157-161 West 57th St

[tmg]

Does anybody know what's up with these properties? Several buildings in a row are closed, which suggests something bigger may be going in their place.

Uncle Sam's Umbrella Shop looks like it hasn't been open in 40 years.

[londonlawyer]

Does anybody know what's up with these properties? Several buildings in a row are closed, which suggests something bigger may be going in their place.

Uncle Sam's Umbrella Shop looks like it hasn't been open in 40 years.

Is that on the north side of the street between 6th and 7th? I was by there a few weeks ago and noticed that several buildings were empty.

[tmg]

Is that on the north side of the street between 6th and 7th?

Yes.

[Gulcrapek]

The DOB doesn't turn up anything significant..

[tmg]

Still a mystery what's up with these buildings. Anybody have a clue?

[londonlawyer]

These buildings have been vacant for a long time, and sidewalk scaffolding had been erected quite some time ago. I assumed that they would be demolished, but then the scaffolding came down. They're actually nice buildings (especially the little ones east and west of the large one). Maybe since the market is changing, the owners decided not to proceed with a condo project.

[lofter1]

DOB lists 161 w. 57th as an individual Landmark (http://a810-bisweb.nyc.gov/bisweb/PropertyProfileOverviewServlet?bin=1023719&requestid=4)

DOB lists 155-159 as One Building (http://a810-bisweb.nyc.gov/bisweb/PropertyProfileOverviewServlet?bin=1023720&requestid=6) (not Landmarked)

[londonlawyer]

There I know there's a landmarked building just west of the site, and it's stunning. However, just east of it and just west of the large building, there's a small one (which I think has dormer windows). I don't think it's landmarked. It's nice though and should be saved.

[londonlawyer]

I went by there this weekend. The small (not landmarked) building that I referred to housed an umbrella store which is now closed. It sits between the large building and a beautiful, small land marked building.

http://www.emporis.com/files/transfer/5/2002/11/171694.jpg

[krulltime]

Between The Bricks


Lois weiss
December 20, 2006

Gary Barnett is close to realizing his dream of building a tower across from Carnegie Hall.

The Post has learned that the head of Extell Development has given remaining occupants until Jan. 15 to get out, allegedly before a series of large and small buildings is demolished. To date, however, no such demolition or new building permits could be found in process or issued in the Department of Building's database.

What you will see, however, is more and more scaffolding and construction fencing appearing from 157 W. 57th St. and stretching to the east. That's because as long as the buildings are up, local law requires that the facades must be in good condition.

Barnett has hired Cetra/Ruddy to handle the facade work, however, it is possible that the local architectural firm led by John Cetra and Nancy Ruddy is also designing the replacement tower. Bovis Lend Lease is apparently heading up the construction. Our calls went unreturned.


Copyright 2006NYP Holdings, Inc.

[infoshare]

Sky view and map.

[londonlawyer]

Gershon strikes again! Some beautiful small buildings will be razed. Let's hope that he, at least, designs a nice tower on this site.

[stache]

Any idea of how tall a new building there could go?

[londonlawyer]

I don't know, but it's a huge site. I would imagine that it will be over 650 feet and could be taller. The site's frontage on 57th Street is gigantic, and I don't know how deep it is. Assuming that it's rather shallow, one would expect a pretty tall, but shallow building. I wonder if it will crack 800 feet.

[sfenn1117]

Does it include the garage behind it on W 58th? Snooping around on property shark 147-163 west 57th and 158-166 west 58th were all bought within the past two years or so. If it includes all these parcels, this tower could be huge.

[tmg]

Could somebody with a digital camera please take a picture of Uncle Sam's Umbrella Shop, for posterity?

[londonlawyer]

You can see it to the left of No. 157 W. 57th if you look at the photos of that building posted on Emporis. I tried to paste it, but a red "x" appeared. That building was a gem, as are the three small buildings located to the east of 157. It's a real shame to lose them. For that matter, with a little TLC, No. 157 is quite a nice building. It will be a real travesty if Gershon replaces these great structures with a mediocre glass box.

[infoshare]

Photo from emporis:D

[londonlawyer]

Does it include the garage behind it on W 58th? Snooping around on property shark 147-163 west 57th and 158-166 west 58th were all bought within the past two years or so. If it includes all these parcels, this tower could be huge.

Assuming that Gershon purchased those sites, a portion of this block will run to 58th Street, and it is quite a huge site. Hopefully, that means lots of air rights and a tower exceeding 800 feet. Given the Mandarin's sale of its Time Warner site, it would be nice if they anchored this building.

Given Gershon's involvement, it's not surprising that 158 W58th is quite a nice building which will be sacrificed for this project. To date, Gershon has built only one nice project in my opinion (i.e., the twin towers on WEA). I really hope that his needles destruction of six or seven nice, old buildings on this site will at least yield a beautiful, pretty tall tower.

[stache]

It will be interesting to see a fourth tower added to the Carnagie triptych.

[londonlawyer]

It will be interesting to see a fourth tower added to the Carnagie triptych.

True. Hopefully, it's taller than the other three. I think of the three, CitySpire is the tallest. Do you know how tall it is?

[stache]

Emporis quote -

The tower exceeded the allowed height by a few meters, but the government and residents have exaggerated the problem into a scandal, causing CitySpire owners to create a community center for seniors as a "punishment".

I'm hoping whatever it is, that it's not a dull cube, which would kind of ruin the effect of the other three.

