NEW YORK | 432 Park Avenue (Drake Hotel dev.) | (1,396) FT / 432 M | 89 FLOORS

[King DenCity]

so.. friggin... perfect...
new york's skyline is already perfect... although with every new tower it becomes more perfect...

[Submariner]

Pictures do NOT do this justice. This building is so impressive in person.



Agreed...it's really something that needs to be seen in person to truly appreciate. I remember thinking that this was going to be another boring midtown box notable solely for its height, but it's actually quite stunning in its simplicity. I once imagined it would be something akin to the twin towers on a diet, but wow, was I ever wrong.

[NYguy]

^ Yeah, it is something to behold.


http://skyscrapercenter.com/building/432-park-avenue/13227

http://buildingdb.ctbuh.org/class-image.php/userpics/10002/?width=1000&height=800&image=/images/albums/userpics/10002/432Park_UCT3_TP~0.jpg



https://www.facebook.com/267645419971972/photos/pcb.754636131272896/754635857939590/?type=1&theater

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/1896807_754635857939590_3084494776961502350_n.jpg?oh=6f8eae4454c1063976b316e1c13fe69a&oe=55052E2A&__gda__=1429532771_6f20fbe96e30086b8474e6a3538101fe

[colemonkee]

Is the glass going up on the Park Avenue retail portion frosted, or is that just a protective film?

[NYguy]

^ Probably not permanent.



lucasncm (https://www.flickr.com/photos/126309880@N07/15486369004/sizes/l/)

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7583/15486369004_98081563bb_b.jpg



https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7499/15921331970_e95b08bcdd_b.jpg



https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7537/16082844906_f1e34a9670_b.jpg



https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7499/15921331970_fa75ce7b1f_h.jpg



https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7537/16082844906_54bd06ca95_h.jpg

[NYCLuver]

December 26th, 2014

http://i997.photobucket.com/albums/af100/DKNY620/DSC_0752_zps8ecd83a1.jpg (http://s997.photobucket.com/user/DKNY620/media/DSC_0752_zps8ecd83a1.jpg.html)

[sterlippo1]

December 26th, 2014

http://i997.photobucket.com/albums/af100/DKNY620/DSC_0752_zps8ecd83a1.jpg (http://s997.photobucket.com/user/DKNY620/media/DSC_0752_zps8ecd83a1.jpg.html)

where is this shot taken, maybe like 30th st at um maybe west side hwy? I cant fully wrap my head around it:???: i see BOA and NYT Tower , thanks

[BrownTown]

where is this shot taken, maybe like 30th st at um maybe west side hwy? I cant fully wrap my head around it:???: i see BOA and NYT Tower , thanks
It's from the Hudson Yards site I assume. You can see the vent building for the 7 train extension on the lower right of the picture. I'm not sure the exact street address, but you could Google it pretty easily.

EDIT: Off the high line portion north of 30th street a fair ways back from 10 Hudson Yards which should be just off the frame to the right.

[yankeesfan1000]

^ Looks like 38th and 10th.

[NYCLuver]

It was around 31st street and on the new part of the Highline Park. :) The portion that swoops around the train yards. See below: (Didn't include this photo originally because I wasn't happy with the way it came out, a bit blurry. ;) )

http://i802.photobucket.com/albums/yy306/DKNY619/DSC_0754_zps3ffcf7b7.jpg (http://s802.photobucket.com/user/DKNY619/media/DSC_0754_zps3ffcf7b7.jpg.html)

[Nexis4Jersey]

From today

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7559/15936120130_a576826b55_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/qhdMiU)
Jersey City & Midtown ManhattanSkyline viewed from Interstate 78 Eastbound (https://flic.kr/p/qhdMiU) by Nexis4Jersey09 (https://www.flickr.com/people/42178139@N06/), on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7534/16122678622_e602e5fb96_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/qyGWDC)\Midtown Manhattan Skyline viewed from Downtown Jersey City,NJ (https://flic.kr/p/qyGWDC) by Nexis4Jersey09 (https://www.flickr.com/people/42178139@N06/), on Flickr

[Cypherus]

So simple, so tall, so awesome!

[kznyc2k]

Eh I don't like it. No grace.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8672/15939843487_dbe6fb4993_b.jpg

https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7529/15503256434_35c089c56f_b.jpg

https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7554/15938148968_45a225b025_b.jpg

[sterlippo1]

thanks guys:tup:

[NYguy]

mrbrkly (https://www.flickr.com/photos/mrbrkly/16130214501/sizes/l/)

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7482/16130214501_d244cecba4_b.jpg



https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7482/16130214501_883eff1507_k.jpg



bruciemane (https://www.flickr.com/photos/124837856@N05/15942325729/sizes/h/)

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7494/15942325729_e20ef3507c_h.jpg



eternalsphere25 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/72109579@N03/16122159681/sizes/k/)

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7540/16122365821_c7945a1ae1_k.jpg



https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8631/16122159681_abc2a92993_k.jpg



pwbaker (https://www.flickr.com/photos/pwbaker/15933428950/sizes/h/)

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7485/15933428950_162861ae95_h.jpg



lensepix (https://www.flickr.com/photos/lensepix/16057409646/sizes/l/)

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7526/16057409646_91f7847c2a_b.jpg



https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7526/16057409646_8161c36b78_h.jpg

[Boinator200]

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8631/16122159681_abc2a92993_k.jpg

Can someone please tell me what that building is thats being under construction right next to the Silver Towers? I've been searching for a while now in the diagrams, but I can't find it

[KevininPhx]

Can someone please tell me what that building is thats being under construction right next to the Silver Towers? I've been searching for a while now in the diagrams, but I can't find it

While you're at it, what's that lighted blue building to the left of 432? I was in NYC last winter and was really surprised by it, only because I hadn't heard of it before. I think it's a hotel, can't remember.

