NEW YORK | New York by Gehry | 870 FT / 265 M | 76 FLOORS | T/O

[QuarterMileSidewalk]

^Wouldn't dare! that's a great new angle on the tower.

[NYguy]

So I finally worked up the cajones to explore the top floor of my office (ok, building, my company is assuredly not on the top floor). Don't say I never did anything for you guys.

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_3T08TVQ0h2g/SrwCoR4J-AI/AAAAAAAADXE/QVGoCtCgnh0/s800/DSC02190.JPG

So much like an office tower from this angle, with its massiveness...

[RoldanTTLB]

So much like an office tower from this angle, with its massiveness...

It's that T-shape that lets them get away with it. This size wouldn't work for a residential building without that or there'd be nowhere for windows. I can't wait to get inside this thing next year. That's one of the best parts about residential towers: you can usually get in them (as opposed to offices, which tend to be a little harder).

[antinimby]

Don't you have to be a resident to get in?

[Dac150]

Don't you have to be a resident to get in?

Plus give the fact that there is a school on the base, the security will have to be tight and monitored, I would believe.

[BStyles]

I was just thinking about this. Remember the time when kids used to have excuses for not wanting to go to school?(snow, flood, blackout, etc.). This is no longer a factor at Beekman, especially if you're a resident.:haha:

And PTA meetings....wow, I might actually want to live there!

[RoldanTTLB]

Don't you have to be a resident to get in?

Once the building is full, absolutely, but while they're busy trying to rent it, you put your name on the list to go see it, and in you are. It's a great way to see rental buildings. If it were a condo, you'd have to do a little more work, but it's nothing having a friend who's a broker wouldn't fix. Once the upper floors of Silver towers open up, I'll go and get some pictures from them as well. I've been waiting for those. I wanted to do 808 Columbus, but they weren't taking day of appointments the day I was there. We were going to rent from the Avalon Riverview North in LIC. Here's a photo from there:

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_3T08TVQ0h2g/Rw51aXSqjXI/AAAAAAAAACA/Du3KyFU36WA/s800/DSC00202.JPG

As long as you're polite and interested in the apartment, any rental residential building is easy to get in early on. Think of them like a Mormon temple. Anyone can get in the first week, but you have to convert after.

[NYCLuver]

Pics from today! :)

I noticed a lot of people taking pictures as well as looking up and pointing to the tower, discussing the waves. It's definitely going to be a new icon when complete. :D

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t263/DKNY617/IMG_0586.jpg
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t263/DKNY617/IMG_0587.jpg
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t263/DKNY617/IMG_0588.jpg

[NYguy]

^ Most definitely a new icon...

hvgriensven (http://www.flickr.com/photos/plumo/3954714125/sizes/l/in/set-72157622332661413/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3491/3954714125_2a84be6642_b.jpg


guachumara (http://www.flickr.com/photos/guachumara/3953436405/sizes/l/in/set-72157622454477684/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3479/3953436405_51e64c43c0_b.jpg

[THE BIG APPLE]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/25830962@N06/3956043896/

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2425/3956043896_761d335b58_b.jpg
A shame we had to loose the World Building cause of that ramp.

[vandelay]

When the cladding reaches that top tier, it's going to look amazing in the sunset. It'll look like gold.

[THE BIG APPLE]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/25830962@N06 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/25830962@N06/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3507/3955261617_c486dd6c79_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2571/3956043636_a7e54f25c6_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2526/3956043742_d87180fd33_b.jpg
If the cladding was a little higher it would reflect the sun

[Antares41]

When the cladding reaches that top tier, it's going to look amazing in the sunset. It'll look like gold.

Actually believe those are sunrise pictures given the bldg location and the origination of the incoming sunlight. Nevertheless, I'm in agreement with your comment, it going to be absolutely gorgeous.

[Vanzetti]

Similar in theme( i.e. undulating facade), different, as you pointed out, in execution. I would wait until Beekman is completed before I make a direct comparison, but, thusfar I consider it a more daring execution of that theme, even with the flat south face.