[antinimby]

I'm hoping whatever it is, that it's not a dull cube, which would kind of ruin the effect of the other three.In this city, that would be very likely.

[MidtownApt]

The site includes the 4 small mixed-use buildings, office building, Uncle Sam's and CAMI buildings on W 57th, garage on W 58th, and loads of air rights from 57th, 58th, and even the west side of 7th Ave. It'll be huge.

[antinimby]

That's the way we like it here (huge vertically, not horizontally though) . :D

[pianoman11686]

I'm not positive, but I think this is the site the project is planned for. Construction netting is up:

http://images5.fotki.com/v88/photos/1/1072585/4470849/NewYorkJanuary025-vi.jpg

Also, does anyone know if this project is at all related to this one: http://wirednewyork.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8439

[mhh]

Any further information concerning 157 West 57th St and/or 225 West 57th St? What about 110 West 57th St? I´ve seen on Costas Kondylis web page(kondylis.com) that there´s another skyscraper planned.

[londonlawyer]

That's an awesome building, but I think that it's the dead proposal for the Director's Guild tower.

[londonlawyer]

Gershon filed a demolition permit on 1/23.

01/23/2007 104658531 01 A3 OSP F ASSIGNED TO P/E 01/24/2007 MIANDOBI SALMAS
EQUIPMENT USE FOR DEMOLITION OF THE EXISTING BUILDING

[londonlawyer]

Any further information concerning 157 West 57th St and/or 225 West 57th St? What about 110 West 57th St? I´ve seen on Costas Kondylis web page(kondylis.com) that there´s another skyscraper planned.

Besides Centra/Ruddy apparently will design this tower.

[mhh]

Besides Centra/Ruddy apparently will design this tower.

Thank you for the information londonlawyer. What do you think, when can we see the first proposals for the tower? And what about the reputation of Centra/Ruddy?

[londonlawyer]

Thank you for the information londonlawyer. What do you think, when can we see the first proposals for the tower? And what about the reputation of Centra/Ruddy?

Hi, man. I don't know the answer to either question. It could be quite some time before we see proposals though. I hope that Gershon builds something with limestone and brick though I doubt that he will.

[londonlawyer]

This project is moving forward. I wonder if this could exceed 800 feet considering how huge the site is and how lucrative it would be to maximize park views.

The following demo permit was recently filed for the garage behind this site on 58th St.

Location: Block: 1010 Lot(s): 57 BIN: 1023739 C.B.No: 105
Apt No: Use: OTHER
SPECIFIC FLOORS: OSP


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Work Types Submitted: EQ

Construction Equipment: OTHER EQUIP: BOBCAT


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Current Applicant of Record: EBRAHIM MIANBOABI Phone: 914-498-0872
N/A
271 SPRAIN RD, SCARDALE, NY 10583
Professional Title: PE License Number: 79548
D-14 Applicant of Record: EBRAHIM MIANBOABI Phone: 914-498-0872
N/A
271 SPRAIN RD, SCARDALE, NY 10583
Professional Title: PE License Number: 79548
Filing Representative: SALMASSIAN ROYA Phone: 917-333-6113
ROYAL CONSTRUCTION SERVICES INC
271 SPRAIN RD, SCARSDALE, NY 105853

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Last Action: PERMIT ISSUED - ENTIRE JOB/WORK 01/23/2007 (R)

Pre-Filed: 01/16/2007 Date Filed: 01/16/2007
Fees: STANDARD Estimated Total Cost: $0.00 PC Filed: N




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Additional Considerations:


Directive 14: Y Old Code: Y Quality Housing: N Site Safety: N
Infill Zoning: N Loft Review: N Single Room Occupancy: N
Declaration: Page: Reel:
Adult Establishment: N
Little 'E' Restrictions: N/A Landmark: N



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Job Description:
EQUIPMENT USE FOR DEMOLITION OF THEEXISTING GARAGE CAT 303.5, 226, 304, 377 BOBCAT____CAT 331, 246

Plans Submitted: ME
Occupancy Classification: Existing: COM - COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS - OLD CODE
Proposed:
Construction Classification: EXIST OLD CODE: 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Zoning District: C6-6 - GENERAL CENTRAL COMMERCIAL DISTRICT
Special District: NONE
Street Status: PUBLIC
Map No.: 008C

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Building Dimension: No. Stories: 7 Street Frontage:
Height: 75 Dwelling Units:
Total Gross Area of Building: Fill:
Site Area Characteristics:

Metes and Bounds:
Beginning at a point on the side of
Distant Ft. of the corner formed by the intersection of and
RUNNING THENCE 0 FT. THENCE 0 FT.
RUNNING THENCE 0 FT. THENCE 0 FT.
RUNNING THENCE 0 FT. THENCE 0 FT.
RUNNING THENCE 0 FT. THENCE 0 FT.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Owner: CORPORATION Non-Profit Flag: N
BARNETT GARY PRESIDENT
EXTELL WEST 57TH STREET LLC 800 THIRD AVENUE 212 712 - 6000
NEW YORK NY 10022
OCCUPANCY CERTIFICATION: N
OCCUPANCY NOTIFICATION: N
REL TO BLDG OWNER: PRESIDENT
CORPORATION:
KWESTEL MARC VICE PRESI
800 THIRD AVENUE NEW YORK NY 10022 212 712 - 6000

[londonlawyer]

There is a lot of activity at this site both on 57th Street and 58th. I wonder if this building can surpass 800 or 900 feet. The site is absolutely huge.

