How things change in New York: When plans for the lot at 39 West 23rd Street were first announced, they called for a hotel with a glassy design by Carlos Zapata Studio that was soon compared to the Pope’s hat. As time passed, developer Anbau stepped in and COOKFOX was later commissioned for the design, which consists of a pair of buildings of varying heights. Construction has reached the top floor on both towers.
This milestone comes over eight years since Anbau bought the site, a former parking lot, for $23.5 million in 2011. The lot was previously zoned exclusively for commercial use, and a special permit was required for residential use. Moreover, its location in the Ladies Mile Historic District meant the project had to go before the Landmarks Preservation Commission.
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All construction photography circa September 2019 via CityRealty/Ondel Hylton
The next stage of the project is its stone façade, which has been compared to “a gridded Connect Four game board.” It will project from a glass and metal enclosure with the pleasing result that many units will come with planted terraces. The south tower rises 10 stories high. The north tower is 24 stories high with a setback at the 18th floor and a cantilevering section. Completion is estimated for next year.
Facade details
All renderings of 39 West 23rd Street via COOKFOX
23rd Street streetscape
There will be no more than two apartments per floor in the taller tower, and the south tower will be home to several duplexes. All residents will have access to a communal terrace, fitness center, children’s playroom, and lounge areas. It is just a few doors up from Eataly, half a block from Madison Square Park, and well situated on the borders of Flatiron, NoMad, and Chelsea.
An offering plan for 44 condos has been submitted to the New York Attorney General and is currently under review. A sellout price was not listed, but the building’s neighbors may offer some clues. On the opposite side of Madison Square Park, listings at Celeste Gramercy range from $1.795 million for a two-bedroom to $8.15 million for a three-bedroom penthouse. A few blocks north, sales recently launched from $1.185 million at Rose Hill.
39 West 23rd Street as of mid-September 2019
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