Beekman is more daring, but also more expensive than Aqua (at least it looks like it, I could be mistaken). I say you could compare those two projects as the same theme on a different budget levels.

On an even higher budget level I guess one could use warped glass...

[Hed Kandi]

Beekman is more daring, but also more expensive than Aqua (at least it looks like it, I could be mistaken). I say you could compare those two projects as the same theme on a different budget levels.

On an even higher budget level I guess one could use warped glass...

What is "warped glass"?

[JSsocal]

^^^Glass that curves, but that would be astronomically expensive on a tower like this, considering that most pieces would have to be unique

[jackie60]

Beekman is more daring, but also more expensive than Aqua (at least it looks like it, I could be mistaken). I say you could compare those two projects as the same theme on a different budget levels.

On an even higher budget level I guess one could use warped glass...

Aqua is a box with shaped balconies.

It was a good idea to create the illusion and movement with them but all was lost when they installed metal railings.

Aqua was designed as a rental, perhaps that is the reason for the budget and low ceiling heights. Beekman Place was designed as condos and turned into rentals.

[antinimby]

"Warped" glass is not usable. Not a good idea.

[NYguy]

comawe (http://www.flickr.com/photos/comawe/3958549162/sizes/l/in/set-72157622339868099/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2608/3958549162_c94f121dd3_b.jpg


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2550/3958696774_0818699eda_b.jpg


jedle (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jedle/3961030245/sizes/o/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2575/3961030245_df7bd6b623_o.jpg

[JACKinBeantown]

64 floors?

[RoldanTTLB]

64 floors?

I believe as of this morning they are framing the 66th floor, but I might be off by one. Just for counting purposes, and to make it easier in the future, it's:

5 - Base
17 - First setback
17 - Second setback
12 - Third and Final setback

So 51 before starting to count the floors above the final setback. I think in the sunset photos posted above they are framing the 14th floor above the final setback, so 65. That still leaves about 13 + mechanicals to go. I'm still finding the height of this tower to be pretty wild (it's roof will be roughly the same height as the tallest buildings built lately in Manhattan, before getting spires). Incredible.

[Vanzetti]

^^^Glass that curves, but that would be astronomically expensive on a tower like this, considering that most pieces would have to be unique

But it would look really badass.

[Vanzetti]

It was a good idea to create the illusion and movement with them but all was lost when they installed metal railings.


WHT are you talking about, you can barely see railings on Aqua. They don`t interfere in any way.

[scalziand]

"Warped" glass is not usable. Not a good idea.
Seems to work fine for cars

[NYguy]

Tecttonic (http://www.flickr.com/photos/10342485@N05/3958565062/sizes/l/in/photostream/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2607/3958565062_fb535af292_b.jpg

[J_M_Tungsten]

^^^Excellent shot!!! WOW!!!!

[QuarterMileSidewalk]

oh ho ho hooooo!

[antinimby]

Seems to work fine for carsGently curved, yes but not at those really twisting angles and shapes that this building requires.

[WSH]

*dies*

Beautiful!

[RoldanTTLB]

ROAR! I'm so FLAT!!!
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_3T08TVQ0h2g/SsJMT3R5_2I/AAAAAAAADZM/EF4-tcMX6Go/s800/DSC02207.JPG

Or not...
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_3T08TVQ0h2g/SsJMVHqeaQI/AAAAAAAADZQ/IWb8tYq-wc4/s800/DSC02212.JPG

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_3T08TVQ0h2g/SsJMV-mjQ_I/AAAAAAAADZU/94A8El0wzoQ/s800/DSC02216.JPG

[JACKinBeantown]

Isn't it about time to raise the crane?

[RoldanTTLB]

Isn't it about time to raise the crane?

Funny you should mention. I totally forgot the part of my post that said there are 3 segments on the ground. They generally jump on weekends due to safety regulations since last year's accidents, though, so I suspect they won't go up for a few more days. I'm sure the crane is high enough to complete this week's work.

