The complex will have 431 affordable housing units, including 105 in 15 Hudson Yards, the first residential tower at the project. Remaining residential condominiums for sale will be available “at the West Chelsea market rate and maybe a bit higher,” Samuelian said.

And the community's population suggests a high rent pool. “West Chelsea has a population of 400,000, the average income is $133,000 and residents are the highly educated creative class,” he added. “They're early adopters of technology and the area has the largest concentration of art galleries in the world, which creates the neighborhood character.”

One more demographic trend likely to put related in good stead: The area's population is expected to double by the time the project is completed,” noted Samuelian.

Also of note, with the help of New York University's Center for Urban Science and Progress, Hudson Yards will be the first, “Quantified Community,” where key physical and environmental attributes will be measured and analyzed. For example, pedestrian flows through traffic and transit points, open spaces and retail space will be tracked; along with solid waste disposal, air quality and even residents' and workers' fitness through an opt-in feature.

“Big things still can happen in New York,” he declared. “And there's a lot of pride in doing them.”