[pagh]

[quote=tmg;37607]Does anybody know what's up with these properties? Several buildings in a row are closed, which suggests something bigger may be going in their plac

ON Feb 9 2007 my wife asked one of the construction workers who were dismantling the interiors what was going on? The reply was "This is coming down and 80 stories are going up, should be finished in 2 1/2 years. It's going to be the biggest condo in nyc having commercial section in lower part of building. It's going to tower well above the buildings on Central Park South so it will have great views. They [the developers] have a permit for 1000 ft."

[Derek2k3]

I really hope your right, something big will rise there for sure though.

I'll repost this excerpt from an nearly year old article.

NY Post

NEW LOOK ON TAP
By STEVE CUOZZO
February 14, 2006

Biggest by far is the parcel assembled by Gary Barnett's Extell Development Co. over the last seven years. Extell owns six adjacent buildings on the north side, Nos. 147-161, with 150 feet of precious sidewalk frontage.

Extell also bought air rights from vacant CAMI Hall at no. 165 and from the Briarcliffe apartment building on the Seventh Avenue corner — easily generating a new project of several hundred thousand square feet.

Except for a pizza shop and the Fontana di Trevi restaurant, most of the addresses are vacant.

Barnett is aware of the block's condition: "There are a lot of development sites, but so far no development," he observed.

He predicts that eventually, 57th Street "is going to be one of the great public promenades," but says Extell is far from deciding how or when to proceed.

"We will one day do something but nothing is imminent," he said. "We hope it will be within this decade."

Extell, which just completed the highly successful Orion apartment tower on West 42nd Street, has its hands full with projects all over town.

[londonlawyer]

[quote=tmg;37607]Does anybody know what's up with these properties? Several buildings in a row are closed, which suggests something bigger may be going in their plac

ON Feb 9 2007 my wife asked one of the construction workers who were dismantling the interiors what was going on? The reply was "This is coming down and 80 stories are going up, should be finished in 2 1/2 years. It's going to be the biggest condo in nyc having commercial section in lower part of building. It's going to tower well above the buildings on Central Park South so it will have great views. They [the developers] have a permit for 1000 ft."

Has anyone found the 1,000 foot permit on the DOB website? That would be AWESOME!!!

P.S.: How many s.f. do Metropolitan Tower and Cityspire have?

[lofter1]

The only recent DOB applications for 155-159 W. 57th (http://a810-bisweb.nyc.gov/bisweb/JobsQueryByLocationServlet?requestid=4&allbin=1023720&allstrt=WEST+++57+STREET&allnumbhous=155) are demo related (filed in Jan. '07). Nothing for a New Building there.

The only recent DOB applications for 161 W. 57th (http://a810-bisweb.nyc.gov/bisweb/JobsQueryByLocationServlet?requestid=5&allbin=1023719&allstrt=WEST+++57+STREET&allnumbhous=161) are demo related (filed in Feb. '07). Nothing for a New Building there, either.

[londonlawyer]

The only recent DOB applications for 155-159 W. 57th (http://a810-bisweb.nyc.gov/bisweb/JobsQueryByLocationServlet?requestid=4&allbin=1023720&allstrt=WEST+++57+STREET&allnumbhous=155) are demo related (filed in Jan. '07). Nothing for a New Building there.

The only recent DOB applications for 161 W. 57th (http://a810-bisweb.nyc.gov/bisweb/JobsQueryByLocationServlet?requestid=5&allbin=1023719&allstrt=WEST+++57+STREET&allnumbhous=161) are demo related (filed in Feb. '07). Nothing for a New Building there, either.

I looked and saw the same thing that you did. Lofter, do you know how many sf this project can include?

[lofter1]

Not a clue ---

But you can do some math:

It encompasses four lots from 155 - 161 W. 57th. If those lots are 25' wide then it will have 100' of frontage on W. 57th. If each is a single lot deep then the plot will be 100' x 100' = 10,000 sf.

Zoning MAP (http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcp/pdf/zone/map8c.pdf) shows that it is zoned C5-3 along W. 57th.

According to the Zoning Data Tables (http://home2.nyc.gov/html/dcp/pdf/zone/zh_tables.pdf) (ZDT) a C5-3 designation allows a Residential FAR of 10.0 (but that can be increased to FAR 15.0 with the inclusion of a "commercial facility" -- whatever that might be).

So 10,000 sf x FAR 10 = 100,000 sf.

If this plot goes through to W. 58th then the map shows that along W. 58th the lots are zoned C5-1.

The ZDT shows that a C5-1 also allows a Residential FAR of 10.0

Each lot is ~ 25' x 100', so add another 25,000 sf for each lot along W. 58th.

Then you have to add into that whatever bonuses might be available, whatever air rights might have been purchased and who knows what else.

OK -- now you can do some math and tell me how big it can be :cool: .

Thanks ;)

***

[telebob]

looks like their view looking to the park will be impacted by this new building. This is the third or second time they got screwed.Commercial building next door got some of them .
Forgot the name its the one Clinton was supposed to get an office in.
maybe the third shaft because i think City Spire was the second.They got the ones looking South.
btw you talk about FAR but how did Metropilitan Tower get so big in the first place ? It has a decent size footprint but not huge.

[lofter1]

FAR, fo the most part, is still a mystery to me.

If I could figure it out I could earn big bucks like the pros who navigate DOB and City Planning for developers :cool: .