[NYguy]

derAmialtebloede (http://www.flickr.com/photos/derami/3968349116/sizes/l/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3456/3968349116_0a34316829_b.jpg

[NYguy]

No surprise here...
http://lowermanhattan.info/construction/project_updates/beekman_tower_8_spruce_83718.aspx

*The following information was last updated on September 30, 2009.

-Superstructure erection is underway, now at 67 stories.
-Curtain wall installation continues up to floor 30 and should be completed by winter 2010.
-The brick facade on the lower stories is complete.

[uaarkson]

Dammit, why so long. :???:

[Nefcia]

As we can see, nearly, ten floors to go!

[NYguy]

http://www.observer.com/2009/slideshow/113069/beekman

Beekman: The Ratner/Gehry Project That Wasn't Dropped

http://www.observer.com/files/slideshow/gehry%201.jpg


To anyone who treks west over the Brooklyn or Manhattan bridges each morning, a quick glance to the area just south of the Municipal Building will reveal a new addition to the Lower Manhattan skyline: a skinny, tiered concrete skeleton that's rapidly climbing upward.

The apartment tower-to-be—67 stories as of Wednesday—is a high-end rental building developed by Forest City Ratner, the firm that is desperately trying to build a new Nets basketball arena and accompanying 16-tower development near Downtown Brooklyn. And it is also—as the distinct, undulating aluminum façade now rising on the building's lower half might suggest—designed by Frank Gehry, his first residential high-rise.

(Forest City, to much criticism, dropped Mr. Gehry earlier this year from the Brooklyn project after years of planning, design and salesmanship in an attempt to significantly lower costs.)

On Wednesday, we got to take a look inside the tower, simply called Beekman, where Bruce Ratner, Forest City Ratner chairman, led us up to snap some photos a few floors shy of the top.

-Eliot Brown

http://www.observer.com/files/slideshow/Picture%20029.jpg

Upward!

The crane was shut down for high winds when we went up, so the building was halting its growth for the day. It usually adds a floor every two days, though windy days are not that uncommon. The project’s construction manager, Joe Rechichi, said he anticipates a topping off in November.

In the elevator, that's Bruce Ratner, center, with Forest City executive vice president MaryAnne Gilmartin, left.

http://www.observer.com/files/slideshow/view.jpg

The Tallest Bedroom Community
No surprise here: The views are pretty stunning up top.

The Beekman tower will be the tallest residential building in the city at 867 feet (77 stories), and, a block east of City Hall Park, it stands separate from the other two clusters of Lower Manhattan’s skyscrapers (the financial district to the south, and the World Trade Center site to the west).

Originally, the top 200 apartments were to be (high-priced) condominiums, though Forest City ultimately changed course—probably a good decision given the status of the Manhattan luxury condo market right now—opting to make all 900 apartments in the building rentals.

http://www.observer.com/files/slideshow/ratner_0.jpg

Great Timing!

The project is perhaps not the best-timed development in the world. It was the last residential building to receive a batch of tax-free bonds that were issued to help Lower Manhattan recover after 9/11—it got about $200 million in tax-free “Liberty Bonds”—and the bulk of construction didn’t start until spring 2008, after the economy had already begun to wane. (Forest City was first named winner of the property back in late 2003 in a complicated deal with the property owner, NYU Downtown Hospital, and Pace University, which was to take space in the tower.)

Mr. Ratner estimated that prices on rentals have dropped about 15 percent since when the company set up financing in 2008, and it’s of course hard to say where they’re going.

Just how expensive will the luxury rentals be?

“The market will drive it in 2011, when it opens,” Mr. Ratner said. “Hopefully, the city will be creating jobs again.”

http://www.observer.com/files/slideshow/wtc.jpg

Cost Cutting

There was a while when it was unclear whether or not Forest City was going to build out the tower in full. Back in March, it stopped construction as it tried to renegotiate costs with unions and contractors, bringing down prices (labor was working on a project-by-project basis on an agreement to lower costs).

Ultimately, Mr. Ratner got enough of what he wanted, and agreed to finish the building as planned with what he said were about 10 percent lower construction costs.

“About 80 percent of that savings came from the unions,” he said, a dig at construction management, from whom he wanted greater concessions. “I don’t think the contractors reduced their savings that much.”

