Record-breaking tall-building developments distinguish Big Apple activity.

Skinniest Building in the World Close to Completion

111 West 57th Street, a 1,428-ft-tall residential building on Billionaires’ Row in Midtown (ELEVATOR WORLD, March 2015 and May 2018), was on pace in late 2019 for completion this year, New York YIMBY reported. Designed by SHoP Architects and developed by JDS Development, Property Markets Group and Spruce Capital Partners, the supertall is the skinniest building in the world, with a height-to-width ratio of 24:1. It has a terracotta and steel façade topped by a steel crown.

Interiors of its 46 condominiums will be designed by Studio Sofield and marketed by Douglas Elliman. The source observed that, in addition to its slenderness and height, 111 West 57th Street is “the most prominent example of new skyscrapers incorporating classic architectural stylings, with its Art Deco curtain walls on the eastern and western elevations.”

Highest Outdoor Observation Deck in Weste Hemisphere to Open

The Edge at the Kohn Pedersen Fox-designed 30 Hudson Yards, at 1,131 ft the highest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere, is set to open on March 11, New York YIMBY reported in December 2019. The Edge has 7,500 ft2 of walkable space, including a glass-bottomed section and transparent glass panels that slope out around the perimeter for those seeking extra thrills. Developed by Related Cos. And Oxford Properties Group, the 1,296-ft-tall 30 Hudson Yards is the tallest structure in the first phase of the Hudson Yards megadevelopment. The supertall will soon be joined by shorter skyscrapers to the north near the Jacob K. Javits Center. Ticket prices for The Edge include US$36 for adults for general admission.

Final Piece of Manhattan West Puzzle Set to Rise

The 58-story, 935-ft-tall Two Manhattan West, an office tower that is the final piece of Brookfield Properties’ Manhattan West in Midtown, is expected to begin its ascent toward the middle of this year, New York YIMBY reported in December 2019. At the time, the source observed work was underway below street level to make way for the Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM)- designed structure. Although slightly shorter, it is almost a carbon copy of its sibling, One Manhattan West (EW, February 2017), and will rise immediately east of The Eugene, aka Six Manhattan West. Law firm Cravath, Swaine & Moore has signed on as anchor tenant, and the development includes a Whole Foods Market, a fitness studio and a food hall. Completion is anticipated by 2023.

Work Resumes at Three Hudson Boulevard in Hudson Yards

Construction resumed in December 2019 on Three Hudson Boulevard, a 950-ft- tall, 53-story office tower in Hudson Yards, New York YIMBY reported. The design by FXCollaborative for the structure, containing 1,538,210 ft2 of commercial space, underwent revisions earlier in 2019, followed by work comingto a temporary stop. In December, YIMBY observed a concrete foundation, vertical steel beams on the western side of the property and a giant steel truss on the northern end. At the northern entrance to the 7 Train, Three Hudson Boulevard is between West 34th Street and West 35th Street. Rising directly to the east of The Spiral (EW, June 2019, November 2018 and April 201) across Bella Abzug Park, it is being developed by Moinian Group and is slated for completion in December 2021.

40-Story Midtown East Tower Progressing Nicely

Originally planned at 20 stories, a 40-story residential tower designed by Ismael Leyva Architects and developed by Elk Investors is progressing nicely at 232 East 54th Street in Midtown East, New York YIMBY reported. In January, installation of large windows on the 420-ft-tall, reinforced-concrete structure was progressing, and ownership was expected to transfer to Mossanen Group and East 54th Properties LLC. The property will offer 130 rental units and amenities, including a shared rooftop terrace and outdoor entertainment space.

Topped by an illuminated crown, the building could complete before the end of this year.

MTA Finishes Station Elevator Work Ahead of Schedule

The NYC Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), in the process of replacing elevators at several Uptown stations of the 1 train and A train, has completed work at the 168th Street station serving the 1 train, the authority announced in late December 2019. Work at several other stations was ongoing. MTA said the 168th Street project included replacing the elevators, repairing the elevator shafts and reopening rear vestibules to improve boarding and exiting the elevators. The new units include battery backup, security cameras and new communication equipment. Other work included new lighting and tile in the lower mezzanine. The project began in January 2019 and was finished about a month before its projected completion in January 2020.

Other projects are either in progress or waiting to commence. They include:

• The 181st Street A Station, closed in August 2019 to replace the elevators and all associated components: completion is expected in July 2020.
• The 191st Street 1 Station, at 173 ft the deepest subway station in NYC: work was set to run from February 2020 to February 2021, but the station will remain open, with access through the Tunnel Street passageway on Broadway.
• 190th Street A Station: work is set to run from September 2020 to September 2021, but the station will remain open, with access via Bennett Avenue.
• 181st Street 1 Station, set to close from March 2021 to March 2022