Norten of TEN Arquitectos unveils hotel condominium - Cassa

Enrique Norten of TEN Arquitectos unveiled Cassa, a hotel condominium that will rise 500 feet high in the center of Manhattan - on 45th St., between 5th and 6th Ave., two blocks north of Bryant Park. Its towering facade will have a punctured rhythm of windows that run the full height of the building, giving it an iconic look like no other structure. Construction has already begun and the project is fully funded for completion by mid- 2010. Cassa is the pinnacle of Norten's work. It will include 57 residences, and 166 hotel rooms. Desires Hotel will operate Cassa Hotel. A full set of amenities will be provided for both residents and guests, including a restaurant, spa, private terrace and lounge, as well as additional services. The unveiling of the project falls on the 25th anniversary of TEN Arquitectos. After the Cassa unveiling, 50 international guests retreated to the legendary Four Seasons Restaurant in Manhattan to celebrate the landmark anniversary. Guests included the Mexican ambassador to the UN, Claude Heller; artists Ray Smith, Andres Levin, and Cucu Diamantes; model Haneli Mustaparte amongst other key players in international real estate and architecture.