Forest City hasn’t said the total cost of the project, but it has $680 million in debt financing ($200 million of which is exempt from city, state and federal taxes), and $35 million in mezzanine financing from the National Electrical Benefit Fund (which is also an equity partner).

http://www.observer.com/files/slideshow/siding.jpg

Wavy Siding

A bit of a complicated view here—this is a cross section of the curtain wall, with the photo shot through a wire screen. We’re on the 35th floor, the top floor to which the aluminum and stainless steel skin has climbed so far. Each apartment along the faces of the building that have the undulation (the south side is flat) has its own unique shape, as the edges of the apartment curve more or less with the exterior.

http://www.observer.com/files/slideshow/boxes.jpg

Siding in a Box

The curtain wall comes from all over—Michigan to Florida to here—and is all custom made for each slot. Here’s a box with some siding awaiting installment.

http://www.observer.com/files/slideshow/drapery.jpg

Drapery

The inspiration for the exterior was drapery in a marble sculpture by 17th-century artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini, according to an architectural statement released by Forest City and Frank Gehry’s office.

“Frank always told me that it gets more interesting as it goes up," Mr. Ratner said of Mr. Gehry, looking up at the curtain wall.

Mr. Gehry first proposed a different building, Mr. Ratner said.

"Frank works with models," he said. "He works by models and drawings that he thinks are beautiful, and then he tries to make them into a building. So we worked with different ideas—at one point it was a building that twisted around and around like a corkscrew, and it was really beautiful, really nice. The problem was, in a building, you have to line up all the bathrooms and all the plumbing and we couldn’t come up with a way to do that.”

Unlike many iconic planned towers, the unveiling of the designs for this tower went without a celebratory, pomp- and speech-filled event. The reason: The event was planned for May 30, 2008, but a few hours before the unveiling, there was a fatal crane collapse on East 91st Street. The announcement of construction of the city’s tallest residential tower was called off.

http://www.observer.com/files/slideshow/rebar.jpg

Rebar by the Pool

Here’s the pool deck (for residents), looking out over the Municipal Building. The rebar is lounging here until it goes up to the top.

http://www.observer.com/files/slideshow/Picture%20059.jpg

School with Frank

To win the site, Forest City pledged a new public school in the base of the building, for which they would pay for the core and shell. Here’s the gymnasium.

http://www.observer.com/files/slideshow/until%20march.jpg

Until March…

Opening day is a ways off. The company plans to open the first units around March 2011.

[Dac150]

No matter what I always manage to stop and take a few minutes to gaze up at this building. After class one day I was just looking out the window at it and got some strange looks from those who were passing by as if to say ‘what’s the big deal?’ Funny how an icon in the making can get so much disregard from those who are exposed to it on a daily basis.

Anyways, the building is moving along at a great pace and the fact that it’ll top out sooner than May comes as no surprise. The cladding on the other hand can take its time because it’s really cool seeing it being erected; however I’m anxious to see everything fall into place.

This is one of those rare construction processes that you don’t want to end because it is amazing to watch however you know when It does it’ll be an amazing sight to see.

[NYguy]

OCTOBER 2, 2009

http://www.pbase.com/nyguy/image/117837442/large.jpg


http://www.pbase.com/nyguy/image/117837450/large.jpg

That last shot reminds me, Woolworth was once world's tallest. Yet New York kept growing and building. A note to the folks in Midtown who see the Empire State as the end-of-all-great-things in New York. I don't think we've seen the best the city can be. And I think we're in for the best yet.

[rich_200]

A floor every two days, that pace is amazing!

[americanskyscraper22]

wow, im going 2 new york in a few weeks, and this'll be one of my first stops. what floor has it hit now?

[NYguy]

wow, im going 2 new york in a few weeks, and this'll be one of my first stops. what floor has it hit now?

Upper 60's.

[americanskyscraper22]

k thanks, do u know how fast they are putting up stories?

[rich_200]

^
Just read the last page...

[Dac150]

k thanks, do u know how fast they are putting up stories?