Metropolitan Tower has that plaza on 56th, right? Whatever that did to minimize the foot print would allow them to go that much higher.

[londonlawyer]

I speculate that a top foreign hotel will be included in this project such as Shangri-La or Taj.

[londonlawyer]

The following is from Shangri-La's website:

Shangri-La Appoints Brian Windle Vice President Sales And Marketing, North America

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Asia Pacific’s leading luxury hotel group, has appointed Brian Windle vice president sales and marketing, North America. Mr. Windle will assume this newly created, New York-based position June 1, 2007, reporting directly to Chief Marketing Officer Martin F. Waechter.

Mr. Windle will be responsible for North America inbound and outbound sales and marketing including distribution channel development; loyalty and partner marketing; revenue generation of Shangri-La’s New York and Los Angeles regional sales offices; and successful marketing launches of Shangri-La hotels opening in Chicago, Miami, Las Vegas, Vancouver, Toronto and others soon to be announced.

[Derek2k3]

Promising news posted by londonlawyer in the 400 PAS thread. A couple months ago I was thinking that Extell would develop the two sites they own on 57th Street with two towers with a common theme and design, sort of like the Ariels, but better of course....looks like I could be right.

It would be AWESOME if Extell hires Portzamparc for his two sites on 57th Street. I googled that and the CV of Renaud Magnaval, an architect who works for Portzamparc, came up. It indicates that he participated in design work in 2006 on two towers: one 57th Street which was about 815 feet and one on 58th which was about 937 feet. Either of these could be the Extell sites, both of which run through the block from 57th to 58th.

http://www.aiany.org/services/resumes/162/renaudmagnaval.pdf

57th Street HIGH RISE/ 58th Street HIGH RISE , Conceptual Design for two High rise towers, New York City, 2006 (postponed).

Program: 57 Street Tower: 722,000 SQFT of Residential, Height 815’

Program: 58 Street Tower: 975,000 SQFT of Short/long term hotel and residential, Height 937’

Assistant Project Manager, New York City office to assist the design Paris team
Worked on: apartment layout, presentations to the client. Collaboration with Michael Parley (zoning consultant).


There is no singular through block site on 57th/58th Street that can produce nearly 2 msf. of development and no NY developer would take that supposed site and develop it into two residential towers, it'd be a massive office building. Thus, these have to be two separate sites.

These generally follows the same square footages and programs of the two planned Extell along 57th/58th streets and coincidentally Extell recently hired Portzamparc for Riverside South, thus I'm conviced these are the same projects.

I'll assume the 58th Street tower is the former old Hard Rock Café. Extell owns the property at 221 W. 57th St., which consists of two buildings that lie back-to-back north to south. He also has a bunch of air-rights for the site.

The 57th Street tower, I'm guessing is this thread right here. I could have it backwards since both sites would have frontages on 57th and 58th.

[antinimby]

Well that's gotta be a first: peering into someone's résumé for development news. :D

[antinimby]

So if Portzamparc was hired to do these two projects, how does Frank Williams fit into all this?

http://www.archfwa.com/files/project_images/Intell03.jpg

http://www.archfwa.com/files/project_images/Intell01.jpg

[londonlawyer]

Promising news posted by londonlawyer in the 400 PAS thread....


http://www.aiany.org/services/resumes/162/renaudmagnaval.pdf

57th Street HIGH RISE/ 58th Street HIGH RISE , Conceptual Design for two High rise towers, New York City, 2006 (postponed).

Program: 57 Street Tower: 722,000 SQFT of Residential, Height 815’

Program: 58 Street Tower: 975,000 SQFT of Short/long term hotel and residential, Height 937’

Assistant Project Manager, New York City office to assist the design Paris team
Worked on: apartment layout, presentations to the client. Collaboration with Michael Parley (zoning consultant).



I think that there's a good chance that we will get two utterly amazing towers on these sites!

[Derek2k3]

So if Portzamparc was hired to do these two projects, how does Frank Williams fit into all this?


Well according to the project sheet, Frank Williams' design was completed 2001. The tower was probably postponed and Extell is now starting over with Portzamparc.

[antinimby]

I don't know...

While I am happy that Extell decided to go with Portzamparc (instead of a Kondylis or Cetra Ruddy), I would have like to see Frank Williams do one of the towers.

Gives us a variety of style, you know?

[Derek2k3]

Well imagine what the Central Park South skyline would look like if 3 stunning glass towers went up on 3 separate block fronts, each being their owns tallest. A 900'+ tower would top out half way between Cityspire and the top of the pic, an 800'+ tower would block out the Cityspire cluster and then some, and 220 CPS would actually appear taller than Hearst.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/158/424260012_e1c49db6d3_b.jpg
.................................................. .......^
Hopefully none of these turn out grounded and bloated like this woman's behind.


Extell Tower
147-161 West 57th Street
815'
Christian de Portzamparc
Extell Development Corporation
Residential
722,000 Sq. Ft.
Proposed


Former Hard Rock Café Site
217-223 West 57th Street
937 feet
Christian de Portzamparc
Extell Development Corporation
975,000 Sq. Ft.
Mixed-Use (Residential & Hotel)
Proposed


220 Central Park South
41 stories 507 feet (DOB)
Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects
The Clarett Group
Residential Condominium
79 units 242,232 Sq. Ft.
Proposed

[antinimby]

I'm just hoping they'll turn out at all. We all know how infrequently we get 800+ footers in this city, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Anyway, I am confident in these two firms, so we're not going to get anything scary.

