But even if the height is equivalent to the number of the beast, the design is more like a stairway to heaven — at least for those who can afford it. The building’s 400,000 square feet and 55 floors will have 112 luxury condominium residences averaging over 3,000 square feet apiece.
The site, which originally held a synagogue, sits on the west side of Amsterdam Avenue between West 69th and West 70th streets, on the Upper West Side. It was acquired by SJP Properties for $275 million in 2015.
The development is being constructed “as of right”, meaning there will be no public review process or input from the community on the design and construction of the building.
Elkus Manfredi is designing the building’s exterior, while CetraRuddy is designing the interior spaces.
The design is highly contextual with the architecture of the Upper West Side, and the property boasts protected views of Central Park.
The tower’s stepped setbacks are reminiscent of the skyscrapers built during the early days of New York City’s zoning code, whose light and air mandates prompted skyscrapers to step demurely back from the street. Like those 1920s towers, this one tapers at the top and sports a multi-pronged crown.
Although the new building will top out at 666 feet, it would be almost invisible in either the Midtown or Downtown skylines.
Manhattan–based SJP Properties has developed over 25 million square feet of office and residential space since 1981.
Mitsui Fudosan America, the U.S. investment arm of Japanese development firm Mitsui Fudosan, paid more than $250 million in December for a large stake in Related Cos. 55 Hudson Yards. The firm’s other holdings in the city include 1251 Sixth Avenue at Rockefeller Center and 160 Madison Avenue.
Demolition of the defunct Lincoln Square Synagogue on the site is presently underway.
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