It's expected to top out in November. They average a floor every couple days.

[THE BIG APPLE]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/47799205@N00/3971151349/

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3530/3971151349_92b21792a6_b.jpg

[THE BIG APPLE]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mcgrayjr/3980785377/

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3492/3980785377_5133f14bc1_b.jpg

[NYguy]

JLByrne (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jlbyrne/3977597999/sizes/l/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2427/3977597999_620222012f_b.jpg


nkeppol (http://www.flickr.com/photos/nkeppol/3981316517/sizes/o/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3482/3981316517_253ae34d7c_o.jpg

[NYC2ATX]

derAmialtebloede (http://www.flickr.com/photos/derami/3968349116/sizes/l/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3456/3968349116_0a34316829_b.jpg

STEP 1: Check out this picture.

STEP 2: Imagine this picture with a completed Beekman and the new Four Seasons.

STEP 3: LOSE YOUR MIND. :banana: :banana: :banana:

[NYguy]

STEP 2: Imagine this picture with a completed Beekman and the new Four Seasons.

STEP 3: LOSE YOUR MIND. :banana: :banana: :banana:

I've done it...;) I think it's the coolest new canyon in Manhattan. Turn the other way, and the Goldman closes out the view.


Meanwhile, add a couple of hundred feet to this tower, and you've got a supertall dominating the Downtown skyline (at least up to this point)

Catherine Penfold-Waxman (http://www.flickr.com/photos/catpenfold/3984418519/sizes/l/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2572/3984418519_20da08bd94_b.jpg

[rich_200]

That canyon will be amazing, it was even when I went a little over a year ago and it keeps getting better. And once the WTC towers are completed (an of course the Four Seasons) you won't be able to look around and see anything but supertalls

[NYCLuver]

Okay here are the pictures resized, hopefully they are better for you guys. :)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2587/3990496947_755598b89a_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2609/3990500235_8fa44ea160_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2503/3990504757_95fa054420_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3221/3991265462_77bba9d3b0_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2486/3991268558_a10c435d92_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2486/3991272350_e336757d25_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2672/3991275544_8c9eff6aa3_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2608/3990522297_ba664c5891_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2432/3990525235_3b73ccbe82_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3429/3991284458_7d798c9d37_b.jpg

[WonderlandPark]

that was PAINFUL on my pokey wireless connection, please, please don't post super-large photos (and so many of them)

anyways, can't wait to lay eyes on this in 2 weeks, better than expected, IMO.

[NYCLuver]

I apologized before I posted the pictures, and I apologize again. I'm sorry for those who have a bad internet connection.

When my other uploader resets, I may try to upload the pictures at a smaller size or just delete them, but I think it would be a loss, since the pictures are actually perfect for showing everything on the building.

Once again, sorry. :(

[NYguy]

wgavinrobb (http://www.flickr.com/photos/wgavinrobb/3989295136/sizes/o/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2579/3989295136_3151d3693b_o.jpg

[americanskyscraper22]

wow, great pics. has this passed woolworth yet?

[QuarterMileSidewalk]

This tower is just such a triumph.

[WonderlandPark]

I apologized before I posted the pictures, and I apologize again. I'm sorry for those who have a bad internet connection.

When my other uploader resets, I may try to upload the pictures at a smaller size or just delete them, but I think it would be a loss, since the pictures are actually perfect for showing everything on the building.

Once again, sorry. :(

Thanks for posting, didn't mean to be so harsh. Sometimes people just post way to many huuuuge photos without knowing what they are doing. Or they post lots of the same photos, like a photo of the building, then they step to the right a couple of steps and take the exact same shot. You didn't do that, just sometimes the posts with 20 large almost identical shots gets annoying. Thanks for the nice pics :)

[THE BIG APPLE]

http://lowermanhattan.info/construction/project_updates/beekman_tower_8_spruce_83718.aspx

*The following information was last updated on October 6, 2009.