[Hudson11]

^^ Atelier II (605 w 42nd) and 1717 Broadway.

[JustSomeGuyWho]

^^ Atelier II (605 w 42nd) and 1717 Broadway.

The relative size of the cranes in this pic between Atelier II and 432 Park gives some sense of just how freaking tall 432 Park is. Either that or 432 Park is using a really tiny crane.

[NYguy]

Can someone please tell me what that building is thats being under construction right next to the Silver Towers? I've been searching for a while now in the diagrams, but I can't find it

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=150054


While you're at it, what's that lighted blue building to the left of 432? I was in NYC last winter and was really surprised by it, only because I hadn't heard of it before. I think it's a hotel, can't remember.

http://skyscrapercenter.com/new-york-city/courtyard--residence-inn-manhattancentral-park/9786

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=184220




They're rehashing this, a topic that was discussed years ago, but hasn't and likely won't change...


http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2014-12-29/vanity-addresses-like-432-park-avenue-add-confusion-to-city-navigation

The Real Reason You Get Lost in New York City


http://media.gotraffic.net/images/iodae9BYIrng/v3/630x420.jpg


By Patrick Clark
December 29, 2014


A soon-to-be completed Manhattan high-rise, 432 Park Avenue, is already known for its height (at 1,396 feet, it's the island's tallest building) and its outlandish prices (the cheapest available unit on the building's website is a two-bedroom for $16.95 million). Once the building is done, it may have another distinguishing feature: an address that confuses cabdrivers, postal workers, delivery people, and anyone else navigating the city streets.

That's because 432 Park Avenue isn't really on Park Avenue. The building's southern face, where residents are likely to enter, is on 56th Street, about 150 feet from the corner of the famed boulevard. The tower also borders 57th Street, where a chic shirt maker and an auction house lie between 432 Park (the building) and Park Avenue (the actual avenue). So what exactly determines a luxury skyscraper's name?

Addresses are "essential to navigating any city," and should "make finding specific buildings and entrances as easy as possible," states a New York City document describing the process of assigning street numbers. But an address can also function as a brand name. "People want to tell their friends and family they're buying on Park Avenue," says Andy Gerringer, managing director at Marketing Directors, a New York-based real estate consultancy. "It goes along with the glitz and glamor of the building." (Neither the developer, Macklowe Properties, nor Michael Tavani, the press contact for 432 Park Avenue, responded to queries for this story.)

In a nod to developers, the city allows building owners who provide cogent rationale and an $11,000 processing fee to obtain a vanity address. Apartment buyers will pay a premium for the privilege. A dwelling with a Park Avenue address is often worth 5 percent to 10 percent more than a comparable apartment on a nearby side street, says Jonathan Miller, president of appraiser Miller Samuel. That makes the city's processing fee an outright bargain. "Name another thing you can get on a development project that you can get for $11,000," Miller says.

To balance the needs of developers and, say, cabbies, the borough president's office asks applicants seeking vanity addresses to explain why they want to break from the status quo. Buildings with frontage on multiple streets are often granted an address that doesn't correspond to its entrance. (That criterion likely applies to 432 Park, whose lot borders Park Avenue at the corner of 56th Street.) Structures that border notable areas—Lincoln Center or Penn Station, for example—can also apply. Vanity addresses "must avoid creating confusion as to a building's location," according to the city document describing the process.

Anecdotal evidence suggests office buildings are as likely to request vanity addresses as residential developments. Notable examples include One Bryant Park, where Bank of America bases its New York operations, and 200 West St., which Goldman Sachs calls home. Then there's the rat's nest of addresses that use Times Square in lieu of a street name. Those buildings, which house commercial tenants, are particularly tough to find because their numbers give little clue to their respective locations, says Anthony Borelli, vice president of planning and development at Edison Properties.

Borelli should know: From 2006 to 2011, he was responsible for approving vanity addresses as the director of land use and urban planning for the Manhattan Borough President's office. "I remember when I first took the job, I said I can't believe we have to do this stuff," he says. Not that vetting vanities is particularly taxing. The historical record is spotty, but a spokesman for the borough president's office says that Manhattan granted five requests this year and six in 2013.

Still, a city official will occasionally rail against the vanity system. In 1988, the general counsel for the Manhattan borough president told the New York Times that his boss, the future mayor David Dinkins, had decided "that changing addresses was not a gift that we should bestow indiscriminately" to developers. Current borough president Gail Brewer says her office is working on a more effective system. "It's both a public safety issue and an issue of sheer logic that addresses on New York's streetscapes make sense," she adds.

Those comments are tame compared with the situation in Chicago, where local officials have been railing against—and occasionally banning—vanity addresses at least as far back as 1987. That year, an office worker died in a fire at 1 Illinois Center, a vanity address on East Wacker Drive, after emergency responders failed to find the burning building.

In New York, Brewer's desire to improve the system is a timely one. Record land prices are leading developers to squeeze value out of new projects anywhere they can, Miller says. And the importance of foreign buyers to the high-end residential market may increase developers' desire for addresses with some global recognition. Gerringer, the marketing consultant, says some developers have even been trying to get the lucky number eight into addresses to appeal to Chinese buyers.