I was really hoping the Hard Rock one wouldn't be where it would block out the Cityspire/Metropolitan/Carnegie trio but instead fill in one of the other "openings" in the skyline, but hey, we'll take it anywhere we can.

[londonlawyer]

Well imagine what the Central Park South skyline would look like if 3 stunning glass towers went up on 3 separate block fronts, each being their owns tallest. A 900'+ tower would top out half way between Cityspire and the top of the pic, an 800'+ tower would block out the Cityspire cluster and then some, and 220 CPS would actually appear taller than Hearst.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/158/424260012_e1c49db6d3_b.jpg
.................................................. .......^
Hopefully none of these turn out grounded and bloated like this woman's behind.


Extell Tower
147-161 West 57th Street
815'
Christian de Portzamparc
Extell Development Corporation
Residential
722,000 Sq. Ft.
Proposed


Former Hard Rock Café Site
217-223 West 57th Street
937 feet
Christian de Portzamparc
Extell Development Corporation
975,000 Sq. Ft.
Mixed-Use (Residential & Hotel)
Proposed


220 Central Park South
41 stories 507 feet (DOB)
Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects
The Clarett Group
Residential Condominium
79 units 242,232 Sq. Ft.
Proposed


Derek,

Do you know if the taller de Portzamparc building is the one on the Hardrock site or are you assuming that? It seems like the site across from Carnegie Hall is much bigger.

[Derek2k3]

Just a guess, based on the Hard Rock cafe site seems like it would have more frontage on 58th.

It could just as well be the other way around. Frank Williams' design for the site across from Carnegie was a mix of hotel & residences just as the 58 Street Tower is noted in the resume'....and as you said that site does seem larger.

Lastly it would also fall more in line with what pagh posted...

"This is coming down and 80 stories are going up, should be finished in 2 1/2 years. It's going to be the biggest condo in nyc having commercial section in lower part of building. It's going to tower well above the buildings on Central Park South so it will have great views. They [the developers] have a permit for 1000 ft."

[pianoman11686]

Even today, that skyline is pretty amazing. I can't wait to see how these new towers will add to it.

[lofter1]

The one in the pic above that needs to be blocked out is the fugly bluish-greenish stripey L-shaped thing on the NW corner of 56th & 7th Avenue.

[Stern]

Just a guess, based on the Hard Rock cafe site seems like it would have more frontage on 58th.

It could just as well be the other way around. Frank Williams' design for the site across from Carnegie was a mix of hotel & residences just as the 58 Street Tower is noted in the resume'....and as you said that site does seem larger.

Lastly it would also fall more in line with what pagh posted...

"This is coming down and 80 stories are going up, should be finished in 2 1/2 years. It's going to be the biggest condo in nyc having commercial section in lower part of building. It's going to tower well above the buildings on Central Park South so it will have great views. They [the developers] have a permit for 1000 ft."

Derek where is this quote from? I am getting really excited about the prospect of these heights in midtown, anywhere else I wouldn't allow myself to get excited, but there arent as many NIMBY's in midtown, so things can get done there, occasionally. Hopefully the umbrellea's don't go marching to Central Park and we won't get a 750 foot ceiling here as had happened at Columbus Circle.

Also Christian de Portzamparc is one of my all-time favorite architects, I know he will come up with a faceded crystaline shard, which would help NYC's architectural reputation and would hopefully create a great composition with the Hearst Tower nearby.

Lastly at this height it would add a much needed peak in this part of midtown, Safdie's Columbus Circle design would have done this. It's possible we'll be getting just that here, if I remember correctly Safdie's proposal had one tower around 815 and the other around 925. Maybe like Safdie's Columbus Circle; Extell and de Portzamparc are planning on a certain architectural interplay as well.

http://cac.mcgill.ca/safdie/finalImages/Ms088s03.jpg

http://cac.mcgill.ca/safdie/finalImages/Ms088s04.jpg

[lofter1]

A brutal mass of concrete ^^^ whose height would not have been worth it.

[Stern]

A brutal mass of concrete ^^^ whose height would not have been worth it.

I wasn't a big fan of Safdie's design either, he's one of my favorite architects today only because of an incredible transformation he has made in recent years. I only made the comparrison because of the possible similarities of height and general location as well as an architectural interplay, I'm sure de Portzamparc won't disapoint.

[ramvid01]

A brutal mass of concrete ^^^ whose height would not have been worth it.

Agreed. After paging through the pictures in Sterns New York 2000 book, it was quite clear to me that Safies proposal would have been a bad idea. Too brutalist, and too much concrete. Bleh.

[lofter1]

On my way to see John Adams (http://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Adams_(composer)) conduct his own works with the American Composers Orchestra (http://www.americancomposers.org/rel20070427.html)at Carnegie Hall ...

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/Lofter1/Midtown/CH_Adams_01b.jpg

... I took some pics of the Extell site -- where they've cleared the buildings along W. 58th (the buildings along W. 57th that will come down are shrouded in construction netting) ...