-Superstructure erection is underway, now at 69 stories.
-Curtain wall installation continues up to floor 30 and should be completed by winter 2010. The brick facade on the lower stories is complete.
-The contract RFP for finishing work on the building's school was issued in late May 2009.
-Building will top out in December 2009
-Full sidewalk closures on Spruce and Beekman Streets beside the work site
-Extended work hours Monday through Saturdays 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

[NYguy]

Each Day is a Gift (http://www.flickr.com/photos/every_day/3991340841/sizes/l/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2543/3991340841_8c2aea65af_b.jpg

[NYguy]

heathbrandon (http://www.flickr.com/photos/heathbrandon/3994362486/sizes/l/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2620/3994362486_f5331cbe4a_b.jpg

[Zapatan]

Is there a really big crown on this building? It's already 70 floors up, so only 5 or 6 more to go but only about 700 feet by looking at it next to woolworth/ chase manhattan bank etc.

anyways this tower is stunning, i think it deserves a medal :notacrook:

[NYguy]

Rafael Chamorro (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rchamorro/3993132052/sizes/l/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2610/3993132052_e74669bebf_b.jpg


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2550/3992371457_799cbc172f_b.jpg


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2509/3992368649_32095934dd_b.jpg


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3470/3993104460_bd77b48e99_b.jpg


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3481/3992268331_6c867d4660_b.jpg

[QuarterMileSidewalk]

I love the angle and composition of that last shot you posted, NYguy...

This tower is one of those special ones that inspires actual joy in me, watching it rise... can anyone imagine how Frank Gehry feels?

[THE BIG APPLE]

WNY

http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/2536/beekman85c.jpg
http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/1319/beekman86c.jpg

[CHAPINM1]

Is there a really big crown on this building? It's already 70 floors up, so only 5 or 6 more to go but only about 700 feet by looking at it next to woolworth/ chase manhattan bank etc.

anyways this tower is stunning, i think it deserves a medal :notacrook:

This thing is well over 700 feet and is roughly 800 feet at least. When I was in Lower Manhattan 2 days ago I was stunned to see how it has grown!

[THE BIG APPLE]

More...

http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/1613/beekman75c.jpg
http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/5363/beekman76c.jpg
http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/8202/beekman77c.jpg
http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/637/beekman78c.jpg
http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/3013/beekman79c.jpg
Love how we could still see the Woolworth and its shadow on 7WTC.

[THE BIG APPLE]

Some more...

http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/3013/beekman79c.jpg
http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/3950/beekman80c.jpg
http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/1876/beekman82c.jpg
http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/2860/beekman81c.jpg
http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/6799/beekman83c.jpg

[photoLith]

It looks like its almost TO

[NYguy]

I love the angle and composition of that last shot you posted, NYguy...

This tower is one of those special ones that inspires actual joy in me, watching it rise... can anyone imagine how Frank Gehry feels?

It's his defining tower for New York...:yes:



http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/8202/beekman77c.jpg


http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/6799/beekman83c.jpg

Who needs Woolworth?...;)

[RoldanTTLB]

Is there a really big crown on this building? It's already 70 floors up, so only 5 or 6 more to go but only about 700 feet by looking at it next to woolworth/ chase manhattan bank etc.

anyways this tower is stunning, i think it deserves a medal :notacrook:

Hey! So a couple notes about this building's height, etc. In most of the recent photos here, the building is at 69 floors, give or take, so 7 floors to go. That alone is about the 100ft, and if you look at the shot with this building and Woolworth in a line, it's only short by the 30 feet of copper roofing. Additionally, while it may not have a HUGE crown, 76 is assuredly to the top occupied floor. There will be a roof over them, and some variety of mechanicals above that. Knowing Gehry, all of that will be covered by the building, so there will be at least 20-50 feet above the highest occupied floor. The building likely has well over 100 feet of height left to grow.

[Antares41]

^ Yeah the key here is whether the 867ft is the height of the highest occupiable floor or is it the total height. As has been the case with some residential buildings in NYC (The Barclay, advertised as 588ft, actually 673ft and Atelier, advertised as 475ft, actually 521ft to name a few) it typically the highest occupiable floor that is the most quoted measurement. Mechanicals, water towers, etc. usually are not counted, thus an additional 50ft, or more, is plausible for Beekman Place.

