Narrow tower, designed by SHoP Architects for New York, wins city approval. This skyscraper to be built on W. 57th St. was called ‘daring’ by Landmarks Commission and is higher than Empire State Building. Located in the heart of town, this residential high-rise represents quintessentially New York. The aim of the design is to bring back the quality, proportions and materiality to historic NYC towers, while also taking advantage of the latest technology in order to push the limits of engineering and fabrication.

The east and west facades of this strikingly slim building are clad in Terra Cotta, which brings a sweeping play on shadow and light from the city scale and the richness of the material, seen from small distance. The façade in general is designed to be read at multiple scales and vantage points. The north wall is wrapped in glass curtain and offers sweeping views of Central Park.

The tower is nestled into a courtyard, wrapped by the existing New York landmark – the Steinway Building. Due to its position – the tower is set back from the street, the visibility to the Steinway Building’s front façade is maintained and the Rotunda space of Steinway’s main showroom is preserved.

The architects at SHoP state they got their inspiration for the sleek structure from early cloud-busters such as the Empire State and Woolworth buildings. In three years, well-heeled buyers will be able to look down on famous New York landmark from the top floors of a 1,350-foot tower that recently won city approval.