Nancy Lerner, president of Chicago-based branding firm Otherwise, says she encourages real estate clients to be creative when naming buildings, and think beyond famed streets or landmarks. "It's about believing you have a piece of architecture that's going to have a lasting effect on the urban landscape," she says. Still, she concedes that developers who want to get a building sold fast will likely resort to that old real estate cliché. "The notion is that address is tied to location," she says, "and location is paramount to importance."

[JManc]

Looks so out of place. Even in person. The skinniness makes it so awkward and the dramatic height even more so. Stands out like an NBA player at a midget convention. Bottom line: not crazy about this thing but imagine the views from it will be amazing.

[chris08876]

^^^

I think of it as more of a measuring stick for future developments. A frame of reference perhaps for the area. Pertaining really to the other developments in demo currently. Gives us a good approximation of how dramatic 1400 feet or more would be for the area. Seeing 432 Park Ave makes me eager to have the other towers grace the skyline.

[JManc]

I guess that's one way to look at it. I don't think we can expect the Empire State and Chrysler Bldgs to be the rulers of the midtown skyline forever and that other really tall skyscrapers would eventually sprout up in the general vicinity.

[Zapatan]

Looks so out of place. Even in person. The skinniness makes it so awkward and the dramatic height even more so. Stands out like an NBA player at a midget convention. Bottom line: not crazy about this thing but imagine the views from it will be amazing.

You could say that about a lot of buildings in the world though, Taipei 101, Burj Khalifa, Int. Commerce Center in Hong Kong just to name a few.

It might look a little awkward from some angles but a bunch of buildings in the same height caliber will be joining it soon so the skyline will be a lot more balanced.

[chris08876]

A distinction between those supertalls versus this one is that many of these Asian/Mid Eastern supertalls tend to be built on superblocks, away from other towers. NYC has towers literally wall to wall and in terms of an urban feel, is unmatched whereas those supertalls are isolated, and gives the feeling that the area is master planned whereas this feels organic.

[UTEPman]

While you're at it, what's that lighted blue building to the left of 432? I was in NYC last winter and was really surprised by it, only because I hadn't heard of it before. I think it's a hotel, can't remember.

1717 Broadway has some of the best lighting in Midtown IMO. I was also surprised by it since I followed the construction of that tower on this board, however I don't remember anybody posting any finished pics of it at night.

[wilfredo267]

l noticed what appeared to be one of the drums lit tonight. l couldn't photograph it because my phone died. but it looked good

[NYguy]

^ Guess I should have gone to take a look tonight. I've been waiting to see that.


Looks so out of place. Even in person. The skinniness makes it so awkward and the dramatic height even more so. Stands out like an NBA player at a midget convention. Bottom line: not crazy about this thing but imagine the views from it will be amazing.


The views will be great, which is one of the reasons its so tall - the prices they can get for those units.

But if you're concerned about it being so much taller than the rest of the towers, stay tuned. I remember when One57 looked like a dominant tower over Central Park. But since the arrival of 432, its just another filler. When other towers, currently in various phases of "construction" get built, 432 will be just one of a group of towers dominating, its own dominance diminished.


A few more photos, some older than others...


http://scontent-b.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfa1/t51.2885-15/10864979_301187920080203_100707734_n.jpg
Erica Mengouchian (http://iconosquare.com/p/886488702761697470_38935127)


http://www.pbase.com/nyguy/image/158668451/original.jpg



http://scontent-b.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xap1/t51.2885-15/928752_820774954649867_1367263138_n.jpg
RickyCacioppo (http://iconosquare.com/p/885867443074411790_245485554)


http://www.pbase.com/nyguy/image/158668452/original.jpg



http://scontent-b.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/10894959_500140386791764_423838440_n.jpg



http://www.pbase.com/nyguy/image/158668453/original.jpg



http://scontent-b.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfa1/t51.2885-15/10890506_914804735226354_1857034523_n.jpg
Eise Pulles (http://iconosquare.com/p/885133493077785345_334463309)


http://www.pbase.com/nyguy/image/158668454/original.jpg

[mrnyc]

from madison ave

http://i1340.photobucket.com/albums/o725/NYCnMore/nyc3/00186522-2B7B-4F8E-AC94-3B119AF6F356_zpsqxgquxmz.jpg (http://s1340.photobucket.com/user/NYCnMore/media/nyc3/00186522-2B7B-4F8E-AC94-3B119AF6F356_zpsqxgquxmz.jpg.html)

[HighwayStar]

I know we're still probably months away from the Mechanical floor "reveal(s)".. but I have to ask the obvious about the top 4 "floors".... Since there is obviously no flooring at this time... and there don't appear to be the form-works up there to create them... are we looking at a 4 story roof-top fishbowl ??

[Skyguy_7]

^Judging by our renderings, only the top two floors will remain open. Keep in mind, the penthouses are still early in their build-out phase. I must say; the crown is the greatest aspect of this entire design. A perfect blend of sky and building.

[JayPro]

Are you suggesting that these top two floors/mech space will be treated exactly like the the open air ones beneath? And lo and behold this tower now has a sheer concrete grid crown?

[HighwayStar]

Judging by our renderings, only the top two floors will remain open.

Yeah... I noticed that. Thought they would have at least poured the 3 & 4th floor from the top (and the roof) if penthouses were to be there.

