New York City is famous, among other things, for its magnificent collection of skyscrapers. Some are luxurious residences, while many others are used for retail and commercial purposes. But each year the Big Apple surprises us with new buildings that are a testament to the wealth and prosperity of America’s largest city.
One of the latest additions to Manhattan’s skyline is One57, designed by Christian de Portzamparc, who was the recipient of the 1994 Prtizker Prize, one of the most prestigious architecture awards worldwide.
Portzamparc is a French architect and urban planer, who explores the relationship between the human environment and architecture. He is known for his predilection of vertical and sculptural dimensions, expressed with great sensitivity and careful attention to detail.
One57 is located at 157 West, at 57th Street in Manhattan, and it is poised to be the tallest residential building in the city of skyscrapers. Construction began in January of 2010, but its completion was delayed after hurricane Sandy devastated parts of the city in October of 2012. One of the construction cranes almost collapsed during the storm, forcing the evacuation of other buildings in the area. Fortunately there were no victims and, once the crane was repaired, construction resumed as planned. The majestic building is expected to be finished in late 2013 or early 2014.
Once completed, the building will rise 1,000 feet above Manhattan. It will host 135 residential units, as well as the five-star, 210-room Park Hyatt Hotel, which will take up the lower 30 floors of the structure. The luxury building features apartments of one to five bedrooms, and penthouses with spectacular views of Central Park, all steeped in chic, contemporary design. Amenities include: 24-hour doorman, meeting and conference rooms, in house catering, private parking, indoor swimming pool, gym, pet care, library, yoga classes and a long list of services.
Sales began in November of 2011 with a strong response from foreign investors. It has been announced that the building broke records with the sale of a duplex penthouse on the 89th and 90th floor at a price of $90 million. This is the highest price ever paid for an apartment in the area, surpassing the $88 million paid by Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev for his penthouse at 15 Central Park West. It is speculated that another duplex, this one on the 75th floor is under contract by investment banker Bill Ackman and a group of investors for $115 million. The 14,000 square feet apartment will be purchased as an investment property. Last March, it was reported that one of the new owners had bought a smaller apartment for $6.5 million for her two-year old daughter, who is expected to study at NYU or Columbia University when she grows up. ■
