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Originally Posted by M. Incandenza
Hmm, interesting question! I like the Gehry tower, with qualifications (don't like the base at all, but love its presence on the skyline). I think the Bank of America tower is okay. But the pickings are slim. Of course if you go back 25 years that takes you into the golden age of postmodernism and I'd be able to add a bunch more to the list.
I do like several buildings that are going up now, though: 56 Leonard, 111 57th Street, the Robert Stern buildings (with qualifications). Certainly I think that we're about to see the best buildings built in the city since the early 90s.
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Yes, you are right, there was a mistake in my question and to go back two decades ago is not enough to find the best skyscrapers built recently in NYC. Although, like MistermetAJ, I do like the Silverstein towers. So, if we go back a little further in the past, my top three would be (by order of appearance) : Cityspire, the Four seasons hotel and Trump palace. They represent NY at its best, flamboyant and exuberant like the city used to be in the 30's. That is why I have high hopes concerning the two forthcoming Stern's towers.
Paradoxically, I am not sure that I would love those towers that much if some bland boxy towers had not fulfilled the skyline between those two eras. That is why I believe that some diversity is always needed to appreciate what we love at its true value.
Therefore, I believe that 22 Thames, because it is a simple box (but a tall, thin and elegant one) will enhance this neighborhood. The contrast it will bring with existing gems like 70 Pine street or 40 Wall street will do more good to the area than (for instance) a failed postmodernist tower like 60 Wall street.