Guess anything is still possible... the waiting excitement continues :rolleyes:

[NYguy]

from madison ave

http://i1340.photobucket.com/albums/o725/NYCnMore/nyc3/00186522-2B7B-4F8E-AC94-3B119AF6F356_zpsqxgquxmz.jpg (http://s1340.photobucket.com/user/NYCnMore/media/nyc3/00186522-2B7B-4F8E-AC94-3B119AF6F356_zpsqxgquxmz.jpg.html)


It's like a giant monument.



Juicy359 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/juicy359/16109755696/sizes/h/)

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7569/16109755696_1cf4d5adda_h.jpg



dougschneiderphoto (https://www.flickr.com/photos/schneiderclan/15693893290/sizes/l/)

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7578/15693893290_cb283ca34f_b.jpg

[Skyguy_7]

Are you suggesting that these top two floors/mech space will be treated exactly like the the open air ones beneath? And lo and behold this tower now has a sheer concrete grid crown?

That's how I always understood it, but it's really difficult to say for certain. I'd love to see a concrete grid crown but it would disrupt the mechanical section intervals.

EDIT: After counting the floors in the rendering below, the top section has 12 levels, whereas the section below has 10 floors between sections, which only means one thing..

Posted by NYGUY http://www.pbase.com/nyguy/image/146954159/original.jpg

[forj]

both of the top two section in the above image have twelve floors.. twelve floors between open mech levels.. twelve floors above last mech level to the top.. i am almost certain they are putting windows all the way to the top on this thing

[weidncol]

Yes, they are.

[JayPro]

@Weidncol;

That would be a shame; because if you notice in the above rendering, it seems to me that the top row on the east elevation gives the appearance of there being no windows, i.e. sunlight seems to shine through the grid.
I'm still going to keep my fingers crossed for an open "semi-crown" on the E/W sides.

[StoOgE]

Was walking my dog last night and saw 2 floors lit that didn't have the blue hue to them. I couldn't tell from where I was (around w 86th in the park), but I think it may have been some of the "gap" floors.

Either way, it looked nice.

[mt_climber13]

It seems not a lot of NY condo towers have balconies. You see it a lot more on the west coast.

[Chas Potts]

Looks so out of place. Even in person. The skinniness makes it so awkward and the dramatic height even more so. Stands out like an NBA player at a midget convention. Bottom line: not crazy about this thing but imagine the views from it will be amazing.

Try to look at the positive: the GM building and 9 West 57th no longer look completely horrible. They are now relatively minor aesthetic disasters.

[JustSomeGuyWho]

It seems not a lot of NY condo towers have balconies. You see it a lot more on the west coast.

Hmmm ... with the majority of buildings having zero lot lines, I'm thinking having balconies would be too much exposure to liability. Oops ... LOOK OUT BELOW!! Good strong wind at 500ft or higher and it will be raining patio chairs on the street below.

[Nexis4Jersey]

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7582/15966164577_1532ee1f97_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/qjSLtB)
Midtown Manhattan on the Hudson River, New York City (https://flic.kr/p/qjSLtB) by jag9889 (https://www.flickr.com/people/70127529@N00/), on Flickr

[NYguy]

It seems not a lot of NY condo towers have balconies. You see it a lot more on the west coast.

No "cheesy" balconies in New York, (mostly not). There have been a few tragedies, including one of an actual balcony collapsing, but balconies just don't fit the cityscape.
You will find some here and there however, and more buldings have "terraces".



http://static.squarespace.com/static/525350f9e4b0fcffc5b4827d/5486ecede4b076cb8458270a/5486edbfe4b004829a739bd8/1418130093448/IMG_5195.JPG
http://www.manhattanwalkblog.com/


Mark 2400 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/mss2400/15535501203/sizes/h/)

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7558/15535501203_02d8df7783_h.jpg



https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7558/15535501203_2fde28a0f2_o.jpg



Kelly Nigro (https://www.flickr.com/photos/kellynigro/16127227956/sizes/l/)

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7492/16127227956_0a6e373c53_b.jpg



https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7492/16127227956_ce5c10d148_h.jpg

[toxteth o'grady]

Sure, its dominance on the skyline will be short-lived, but it's still an amazing sight.

[Lecom]

KRzNzldq1UQ

[nomad11]

I don't advertise to most people that I'm a "skyscraper geek", but some mutual friends were talking about their annual Christmas trip into Manhattan. They were confused on which building was the Freedom Tower because 432 Park now clearly dominates the skyline when you approach the Lincoln Tunnel. Probably the first time I ever had a casual conversation with acquaintances about skyscrapers. Of course, I told them to be ready in the next couple of years for a few more buildings just as tall (or taller) :)

[JustSomeGuyWho]

I don't advertise to most people that I'm a "skyscraper geek", but some mutual friends were talking about their annual Christmas trip into Manhattan. They were confused on which building was the Freedom Tower because 432 Park now clearly dominates the skyline when you approach the Lincoln Tunnel. Probably the first time I ever had a casual conversation with acquaintances about skyscrapers. Of course, I told them to be ready in the next couple of years for a few more buildings just as tall (or taller) :)

I've had that thought before ... wondering if some people unfamiliar with NY might confuse 432 Park with what is known nationally as the "Freedom Tower".

