NEW YORK | 740 Eighth Ave (Extell) | 1,029 FT | 60 FLOORS

[Zerton]

Originally Posted by NYguy

Jeezes people, this thing isn’t even above street level yet, and somehow we have “educated” opinions on the quality. I know everyone has and is entitled to opinions, but let’s get something to look at first. Otherwise, you’re just talking out of your you know what. And no one cares about Dubai, plenty of threads to discuss that.

I’ve been an architect for 10 years, with experience managing high-rise projects. After working in the field this long, you develop a sense for what’s constructible and at what cost. This building includes some extremely expensive detailing with countless corner conditions and unique elements on nearly every floor above the base tower.

I’m not at all saying it’s unbuildable, but the developer would need to commit to spending a fortune on what is essentially a collection of theme park rides above the base tower. Maybe that aligns with their pro forma. But as we all know, renderings can be misleading - as anyone here who has followed the design and construction of skyscrapers over the years understands.

[NYguy]

Originally Posted by UTEPman

Everyone is talking out of their you know what’s during construction. Speculating on the final product shouldn’t be surprising, especially on such an unusual building.

You don’t have to take small critiques of nyc towers so personally. Sheesh…

No one is taking anything personal (sheesh). What I am saying is that you cannot look at a rendering and say "this will not come out the way it appears because every rendering I've seen in the past comes out worse". That's not how it works. The eye test is something we don't have to jump to that kind of conclusion. It may come out even better than depicted in the renderings, and many people still will not like it. That is ok. But you can't just sit there and say it will be awful because renderings are false.

We've seen renderings for 270 Park. Came out better. Renderings for One Vanderbilt. Turned out fine. It goes on and on. What we can judge on definitively is what will be before our eyes.

[UTEPman]

Originally Posted by NYguy

No one is taking anything personal (sheesh). What I am saying is that you cannot look at a rendering and say "this will not come out the way it appears because every rendering I've seen in the past comes out worse". That's not how it works. The eye test is something we don't have to jump to that kind of conclusion. It may come out even better than depicted in the renderings, and many people still will not like it. That is ok. But you can't just sit there and say it will be awful because renderings are false.

We've seen renderings for 270 Park. Came out better. Renderings for One Vanderbilt. Turned out fine. It goes on and on. What we can judge on definitively is what will be before our eyes.

I can largely agree with this, however I haven’t stated all buildings turn out worse than the renders. I just think this one in particular is using some tricks to pretty it up.

Some renderings on buildings look great, and are a masterful way of showing the real life look of a future tower. This one seems like the opposite to my admittedly untrained eyes.

Let’s just all agree that we hope it’s done right, and in good taste.

[NYguy]

More cement was poured yesterday...



JUNE 20, 2025

[NYguy]

Finally above ground level...


JULY 3,2025

[NYguy]

Streets around the site are buzzing, as usual. They don't know they're in the presence of a future icon.


JULY 12, 2025

[chris08876]

Credit: Michael Young via NYY

[mrnyc]

couple days ago
yeah a lot of activity
good to see —

[dbp80203]

Originally Posted by UTEPman

I can largely agree with this, however I haven’t stated all buildings turn out worse than the renders. I just think this one in particular is using some tricks to pretty it up.

Some renderings on buildings look great, and are a masterful way of showing the real life look of a future tower. This one seems like the opposite to my admittedly untrained eyes.

Let’s just all agree that we hope it’s done right, and in good taste.

I agree. The rendering at the top of the YIMBY article had me squinting for details that were not there. If the rendering had been an actual photograph, then the 740 building was shot through a lot of cheesecloth. There is an Emerald City quality to how the building is rendered. The top of the building is showing to have a serious crystalline, if not diamond quality to it. Almost too good to be true. A totally sensual render to cater to our senses and imagination. Marketing 101. So yes, I also agree that this will be one interesting building to watch go up.

https://newyorkyimby.com/2025/07/the-tor...th-avenue-in-times-square-manhattan.html

[NYguy]

Originally Posted by dbp80203

I agree. The rendering at the top of the YIMBY article had me squinting for details that were not there.

I think you people reach for too much. Squinting for details in a rendering? Meanwhile, Extell has yet to release any official renderings.

[Xing Lin]

On that topic, we finally have a couple of high-res official renderings now, provided by ODA Architecture to Dezeen:



https://www.dezeen.com/2025/06/05/the-torch-supertall-skyscraper-thrill-ride/

Granted the exterior shot is more a highly stylised illustration, but it's nice to finally see it in full detail rather than as a photograph of a print version.

[NYguy]

I expext when Extell finally does release renderings, people will be more assured, especially if they are detailed.

[UrbanImpact]

I'm glad Intamin is the manufacturer of the drop ride. They are one of the most respected ride manufacturers being creators of rides like Velocicoaster, Kingda Ka (now demolished), Top Thrill Dragster (the original), and Hagrids.

[NYguy]

Originally Posted by UrbanImpact

I'm glad Intamin is the manufacturer of the drop ride. They are one of the most respected ride manufacturers being creators of rides like Velocicoaster, Kingda Ka (now demolished), Top Thrill Dragster (the original), and Hagrids.

The drop ride is one of the more interesting things about this. Manhattan has observation decks, but not a drop ride above the skyscrapers. It will be fun watching (from the sidelines). I don't think I would ever get on it. But plenty of people will. The observation deck will also offer a unique design, and unique vantage point in Midtown. SL Green is planning to include a "Summit" observation deck at it's planned casino just down the street (should they get a license. And the observation experience at 1 Times Square is supposed to open (sometime) this year. All are viable in the tourist drenched Times Square area.

[ajbeaver25]

I̶n̶t̶a̶m̶i̶n̶ i̶s̶ l̶i̶k̶e̶ t̶h̶e̶ s̶t̶e̶r̶n̶ o̶f̶ r̶o̶l̶l̶e̶r̶c̶o̶a̶s̶t̶e̶r̶s̶ - Coming from both a skyscraper and rollercoaster nerd

Actually, I take that back. B&M is the stern and Intamin is more like SHoP

[NYguy]

Originally Posted by ajbeaver25

I̶n̶t̶a̶m̶i̶n̶ i̶s̶ l̶i̶k̶e̶ t̶h̶e̶ s̶t̶e̶r̶n̶ o̶f̶ r̶o̶l̶l̶e̶r̶c̶o̶a̶s̶t̶e̶r̶s̶ - Coming from both a skyscraper and rollercoaster nerd

Actually, I take that back. B&M is the stern and Intamin is more like SHoP

Well, maybe I will try it, lol.

[ssh]

No, B&M is like Foster, not experimental, but smooth and boring, in a good way.

Intamin is like Zaha Hadid, fun, imaginative, and groundbreaking.

[NYguy]

JULY 20, 2025

[NYguy]

Possible haircut. They haven't put out a new diagram yet, so I'm not sure.


https://a810-bisweb.nyc.gov/bisweb/JobsQ...passjobnumber=121208326&passdocnumber=09

Building Height (ft.) 1,029

Building Stories: 59

Dwelling Units: 1808

[mrnyc]

^ access denied