion lounge. There’s plenty of room to stretch out on a chaise lounge, too, as the Copley Wolff-designed space measures up to 15,000 square feet. 22 Water St., Cambridge, livezinc.com.

Clarendon photo courtesy of Copley Wolff Design Group

5. The Clarendon

The condos at the Clarendon in Back Bay are a marvel on their own, but the spacious common roof deck is surely the building’s crown jewel. The landscaped terrace makes for an excellent spot to take in views of 200 Clarendon—the iconic building formerly known as the Hancock Tower. 400 Stuart St., Boston, clarendonbackbay.com.

Photo courtesy of CBT

6. AVA Theater District 

Perched high above downtown Boston, the wraparound terrace at AVA Theater District offers sweeping panoramas of the city. Plentiful bistro seating makes it the perfect spot to enjoy an after-work glass of white. 45 Stuart St., Boston, avaloncommunities.com.

Kensington photo by Anthony Crisafulli

7. The Kensington

On the “sky deck” at the Kensington, you can leisurely float in the pool while looking up at downtown’s eclectic mix of new and old buildings. When the sun sets, you can cozy up near the fireplace while watching an outdoor TV. 665 Washington St., Boston, kensingtonboston.com.

Photo courtesy of Watermark Seaport

8. Watermark Seaport

This 17-story tower boasts one of the Seaport’s tallest roof decks. It’s complete with ample seating and lush vegetation, and is perfect for lazy days of sunbathing and admiring the skyline. 85 Seaport Blvd., Boston, watermarkseaport.com.