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/Lofter1/Midtown/ExtellW57_01b.jpg

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/Lofter1/Midtown/ExtellW57_01d.jpg

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/Lofter1/Midtown/ExtellW57_01e.jpg

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/Lofter1/Midtown/ExtellW57_01f.jpg

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/Lofter1/Midtown/ExtellW57_01g.jpg

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/Lofter1/Midtown/ExtellW57_01a.jpg

[lofter1]

The John Adams (http://www.boosey.com/pages/cr/composer/composer_main.asp?composerid=2778) presentation was terrific, particularly his Violin Concerto (http://www.boosey.com/pages/cr/catalogue/cat_detail.asp?musicid=7355) featuring soloist Leila Josefowicz (http://www.leilajosefowicz.com/) -- who totally rocked Carnegie Hall ...

http://www.sinfonietta.nl/s/d/sinf/image.php?s29i204

http://www.leilajosefowicz.com/images/photo_leila5_large.jpg

[lofter1]

There was an insert in tonight's Carnegie Hall program that Composer / Cellist Mstislav Rostropovich (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mstislav_Rostropovich) died today at the age of 80 ...

Rostropovich at the Berlin Wall (1989)

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/3a/Rostropovich_at_the_Wall.jpg

NY TIMES / REUTERS (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Rostropovich_at_the_Wall.jpg)

[londonlawyer]

The John Adams (http://www.boosey.com/pages/cr/composer/composer_main.asp?composerid=2778) presentation was terrific, particularly his Violin Concerto (http://www.boosey.com/pages/cr/catalogue/cat_detail.asp?musicid=7355) featuring soloist Leila Josefowicz (http://www.leilajosefowicz.com/) -- who totally rocked Carnegie Hall ...

http://www.sinfonietta.nl/s/d/sinf/image.php?s29i204

http://www.leilajosefowicz.com/images/photo_leila5_large.jpg

In this words of Borat, "She very naaahce!"
http://www.tonyspencer.com/mt/archives/borat.jpg

On a serious note, I can't wait to see the specs for this tower. I predict that it will be a masterpiece by Portzamparc and will rise at least 800 feet. I also can't wait to see what Extell does with the Hard Rock site.

[lofter1]

londonlawyer: How come I KNEW you would take a liking to Leila ? ;)

[londonlawyer]

londonlawyer: How come I KNEW you would take a liking to Leila ? ;)


I am predictable! She is the hottest woman to pass through Carnegie Hall since Renee Flemming and Anna Netrebko. I am waiting for the latter, in particular, to perform Salome.

http://www.soundofholiday.de/index.media.fa478545b38888829742fe38cd77a351.jpg

[stache]

but the bracelets are a mite pushy!

[londonlawyer]

but the bracelets are a mite pushy!

Funny!

[telebob]

folks cant be happy. They will lose their central park view.
how much % does a condo with a park view lose when the view is gone ?

as to the Safdie's columbus circle proposal i like the time warner center design better.

[krulltime]

START-UP AT CARNEGIE SITE
EXTELL BEGINS WORK ON TOWER ON NORTH SIDE OF W. 57TH STREET


By STEVE CUOZZO
May 15, 2007

THE roar of jackhammers across from Carnegie Hall is sweet music to developer Gary Barnett's ears.

Barnett's prolific Extell Development Corp. has finally started work on one of the city's most-watched sites - a colossal, six-building assemblage on the north side of West 57th Street across from Carnegie Hall.

Barnett said yesterday the project will be "at least 50 stories" with "north of 500,000 square feet." Though plans aren't final, "We're looking forward to doing a five-star hotel at the base and above it, condos with Central Park views."

Extell filed demolition plans with the Buildings Department this month. The takedown has begun behind a shroud of black netting. Barnett said actual construction should start this year, even though certain aspects of the project - including choice of architect and hotel operator - have yet to be finalized.

A gratified Barnett said, "It's taken me nine years to put it together." The site includes all the buildings from 147-161 West 57th and air rights from adjacent properties.

With 150 feet of sidewalk frontage, Extell's is the largest of several building sites on the block between Sixth and Seventh avenues. The company also owns the former Hard Rock Café. Barnett said, "We're not sure yet what we'll do there - it might be offices."


Copyright 2007 NYP Holdings, Inc.

[londonlawyer]

START-UP AT CARNEGIE SITE
EXTELL BEGINS WORK ON TOWER ON NORTH SIDE OF W. 57TH STREET


By STEVE CUOZZO
May 15, 2007

THE roar of jackhammers across from Carnegie Hall is sweet music to developer Gary Barnett's ears.

Barnett's prolific Extell Development Corp. has finally started work on one of the city's most-watched sites - a colossal, six-building assemblage on the north side of West 57th Street across from Carnegie Hall.

Barnett said yesterday the project will be "at least 50 stories" with "north of 500,000 square feet." Though plans aren't final, "We're looking forward to doing a five-star hotel at the base and above it, condos with Central Park views."

Extell filed demolition plans with the Buildings Department this month. The takedown has begun behind a shroud of black netting. Barnett said actual construction should start this year, even though certain aspects of the project - including choice of architect and hotel operator - have yet to be finalized.

A gratified Barnett said, "It's taken me nine years to put it together." The site includes all the buildings from 147-161 West 57th and air rights from adjacent properties.

With 150 feet of sidewalk frontage, Extell's is the largest of several building sites on the block between Sixth and Seventh avenues. The company also owns the former Hard Rock Café. Barnett said, "We're not sure yet what we'll do there - it might be offices."


Copyright 2007 NYP Holdings, Inc.

It will be utterly disappointing if this building is anything other than a masterpiece. If something like Orion rises on this site, I'll officially give up on NY. Barnett is razing these nice buildings:
http://www.therealdeal.net//breaking_news/2007/05/15/images/10054.jpg

[antinimby]

If something like Orion rises on this site, I'll officially give up on NY.I've heard you say that before. :D

I warned you (and others) never to get too excited about anything in this city until you actually see it rise (and in some instances, when it has topped out and finished).

