New York City housing is basically a nightmare, even when you’re a student. You’ve probably heard the rumors or seen the vertical tower stabbing the skyline near the Brooklyn Bridge. We’re talking about Pace University 33 Beekman, a building that officially holds the title of the tallest residence hall in the world.
At 34 stories high, it’s not just a dorm; it’s a massive vertical community. Honestly, most people just call it "Beekman." It opened back in 2015, and since then, it’s become the go-to spot for upper-level students who want to be close to One Pace Plaza without literally living inside the academic building.
The Reality of Living 340 Feet in the Air
When you first walk up to 33 Beekman, you’re greeted by a 3,000-square-foot public plaza. It’s got these IPE wood benches and fancy moonlight fixtures. It feels very "Financial District." But once you’re inside, the vibe shifts to typical college energy, just… higher up.
The building houses around 770 students. That is a lot of people to squeeze into 172,000 square feet.
One of the coolest things—and I’m not just saying this—is the view. If you’re lucky enough to be on one of the higher floors (think 25 and up), you’re looking directly at the World Trade Center or the East River. Waking up to the Brooklyn Bridge is a legitimate flex.
Why the Elevators Are a Personality Trait
You can't talk about Pace University 33 Beekman without talking about the elevators. They are a constant topic of conversation, and usually not the good kind. When you have nearly 800 students trying to get to class five minutes before it starts, those three or four elevators work overtime.
Expect wait times. Seriously.
If one is out of service, which happens more than anyone likes to admit, you might be standing in the lobby for ten minutes. Some students have joked they could’ve walked to the Brooklyn Bridge and back in the time it took to get to the 30th floor. It’s just part of the Beekman experience.
What’s Actually Inside the Rooms?
The room setups here aren’t your 1970s cinderblock nightmare. They’re modern, but they’re tight. You’ve got options ranging from doubles and triples to those bunked quads. Singles exist, but they are like unicorns—rare and very expensive.
- The Bathroom Situation: Every single room or suite has its own private bathroom. No communal showers down the hall. This is a massive win for anyone who values not wearing flip-flops to wash their hair.
- The Furniture: Each student gets a Twin XL bed (78” x 36”), a wardrobe, two dressers, and a desk.
- The "Kitchenette": Every room comes with a MicroFridge (microwave and fridge combo). You aren't cooking a five-course meal in your room. If you try to sear a steak, you’re going to set off the smoke alarm and annoy 769 other people.
Pricing and the Wallet Factor
Living here isn't cheap. For the 2024-2025 academic year, an upper-class double or lofted double sits around $10,400 per semester. If you somehow snag a single, you’re looking at over $12,000.
Keep in mind these rates change. By 2026, you can probably expect a slight bump. It’s the price you pay for being a one-block walk from campus.
The Amenities You’ll Actually Use
The second floor is the "amenities floor." This is where the social stuff happens. There’s a gym that stays open 24 hours. It’s not a Gold’s Gym, but it’s got enough treadmills and weights to keep you from having to pay for a separate Equinox membership nearby.
The Communal Kitchen
Since you can't cook in your room, the second-floor kitchen is a literal lifesaver. It has ovens and stovetops. On Sunday nights, it usually smells like a mix of burnt popcorn and someone’s attempt at homemade pasta.
Laundry Without the Stress
The laundry room is in the basement. Unlike some of the older dorms like Maria’s Tower, Beekman has a decent number of machines. The best part? The cost is included in your housing fee. You don't have to scrounge for quarters or keep track of a laundry card balance.
The Neighborhood: Living in FiDi
The location is a weird mix of history and high-speed business. You’re on the corner of Beekman and William Street.
What's nearby:
- Fulton Street Station: A 2-minute walk. You can catch basically every subway line (2, 3, 4, 5, A, C, J, Z).
- City Hall Park: Right there for when you need to see a tree.
- Grub Hub Central: You’re surrounded by $15 salads and some of the best pizza spots in Lower Manhattan.
Living at Pace University 33 Beekman means you are essentially living in the heart of the Financial District. It’s quiet on the weekends when the bankers go home, which is actually kind of nice.
Expert Insight: What New Residents Forget
Most people focus on the view and the height, but the small things trip them up. For example, the bed height. If you need more storage space, you have to submit a Facilities Request to have your bed lofted or raised. Don't try to do it yourself; the maintenance staff is pretty strict about that.
Also, the mailroom is on-site. You get your own key-accessed mailbox. But if you’re ordering large packages from Amazon, they go to a central receiving area, and you’ll get an email when they’re ready.
Is it worth it?
Honestly, it depends on what you value. If you want a private bathroom and a short commute, it’s the best spot on campus. If you hate elevators and want a giant kitchen in your room, you might feel a bit cramped.
Next Steps for Future Residents:
- Check your move-in date: Pace usually releases these mid-summer.
- Submit your ID photo early: You need your Pace ID to even get into the lobby. If you don't have it, you're stuck on the sidewalk with your suitcases.
- Coordinate with roommates: Since you share a bathroom, decide who is bringing the shower curtain (78 inches) and who is responsible for the toilet paper.
- Pack a light jacket: New York stays weirdly warm until October, and you don't want your heavy winter coats taking up your limited wardrobe space in September.