Aby Rosen and Michael Fuchs, founders and principals of RFR Holding LLC, and Yu Liang and Zhang Xu of Vanke broke ground on a new residential condo on East 53rd St., adjacent to the Seagram Building. Designed by Foster + Partners, the white tower at 610 Lexington Ave. will rise 700 ft. and 61 stories to take its place on the 53rd St. architectural corridor amongst the works of architects Philip Johnson, Hugh Stubbins, Edward Larrabee Barnes, Mies van der Rohe, Gordon Bunshaft, Yoshio Taniguchi, Edward Durell Stone, Diller Scofidio + Renfro, and Jean Nouvel. The site is located with its entrance on 53rd St. RFR and Hines will work together on construction of the building through a joint development management agreement.
Foster + Partners' design for 610 Lexington Ave. features a white façade with undulating glass.
In shaping the design, Foster + Partners focused on the relationship between 610 Lexington Ave. and the Seagram Building, aiming to create an appropriate counterpoint to the classic office tower designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Philip Johnson, and owned by RFR.
"The 610 Lexington Ave. project is our first in New York City, and our second in the United States. It truly reflects Vanke's globalization objective of forging strategic partnerships with world-class developers and learning through close collaboration," said Liang. "Its fine architecture will undoubtedly transform the New York City skyline and redefine modern urban living. We are also excited to see Sir Norman Foster's incredible vision take shape and become reality in the midst of such distinguished architectural neighbors."
"It's a great endorsement of the entire team's commitment to this project that we've finally found the opportunity to realize something we've all worked towards for several years," said Rosen. "It's rare to have the opportunity to create a tower of such elegant proportions, and rarer still to do so in such an architecturally rich section of Midtown Manhattan. The location of our site is extraordinary, and the demand for highest-end condominiums in Midtown has never been stronger. Our goal is to combine the finest residences with thoughtful, creative amenities that enhance Manhattan living."
"It's not simply about our new building, but about the composition it creates together with one of the 20th century's greatest. In contrast to Seagram's dark bronze, our tower will have a pure white, undulating skin. Its proportions are almost impossibly slim and the views will be just incredible," said Foster + Partners. "Simplicity of design is often the hardest thing to achieve but in a sophisticated marketplace, people appreciate the timeless beauty that comes from it. Our design philosophy has always extended through the entire building and we will look to create interiors that blend seamlessly with the exterior approach." Tags: