SHoP architects get approval for skinny skyscraper in new york

SHoP architects has been given approval by the landmarks preservation commission for their 1,350-foot residential tower at 111west 57th street west in new york. working together with JDS development group, the project will see the realization of a slim residential tower and conversion of the city’s midtown landmark, the steinway building. with the site estimated to be just shy of 45 feet (about 13 meters) wide, the slim condominium–set to soar approximately 100 feet (30 meters) above the empire state building–will provide recreation spaces, lobby areas, as well as a large retail component.

the skinny skyscraper standing tall among the new york city skyline
image © SHoP architects

the design of 111 west 57th street has been conceived to bring back the essence of historic new york city towers, while employing the latest technology to push the limits in engineering and fabrication. this will be immediately visible from the narrowness and height of the structure, in addition to the technical and material boundaries the tower explores.

with frontage on both 57th and 58th streets, the façade is conceived to be read at multiple scales and vantage points. the east and west building fronts will be clad in terra cotta, offering a visual play of shadow and light; while the north façade will take advantage of the skyscraper’s close proximity to central park, by offering expansive views of the urban green space via a glass curtain wall.

street front to the tower nestled between existing historic buildings
image © SHoP architects

SHoP sustains the integrity of the adjacent steinway property by setting back their thin structure from the street so that it maintains visibility to the front edifice of the historic landmark, preserving the rotunda space of its main showroom. within walking distance to some of new york’s most noted points of interest such as carnegie hall, radio city music hall, the museum of modern art, fifth avenue and 57th street shopping districts, the SHoP-designed high rise will join new york city’s already rapidly growing luxury apartment boom.