[rich_200]

It would be great, but from the renderings it doesn't seem like it

[RoldanTTLB]

It would be great, but from the renderings it doesn't seem like it

Yeah, but the renderings don't show anything on top, and there's no way THAT's the case.

[THE BIG APPLE]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cfaydi/

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2558/4003432708_ca420fe63f_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2558/4003429106_ed60eb3620_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2675/4003443878_353b2c7854_b.jpg

[THE BIG APPLE]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cfaydi/4003456542/

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2608/4003456542_c31eb0c8c2_b.jpg

[chex]

so fast since it was stopped... and now, just a beauty!!! amazing shots!
from brooklyn it looks very tall.. great!

[kznyc2k]

2009-10-10

http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/732/img1723g.jpg

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/7128/img1746z.jpg

http://img39.imageshack.us/img39/3756/img1837s.jpg

http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/671/img1841ps.jpg

http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/8153/img1843k.jpg

http://img380.imageshack.us/img380/9184/img1847.jpg

[NYguy]

2009-10-10
http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/671/img1841ps.jpg

A lot of people don't like the tower from this angle, but I like it.


OZONEHOWARD (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29981127@N06/4001832658/sizes/l/in/photostream/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2548/4001832658_2b6ce971af_b.jpg

[ethereal_reality]

^^^I'm sorry, but that flat side ruins the whole building for me. :(
Obviously the builders did it to save money.

And I'm a New York lover......so don't yell at me.

[uaarkson]

Is curtain wall installation on hold or something?

[RoldanTTLB]

Is curtain wall installation on hold or something?

Allow me to say: absolutely not. They're actually speeding up. Keep in mind, they don't work on weekends, but they're down to 3 floors before the next setback.

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_3T08TVQ0h2g/StPiihnpN7I/AAAAAAAADec/HHp7MzOZNJQ/s800/DSC02289.JPG

[uaarkson]

Judging from the pictures, they've been at two floors below the mechanicals for a week, are you sure?

[NYguy]

Q's wandering... (http://www.flickr.com/photos/8499133@N02/4007015826/sizes/l/in/set-72157622573158080/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2632/4007015826_34845ca120_b.jpg


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2583/4006210619_56ec4726be_b.jpg


Dan DC (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dandc/4004912382/sizes/l/in/set-72157603512702833/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3529/4004912382_eea3efb678_b.jpg

[RoldanTTLB]

Judging from the pictures, they've been at two floors below the mechanicals for a week, are you sure?

I just looked through the menagerie of pictures posted in the past week, and it seems to flip around based on our poor timing. I can say with a great deal of certainty that they are only 1 floor from the mechanicals as of this morning. I'll grab a photo after work. They've installed some very strange rigging above the mechanicals that I am unsure about as well.

[meh_cd]

Is curtain wall installation on hold or something?

If I had to GUESS (guess is the key word here), the building was stalled at the mechanical floor this summer so perhaps they didn't want to order an entire building's worth of curtain wall before they were sure if it would go to the full height?

[RoldanTTLB]

If I had to GUESS (guess is the key word here), the building was stalled at the mechanical floor this summer so perhaps they didn't want to order an entire building's worth of curtain wall before they were sure if it would go to the full height?

Ok, guys, please stop! I didn't get out of work until after 7, so all you have is this oddly re-contrasted blurry photo from my crap-cam. Really, though, they haven't stopped putting up the curtain wall.

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_3T08TVQ0h2g/StVChd-_S2I/AAAAAAAADfU/FNF2gXzcgnw/s800/DSC02308.JPG

[RoldanTTLB]

Phew. Here's some WAY better pics from today. Floor 71 to boot, too, so there's only 5 to go.

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_3T08TVQ0h2g/StaIQF9dtgI/AAAAAAAADfw/7aNyFOlOGpU/s800/DSC02313.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_3T08TVQ0h2g/StaIUIkLkcI/AAAAAAAADf0/YJNDJdjIMRI/s800/DSC02315.JPG

[rapid_business]

Got to see this first hand this past weekend. Looking good!