We've been around too long and let down way too many times to fall for rumors, promises, feel good news releases/articles.

The fact is, this city will only get uglier with time, with an occasional looker coming onto the scene, but they will be far and few in between.

This is a city (especially in recent history) that is only concerned about the size and height of new buildings, never their appearance--unless of course the height or size is large, in which case, their appearance will then be used as an argument against them.

For instance, if the Chicago Spire were to be proposed in NY, then you know everyone would be out protesting it on the grounds that it is too large, too out-of-context, an eyesore and will forever destroy the city's character.

On the other end, with customers ready to snatch up anything they throw up, there really isn't any incentives to create something particularly nice or beautiful.

You'd only have to see the new proposals for other cities, literally all over the world to see how low-grade and uninspiring the new projects in this city are.

[sfenn1117]

Well on a place like SSP of course you're only going to see the best of the best....but even Chicago is dealing with some new eyesores, and the loss of some historic buildings. Some incredible projects might be coming out of China, but they are also still building identical commie blocks. And Dubai, well, that place is just going to end up looking like a fantasy land instead of a respectable city.

I have faith in Extell, he is committed to putting something spectacular on this site that he has assembled over a decade.....he's one of a few developers who's proud of his work.

[antinimby]

sfenn, you're still young and have plenty of youthful enthusiasm left but eventually, this city will bring your spirits down just like it has with the rest of us. :D ;)

[londonlawyer]

http://www.soundofholiday.de/index.media.fa478545b38888829742fe38cd77a351.jpg:)

[londonlawyer]

All of the buildings for this project (with the exception of the small hotel on 58th) have been razed. Oddly, however, the DOB's website does not indicate what will rise here.

I wonder if Extell will proceed with Frank Williams' tower.

[stache]

I think people are taking a pause to see what the economy does.

[londonlawyer]

I think people are taking a pause to see what the economy does.

That might hold true with projects at earlier stages, such as The Drake or Extell's Hard Rock site, but this one seems too far along for Extell to simply not proceed. Also, since the dollar is so low, wealthy overseas buyers will still have great demand for these units.

[lofter1]

Or ....

Perhaps -- if things turn really dark and nasty -- some of these recently-cleared sites will become Parking Lots.

No doubt NYers are starting to yearn for a few expanses of asphalt since so many have been lost to new development over recent years ;) .

[Front_Porch]

They paved paradise and put up a . . .

ali r.
{downtown broker}

[londonlawyer]

I wonder if Extell is trying to sell this site. Everything has been razed and they started excavation. However, work has since stopped, and nothing is occurring at this site.

I honestly wonder if Barnett overstretched himself. Nothing is occurring at the Hardrock site, nor at the West 45th hotel site. Is anything happening at the Diamond Tower at the moment?

Extell has sold a few sites recently (e.g., the one between 2d and 1St Aves. and the Moondance Diner site). Can 157 West 57th St. be the next to go?

[MidtownApt]

The site would make a great parking lot. Or extension of the mid-block walkways between 6th & 7th Avenues that run from 51st Street to 57th Street. But I doubt Extell has lost interest. They started assembling this site a decade ago. A 2-month catch-your-breath pause after demo is nothing.

[aluminumgroup]

from today's nypost:
"Meanwhile, Extell is pressing ahead on two Midtown hotel schemes. The larger one is 151-161 W. 57th Street, a vast assemblage across from Carnegie Hall stretching to West 58th Street.
Demolition is complete and Barnett said excavation will start in a few months for a tower of "at least 50 stories, probably one-third hotel and high-end condos on top of it."

He said he's in advanced talks with a "5-star" hotel operator not currently in New York. He wouldn't divulge the name, but Extell is believed to have talked with Singapore-based Amanresorts, Milan-based Armani Group and Bulgari Hotel Co., a joint venture of Bulgari and Marriott International. Extell has also filed plans with the Buildings Dept. for a 55-story hotel/condo tower at 135 W. 45th St., next door to the funky QT Hotel."

http://www.nypost.com/seven/12042007/business/lt_to_starrett_lehigh_677413.htm

[londonlawyer]

I would not be surprised if Gershon Barnett has run out of funds and is trying to sell some assets since nothing is happening here or at the old Hard Rock site.

[aluminumgroup]

From Real Deal (http://ny.therealdeal.com/articles/midtown-projects-remain-stuck)
Updated On 08/26/08 at 09:11AM
"Several big Midtown projects have yet to get going, as big undeveloped sites sit awaiting construction. Macklowe Properties demolished the old Drake Hotel at Park Avenue and 56th Street two years ago, but hasn't started building 440 Park Avenue yet. Extell still hasn't filed plans for its West 57th and 58th Street project, which was supposed to be a 50-story hotel-condo. Starwood Capital cleared a low-rise fur shop between the Economist building and the Buckingham Hotel; plans for a Crillon hotel haven't been realized. The Tribeach development site on Eighth Avenue's west side between 46th and 47th streets could be sold."

So it looks like nothing is happening soon at the site across from Carnegie Hall. This is one expensive dirt lot. Wondering if it will really be only 50 stories once it does go up....folks at Carnegie Hall Towers and Metropolitan Tower will be bumming if it goes taller.

