The building went through the BSA (Board of Standards and Appeals) process in order to obtain permission to build additional floor area, beyond that allowed by standard use of the Zoning Resolution. A modified mansard roof with dormers was used for the ninth floor of the building to scale down the additional height and floor area of the building. Silverleaf maintains the components of the traditional building type commonly found in New York City pre-war buildings with a modern reinterpretation of these components: a defined base of split face cast stone, a middle section of brick and cast stone banding and an articulated mansard roof and cornice.

The design details at the façade and rear yard, along with the high-quality finishes at the interiors, provide a sense of welcome and pride for the residents. The entries to each apartment have been recessed so that a rhythm of light and shadow is created along the length of the corridor. The rear yard provides different quality of spaces: areas adjacent to the community room for larger gatherings as well as areas for private introspection under the trellis.