[NYguy]

Each Day is a Gift (http://www.flickr.com/photos/every_day/4014373000/sizes/l/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2490/4014373000_80ebdf76d4_b.jpg


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2191/3998415804_6673717e64_b.jpg


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2512/3997702205_d60fa7d582_b.jpg


Hidden City (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hiddencity_hr/4016153984/sizes/l/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2761/4016153984_d5eb2f7c25_b.jpg


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2459/4015389887_85f64a1771_b.jpg

[NYguy]

joevare (http://www.flickr.com/photos/joevare/4006014317/sizes/l/in/set-72157622448391527/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2650/4006014317_7d7539bb78_b.jpg


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2479/4006018787_08dc8440c2_b.jpg


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2669/4006017795_8dcef8ea77_b.jpg


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2616/4006016869_253a75dcc5_b.jpg

[JACKinBeantown]

This won't be the tallest building downtown, but I think it qualifies as a skyline changer. Definitely a skyline improver.

[SkyscrapersOfNewYork]

joevare (http://www.flickr.com/photos/joevare/4006014317/sizes/l/in/set-72157622448391527/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2650/4006014317_7d7539bb78_b.jpg


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2479/4006018787_08dc8440c2_b.jpg


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2669/4006017795_8dcef8ea77_b.jpg


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2616/4006016869_253a75dcc5_b.jpg

When will it be done?

[delts145]

I have little patience for those who are sooo often jealous of Gehry's work, and would dismiss everything he designs. If someone even has a fraction of a sense of objectivity, they must agree that this tower is a beautiful work of art. I might not be a fan of all of Gehry's work, but this Tower is one of many reasons I am of big fan of Gehry in general.

[delts145]

These curves and their design placement are absolutely beautiful!!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2616/4006016869_253a75dcc5_b.jpg

[RoldanTTLB]

I have little patience for those who are sooo often jealous of Gehry's work, and would dismiss everything he designs. If someone even has a fraction of a sense of objectivity, they must agree that this tower is a beautiful work of art. I might not be a fan of all of Gehry's work, but this Tower is one of many reasons I am of big fan of Gehry in general.

Allow me to say that 1.) Frank Gehry is a hack and 2.) This is a very attractive building. I have to say, even this building could ultimately be a failure, though. Here's the problem with Gehry: it's not as though his stuff isn't beautiful, it's just dysfunctional. It's like a hot chick with bulimia. None of it works as intended. Off the top of my head:

MIT Building - leaked so bad they sued him
Case Western Building - Ice shelves form on the roof every winter and fall on pedestrians. They regularly have to close off the sidewalks around the building to keep people from getting injured.
Disney Symphony House - So reflective cars were crashing. It was ultimately buffed down.

Anyway, enough trashing Gehry! Let's instead revisit a shot from Chinatown:
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_3T08TVQ0h2g/ScFKcX_FLFI/AAAAAAAABuE/tUhOmaEm8T4/s800/DSC01109.jpg
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_3T08TVQ0h2g/Stun6rlHXqI/AAAAAAAADhY/MOO-MhuPJ7Q/s800/DSC02317.JPG

And we're at 72 floors too, so only 3 more and then it's mechanical time, and then who knows what.

[Hamilton]

^^^ What street are those last two pictures taken from? That's an incredible sight-line.

[RoldanTTLB]

^^^ What street are those last two pictures taken from? That's an incredible sight-line.

The photos are from Madison just under the Manhattan Bridge (you can see the shadow of the bridge in the first photo). I took the first photo, gosh, March 18th, so exactly 7 months ago. The tower has doubled in height since then and only has a few floors to go. I actually bet East Broadway has an even better shot, but it was freaking cold and wet out today, so there was no way I was about to check. Maybe some other time.

[NYguy]

Sicktography (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sicktography/4027323543/sizes/l/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2494/4027323543_160758ef78_b.jpg

[R@ptor]

Couldn't they have spent a little more so that all 4 sides would have gotten the spectacular cladding? Because right now the tower looks amazing from 3 sides and like s**t from 1 side.