[Derek2k3]

I hope CdeP will still be the architect of these towers. I would kill to see renderings of them.
The second tower seems to be the Hard Rock cafe site at 217-223 West 57th Street.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3125/2824639214_f0dfd96a1d_o.jpg
http://www.chdeportzamparc.com/

[londonlawyer]

I agree with you!

[lofter1]

Nothing is showing up on the www.ExtellDev.com (http://www.ExtellDev.com) website, but in this week's Sunday NY TImes Key Magazine (Fall 2008) the opening SIX pages are ads for Extell, and the final TWO Pages show a panaramic vista looking norht over Central Park with the words:
IN 2009, EXTELL WILL UNVEIL ITS FLAGSHIP HOTEL AND RESIDENTIAL TOWER ON 57TH STREET
THAT WILL FOREVER TRANSFORM THE SKYLINE OF MANHATTAN. UNTIL THEN, OUR LIPS ARE SEALED.

***

[londonlawyer]

Thanks for the update, Lofter.

I saw the Extell ad in the Sunday Times' quarterly real estate magazine but missed that portion about the 2009 unveiling.

It would not totally surprise me if Extell did proceed with a project now. He seems to have an unusual ability to get funding. For example, who on earth would fund a speculative office building on 47th Street, and yet the Diamond Tower is rising. Also, as far as I know, his hotel on 46th Street and 366 10th Avenue are going forward.

By the way, I saw something on Portzamparc's website about a hotel/condo in NYC. (There were no pictures though.)

[antinimby]

THAT WILL FOREVER TRANSFORM THE SKYLINE OF MANHATTAN.I don't know about you guys but this part of the quote is getting me excited. I'm gettin' the handcream now...

[londonlawyer]

I agree.

PS: Great comment re: the cream!

[londonlawyer]

Thanks for the update, Lofter.

I saw the Extell ad in the Sunday Times' quarterly real estate magazine but missed that portion about the 2009 unveiling....
By the way, I saw something on Portzamparc's website about a hotel/condo in NYC. (There were no pictures though.)

de Portzamparc's website lists two towers: one is 937 feet tall and the other is 815. I assume that these relate to the Carnegie Hall and Hard Rock sites, respectively.

[londonlawyer]

From curbed.com on 11-25-08:

How Do You Get To Extell's Pit? Practice, Practice, Practice!


Though it's not the most gripping of updates, Steve Cuozzo's bit on megadevloper Extell's huge empty pit on West 57th Street—across the street from Carnegie Hall—has us absolutely giddy:

At Gary Barnett's development site across from Carnegie Hall, his Extell just filed with the Buildings Dept. for "exploratory excavation to determine the depth, type and condition of foundations at adjacent buildings . . . in preparation of proposed new building."

That building is supposed to be a hotel/condo of up to 50 stories, Barnett told us earlier this year.

We've been waiting to run that friggin' photo ever since we took it from inside the model unit in the Essex House seven months ago, we just needed one bit of news to finally get it off our hard drive. Thanks Steve Cuozzo for this Christmas miracle!
· Realty Check [NYP; second item]

[londonlawyer]

LUXURY HOTEL TO RISE ON 57TH ST.

December 2, 2008

A 1,000 foot-tall hotel and condo tower is coming to Extell's West 57th Street development site that's now a giant hole in the ground.

That's according to the company hired to provide "physical and electronic security" for Gary Barnett's project. Aren't security firms supposed to keep secrets secure?

Louisville, Ky.-based Aegis Security Design claims the tower diagonally across from Carnegie Hall will house a "5-star" Park Hyatt Hotel, stores and luxury condos.

Extell hired Aegis to provide security-related services for the project that will run from 151-161 W. 57th St., on a site that extends all the way through to 58th Street.

Extell spokesman George Arzt said yesterday: "No details have been finalized or resolved. Aegis is only a consultant on the project."

But Aegis says it's "contracted with Extell to provide risk assessment, security programming, system design and construction administration services" on 57th Street.

Its Web site says Extell's tower will be LEED-certified and rise to as many as 80 stories. The hotel, stores and a garage will take up 356,467 square feet of a total 882,141 square feet, with condos above the hotel.

The hotel will boast a "spa, pool area, ballroom and meeting rooms," and "the lobby may contain an atrium."

Ever since Barnett started gobbling up land on West 57th and 58th streets between Sixth and Seventh avenues a few years ago, what he'll build has transfixed Midtown-watchers.

The vast site - directly across from Metropolitan Tower and the Russian Tea Room - has been a crater since old buildings were demolished. Last winter, Barnett told us he'd probably do a "5-star" hotel of some sort rising up to 50 stories.

Extell later fell silent. But now, Aegis appears to have let the cat out of the crater.

Sources said Extell is conferring with city agencies - possibly for zoning variances related to air rights purchases, and for landmarks-related approvals. The site is next door to two designated landmarks: the former CAMI Hall at 163-165 W. 57th St. and Alwyn Court on West 58th.

We don't usually reveal how we get our scoops, but this one started with our item last week reporting that Extell had filed with the Buildings De partment to study surrounding foun dations in prep aration for a new building.

Curbed.com picked up the item and ran it with an aerial photo of the pit, which drew an anonymous comment stating that the project would include a Park Hyatt. It didn't take Watergate-style sleuthing to check it out. Aegis officials did not return our calls.

steve.cuozzo@nypost.com

[NYC4Life]

Yet, another 1,000 footer to rise.