[sterlippo1]

I don't advertise to most people that I'm a "skyscraper geek",

why not? I do! Educate the masses! Look at poor old Citigroup Center, it used to be pretty noticeable in that spot. Now? not so much.....fantasic building and those aerials above are just awesome:tup: Enjoy your dominance while you can 432 Park Avenue, because you are gonna have to share it pretty soon:)

[chris08876]

^^^^^

I think for people who are interested and keep track of developments, talking to those who who have limited info or none at all just irritates us. Its more a niche group of folks who have some idea of what's going on or can identify certain buildings and coherently engage in a discussion relating to urban areas. If you go out on the street, and ask people if they can identify or tell you anything relating to this tower for example, you will find that many have no idea. In fact, most have no idea what the Hudson Yards is. Welcome to the real world lol, where people are clueless, even if they work near it. It wouldn't surprise me if some New Yorkers have no idea that this exists.

Most people haven't even heard of the Burj Khalifa, so I doubt they will know about this. I've had people ask me in the past where 33rd street is, and how to get there a few blocks from it. In a gridded system, where North means the numbers go up, people are still lost. :haha:

I think thats why one might not identify themselves as a skyscraper/urban geek because its hard to relate on the topic with clueless folks.

[ILNY]

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8572/15983044390_7048ea28f5_o.jpg


https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7497/15550589913_0e22436def_o.jpg


https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7482/15550589593_91360fb33e_o.jpg


https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7574/16168484391_4a22c08d5d_o.jpg


https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7563/16169607962_8063399796_o.jpg


https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7537/15550589273_6dca87013d_o.jpg

[NorthernDancer]

It seems not a lot of NY condo towers have balconies. You see it a lot more on the west coast.

In Canada too. In fact, in Canada nearly every residential highrise is covered in balconies, whether it's from the 1960s, the 1980s, or the 2010s. And contrary to what NYGuy says, there is nothing "cheesy" about them. In fact, modern glass balconies (whether recessed or protruding) are very attractive. And the articulation makes for a much more interesting facade than a huge, flat well.

[BoM Trespasser]

But balconies on cheaply built apartment buildings look awful after a couple of decades of neglect. A lot, not all unfortunately, have been replaced with good looking glass, and only recently.

My concern about balconies: that a building has been built with durable materials to begin with, so years of weathering don't turn the thing into a blighted eyesore.

[forj]

do we know yet what the retail component will be in that frosted glass side building? a restaurant maybe?

[NYguy]

In Canada too. In fact, in Canada nearly every residential highrise is covered in balconies,
whether it's from the 1960s, the 1980s, or the 2010s. And contrary to what NYGuy says, there is nothing "cheesy" about them.

Oh there most certainly is. For stand alone towers, they are fine. But for the city proper, no. For one thing, balconies usually aren't left "empty" as a piece of decoration.
They are there for people to put any number of things on, and I don't think I have to go to deep into how that affects the overall "look" of a building.
Now imagine a city like New York, with it's canyons filled with balconies. No thanks. For other cities? Fine.



Older view from Queens

xavierbarda (https://www.flickr.com/photos/129881453@N06/15970144480/sizes/h/)

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7481/15970144480_15ca2af751_h.jpg



https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7491/15971700217_00b8642176_h.jpg



eternalsphere25 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/72109579@N03/16134063576/sizes/h/)

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7495/16134063576_06aae47b1a_h.jpg

[sparkling]

Sure, its dominance on the skyline will be short-lived, but it's still an amazing sight.


According to a NYT article, the tower is so lonely that it is "yearning for mates" so this should be a welcome development :cheers:

Right now, the building, which is scheduled to open in 2015, suggests a lonesome denuded redwood yearning for mates as it dominates what’s become a lower field of retro shrubbery — the older, shorter office buildings and luxury jewelry and designer shops that line the streets around it.

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/02/opinion/whats-happening-to-the-skyline.html?smid=tw-share&_r=0

[stache]

I think some residential buildings in NYC have house rules on what can and can't be on balconies, extending to choice of furniture materials and colors.

[NorthernDancer]

Oh there most certainly is.

No actually, there isn't.


For stand alone towers, they are fine. But for the city proper, no.

Yes, they are fine for the city proper. You're just saying they aren't because most towers in Manhattan don't have them, and you're a cheerleader for everything NYC. Every new proposal that comes out, you love. Every objection any "NIMBY" has, you discount. If most residential towers in Manhattan had balconies (as is the case in most other cities), you'd love them.


For one thing, balconies usually aren't left "empty" as a piece of decoration.
They are there for people to put any number of things on, and I don't think I have to go to deep into how that affects the overall "look" of a building.

Yeah, I've got all kinds of stuff on my balcony. Patio furniture, toilet plunger, etc. My apartment is only 700 square feet, and my balcony/terrace is probably close to 200 square feet. I don't have room for everything inside my apartment, so I store some stuff outside my balcony.

Most people spend far more time inside their apartment than they spend staring at their apartment from the sidewalk outside. And having a balcony is much better than not having one. I can't think of a single benefit to living in an apartment without a balcony than with one.


Now imagine a city like New York, with it's canyons filled with balconies. No thanks. For other cities? Fine.

Many of the canyons are dominated by office towers and hotels. So there would be no change there.

[mrnyc]

It seems not a lot of NY condo towers have balconies. You see it a lot more on the west coast.

they mostly fell out of favor here years ago because they are useless

[lakegz]

and thank god.
Balconies really cheapen a city's aesthetic quality imo.

[JustSomeGuyWho]

Chicago has quite a few residential towers with balconies. Never see people using them but they are there.

