This huge luxury rental apartment building at 235 West 48th Street was an important precursor to the spectacular renaissance of Times Square in the mid- and late-1990’s.

Erected by Jason Carter in 1990, this 479-unit, 44-story slab tower added a luxury residential component to this very active commercial district east of Eighth Avenue.

While the World Wide Plaza, mixed-use project on the west side of the avenue two blocks to the north was the most influential development in the area, this project helped stabilize the area and demonstrate that it was a viable environment for luxury residences.

In most other neighborhoods, this would be a highly visible tower, but its mid-block location is a bit overshadowed by several major Times Square skyscrapers. It is distinguished by a very attractive base with multi-paned windows, some of which are circular. The building has many corner windows and many balconies that have nicely curved railings.

The building, which was designed by Schuman Lichtenstein Claman & Efron, has a health club and pool, a garage, a doorman and a concierge, valet service, a sundeck and video security. It has excellent bus service nearby and subway stations are only two blocks away.

It is surrounded by the city’s theater district and there are many restaurants nearby.

Despite its proximity to Times Square, the street is fairly quiet and its mid-block location affords many excellent views.

The building is owned by Stonehenge Partners Inc., which is headed by Ofer Yardeni and Joel Seiden, whose Manhattan properties include 20 and 41 Park Avenue, 10 Downing Street, and The Olivia on West 33rd Street.