I don't know ... NYC doesn't seem to have a problem filling up apartments, condos or hotels sans balconies.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/27/realestate/27cov.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

[Nexis4Jersey]

From today

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7490/16179806725_b15d419dd8_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/qDKJQV)
Hoboken & Midtown Manhattan Skyline seen from The Heights in Jersey City (https://flic.kr/p/qDKJQV) by Nexis4Jersey09 (https://www.flickr.com/people/42178139@N06/), on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7512/15557445744_00cbf17319_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pGKYBb)
Hoboken & Midtown Manhattan Skyline seen from The Heights in Jersey City (https://flic.kr/p/pGKYBb) by Nexis4Jersey09 (https://www.flickr.com/people/42178139@N06/), on Flickr

[hunser]

New York, New York!

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7481/15559761964_7af7fd9f3f_h.jpg
(https://flic.kr/p/pGXR91)Amongst Others (https://flic.kr/p/pGXR91) by Strykapose (https://www.flickr.com/people/34553046@N03/), on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7565/15972768987_522b8fc83b_h.jpg
(https://flic.kr/p/qksBJK)Central Park West Manhattan (https://flic.kr/p/qksBJK) by dannydalypix (https://www.flickr.com/people/36454748@N00/), on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7527/15997081569_87de9568a6_k.jpg
(https://flic.kr/p/qnBe2c)Manhattan_Panorama2-rev3a (https://flic.kr/p/qnBe2c) by Stephen Dubois (https://www.flickr.com/people/12815647@N00/), on Flickr

Super big pano: https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7527/15997081569_e6127d1edc_o.jpg

[sterlippo1]

^^^ I think i need a bedpan, wow

[chris08876]

Cropping some parts of that third panorama would make great updates for the other threads of project u/c. Its 31mb too! :worship:

The pyramid is so wide in that shot. I find myself looking at that than 432 Park Ave. It really has a dominance on the area, even if its shorter.

[NYguy]

ikaloti (https://www.flickr.com/photos/lkaloti/15558457993/sizes/h/)

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7578/15558457993_560bd7c6e7_h.jpg

[ethereal_reality]

Oh my, that photograph is amazing.

[chris08876]

http://static01.nyt.com/images/2015/01/02/opinion/02FRI3/02FRI3-superJumbo.jpg
Credit: Byron Smith for The New York Times ; http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/02/opinion/whats-happening-to-the-skyline.html?_r=0

[dendenden]

CAPRICA CITY!

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7527/15997081569_87de9568a6_k.jpg
(https://flic.kr/p/qnBe2c)Manhattan_Panorama2-rev3a (https://flic.kr/p/qnBe2c) by Stephen Dubois (https://www.flickr.com/people/12815647@N00/), on Flickr

Super big pano: https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7527/15997081569_e6127d1edc_o.jpg[/QUOTE]

[jsbrook]

why not? I do! Educate the masses! Look at poor old Citigroup Center, it used to be pretty noticeable in that spot. Now? not so much.....fantasic building and those aerials above are just awesome:tup: Enjoy your dominance while you can 432 Park Avenue, because you are gonna have to share it pretty soon:)

Thank god. I love skyscrapers and I can't help but be impressed on one level. But, at present, this is not a good addition to the skyline in my view. It will look better and more balanced when there are some more supertalls in the area.

EDIT: Ok, at some angles, it looks pretty damn impressive. Even now. But I still think the skyline will look better when some neighbors join it.

[NYguy]

changsterdam (https://www.flickr.com/photos/changsterdam/16200854335/sizes/l/)

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7481/16200854335_90b53cdd9e_b.jpg



https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7481/16200854335_29a3c381cc_h.jpg

[hunser]

CAPRICA CITY!


Haha, good call! It certainly looks like it. :)

[chris08876]

I like the jet stream in the sky. Adds a sort of mysticism to the whole image. Also, the way the sky seems to blend in with this tower. Like if this tower is one with the environment:

http://static.squarespace.com/static/5164b16ae4b0cac6e79b081f/t/54a61329e4b09569a1359d72/1420170043141/?format=1000w

http://static.squarespace.com/static/5164b16ae4b0cac6e79b081f/t/54a617b5e4b08424e69aff67/1420171195370/?format=1500w
Credit: http://fieldcondition.com/blog/2015/1/2/432-park-avenue

[NYguy]

http://www.aerialelectric.com/blog/best-2014-mdu-lessons-tallest-residential-building-america/

Best of 2014: MDU Lessons From the Tallest Residential Building in America


http://www.aerialelectric.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/432.png
Image from Flickr CC user Steven Severinghaus


December 31, 2014


Skyscrapers are amazing. If you live in a city where you are used to them, it is easy to get, if not jaded, inattentive. The only time many of us pay any attention to them is if we have to wait for an elevator, or if we see tourists staring up in wonder. The more churlish sneer at that, but many of us, especially those in the building trades, take a certain amount of pride. That’s right, we might think- we can build things like this, that would have made even the most egotistical and pharaonic head of an ancient king explode with envy and awe.

Skyscrapers are also a monument to efficiency, creating millions of square feet of room without a proportionately large footprint. Take two buildings in Chicago, for example- the Willis Tower (formerly Sears) has 4.5 million square feet, or a half-million more than the Merchandise Mart, which takes up many blocks of property. As MDU builders and operators, we admire that kind of space use. That’s why, instinctively, it is easy to feel pride at New York’s 432 Park Avenue, which poured concrete this October and is the tallest residential building not just in America, but the entire Western Hemisphere. But while it is easy and right to feel awe at the technological, architectural, and engineering prowess that went into such a building, its reception also offers valuable lessons as we look back on the year.

How the Tallest Residential Building Imposed Its Will

The sheer numbers involved with this building are staggering. At 1396 feet, its top floor is the highest in New York, even taller than that on the Freedom Tower (which is taller due to a spire). It tops the iconic Empire State building by hundreds of feet. It can be seen from every borough. It takes a lot to dominate the New York skyline, and this has done it.

Some of the other numbers make you take a step back as well. For instance, there are only going to be 104 units in it, which seems almost impossible, until you realize that this building was created for a very specific clientele: specifically, one that can afford tens of millions of dollars for an apartment. The penthouse, which has arguably the best views in America, will run you $95 million. There has of course been backlash, which is somewhat predictable when even Forbes is calling you a monument to inequality.

We’re not here to weigh in in that debate. What we are here to do is to show that the most-talked about building of the year can offer some lessons when building your presumably-more-modest MDUs.

Lessons from 432 Park Avenue

Aesthetics matter

While there has been backlash, it hasn’t been as intense as you might think, and that’s partly because, for all its assumed vulgarity, 432 is not an unlovely building. It is slender, which takes away some imposition, and has a repeating facade that allows it some grace. When designing and building your MDU, contact not just experts on electricity or plumbing, but on people who understand the area you are building in. They can help you fit it into the aesthetic of the area. Especially these days, people are less likely to move into a building that seems out of place or ugly.

Understand the market

20 years ago, this building wouldn’t work. There just weren’t enough ultra-wealthy around to fill it. But as the Forbes article points out, that number has exploded, making such a building plausible. When starting your next MDU project, it is important to know how the market is going to work. It is tempting to build something that is incredibly fancy and will attract the richest residents, but the local economy should dictate what is possible. You don’t want to have the nicest empty building on the block.

Be part of the community

One thing that has so many people cheesed off is that 432 Park doesn’t have its primary entrance on Park Avenue. It’s on 56th. They paid $11,000 to get the more famous and luxurious-sounding address, something that could throw off GPS and just add to confusion. Now, no one is actually going to forget which building it is (nor could the miss it) but the point is that a lot of residents took it as a thumb to the eye. Understand the area in which you are building. Know what people want, what they are looking for, what they need. Be a part of your community. If you are not from the area, learn about it and hire people who know.

It doesn’t take much to make your MDU not just livable for your residents, but something that allows them to be a full part of where they live. It takes decency, understanding, and flexibility. It’s not for me to say if the builders of 432 Park have those, but I do know you can build something just as long-lasting and wonderful if you stick to those principles.

[mistermetAJ]

The base looks like a complete after thought. Not good.

http://static.squarespace.com/static/5164b16ae4b0cac6e79b081f/t/54a617b5e4b08424e69aff67/1420171195370/?format=1500w
Credit: http://fieldcondition.com/blog/2015/1/2/432-park-avenue

[forj]

it doesnt look fantastic.. but i dont think it looks terrible.. we dont even know what is going in there do we? also i wouldnt really call that the "base" since it isnt even physically attached to the main building. they do share a foundation i suppose. but are essentially two separate buildings

[N830MH]

The base looks like a complete after thought. Not good.

What happened? Something wrong?

[deepen915]

Took a nice shot off of my plane ride today..

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7579/16022859428_538bf7a458_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/qpTkT3)Aerial shots of NYC January 2015 (https://flic.kr/p/qpTkT3) by deepen03 (https://www.flickr.com/people/10118053@N02/), on Flickr

[NickRivas]

I have a question, I really like how the windows light up blue at night...but for people who will live there, will their views outside their windows at night somehow be clear like a normal glass window or will it have a cyano shade because of the blue lighting?? I mean even in the day the windows look blue, but that's obviously not a problem in the day at all....but from the rendering it seems like the views at night will also be clear...how?

[gramsjdg]

I believe the windows appear blue because of the blue colored protective tape/film on them. The windows of the lower floors which have the film removed are more of a greenish color as you can see in some of the above photos...

[Ch.G, Ch.G]

Super big pano: https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7527/15997081569_e6127d1edc_o.jpg

This is the best view of New York's skyline, IMO. (Well, this part of it, anyway.) There's such a diversity of heights and styles, something cities like Shanghai, outside a one or two neighborhoods, sorely lack.

[10023]

This is the best view of New York's skyline, IMO. (Well, this part of it, anyway.) There's such a diversity of heights and styles, something cities like Shanghai, outside a one or two neighborhoods, sorely lack.
It's a bit too one dimensional, IMO, and the foreground is just an ugly part of the city.

I'm more partial to the multi-layered view from Brooklyn that includes both Downtown and Midtown.

http://www.outsidethebeltway.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/NYC-Skyline.jpg
Source: http://www.outsidethebeltway.com/behold-new-york-citys-new-skyline/nyc-skyline/



I also prefer the Downtown skyline to Midtown, actually. Probably because I simply prefer Manhattan below 23rd Street.

[NYguy]

luke_abrahams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/127358299@N07/16210841625/sizes/l/)

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7524/16210841625_af9c714a47_b.jpg



https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7524/16210841625_128f57c5c8_h.jpg



Jimmy Wu Photography (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jimmywuphotography/16206390491/sizes/l/)

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7562/16206390491_a9bf94bb4f_b.jpg



https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7492/15585860194_ee7ce0024c_b.jpg

[sterlippo1]

Probably because I simply prefer Manhattan below 23rd Street.

aint it the truth........................... Incredible shots, NYGuy, of 432 sticking out above the fog. This building looks better than i thought it would and i loved the design from the start

[chris08876]

Many New Yorkers prefer 23rd street or below. The real NYC as they call it. Some would even go as far as saying below Houston, but it depends on who you ask. I agree. Midtown is okay, but it doesn't have the rich background of anything below that street. But anyways, back to this tower. :haha:

[Skyguy_7]

^When I visit NYC, Midtown is fun and all, but I prefer to walk in George Washington's footsteps.

Can anyone confirm whether the glass will be a shade grey or a shade of green? If you refer to the 56th street cam, both colors can be seen. Crossing my fingers for the green tint with, of course, the white grid.. :slob:

[Crawford]

I can't think of a single benefit to living in an apartment without a balcony than with one.

How about lower insurance rates, lower maintenance fees, not having to pay for something rarely used, and better resale value?

At least in NYC, balconies are the urban equivalent of outdoor backyard pools in cold weather states. They're a negative towards resale value. If you want one, there are plenty of balconied options, but they are generally not desired.

[NYguy]

^ Please, enough about balconies. Let those obsessed with that discussion (and also that of the various preferences of where to live or walk) move it to a proper thread.



jensen2k (https://www.flickr.com/photos/30902909@N07/16038891027/sizes/l/)

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7531/16038891027_62cb259be7_b.jpg

[kznyc2k]

https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7483/15505871533_88fa4502f9_b.jpg

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7494/16040949198_f37991a04b_b.jpg

[JManc]

Every time I see pictures of this thing I am waiting for the builders to start the framing around that elevator core. from a distance that what it sort of resembles.

[NYguy]

I'm waiting for the reveal of the mechanical floors.



t55z (https://www.flickr.com/photos/54690684@N07/16040460099/sizes/l/)

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8674/16040460099_b2228cf46d_b.jpg



https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8674/16040460099_6a669cdb35_h.jpg



http://scontent-a.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfa1/t51.2885-15/10891022_1514669912154004_1167767462_n.jpg
Jon Lemon (http://iconosquare.com/p/892828042463730155_372560949)


http://www.pbase.com/nyguy/image/158750426/original.jpg



http://scontent-a.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/10895170_687506711369956_1603399290_n.jpg
Pabilas (http://iconosquare.com/p/890900504610572090_182395480)


http://www.pbase.com/nyguy/image/158750427/original.jpg

[JayPro]

Just saying; but looking at these pictures, one would be more hard-pressed than olives doomed to the oil container to think that bigger, taller and more jaw-dropping is yet to come, yea, even upon us now.

But so it is. Amen and amen.

[NYguy]

Just saying; but looking at these pictures, one would be more hard-pressed than olives doomed to the oil container to think that bigger, taller and more jaw-dropping is yet to come,
yea, even upon us now.

But so it is. Amen and amen.

It's happening so fast now. Seems like just yesterday, One57 was the hot new "tallest" residential in the city. 432 Park is now enjoying that brief time at the top.
It has more time to claim that title, but taller towers (a few blocks away) are already making their way into the earth, eventually to pass our new giant in the sky.


But for now...


alyssam27 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/alyssam27/16208897406/sizes/l/)

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7538/16208897406_039f08b815_b.jpg



https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7538/16208897406_ee3eb1acbc_h.jpg



https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7500/16233981952_05774c5886_b.jpg



https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7500/16233981952_6bd905fb2e_h.jpg



https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7493/16234792495_063089b7c4_h.jpg

[trvlr70]

It's interesting that those last skyline shots remind me more of Chicago than NYC.

[chris08876]

I was thinking the same at first. Lake Michigan far away versus this shot.

http://www.gardensandmachines.com/Summerprogram/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/100_2665.jpg
http://www.gardensandmachines.com/Summerprogram/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/100_2665.jpg
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7538/16208897406_039f08b815_b.jpg

Similar composition.

[NYguy]

^ That would probably be true of any skyline with buildings that tall, seen from a distance over the water. The larger buildings tend to loom.



fredytayo (https://www.flickr.com/photos/forever_hrf91/16047885658/sizes/l/)

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8669/16047885658_71f80a0bd0_h.jpg

[Duck From NY]

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t413/Mark_W_NYC/IMG_4281-2.jpg
http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t413/Mark_W_NYC/IMG_4280-2.jpg

[hunser]

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7565/16063841570_02b469bad6_k.jpg
By jonesjo87 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/59762399@N08/), on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7568/16060958078_32a0a0441d_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/qtfBhj)New York Silhouette (https://flic.kr/p/qtfBhj) by alex.e.lipton (https://www.flickr.com/people/123940778@N04/), on Flickr

[Onn]

Can't wait until they turn the night lights on. It's going to be awesome. :)

[NYguy]

DigiDreamGrafix.com (https://www.flickr.com/photos/digidreamgrafix/16073318410/sizes/h/)

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8636/16073318410_5161cb06d6_h.jpg



trini11413 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/trini11413/16230346506/sizes/l/)

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7567/16230346506_95c49952f5_b.jpg



https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7567/16230346506_fae6de473b_h.jpg