In 1977, May was chosen as Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month in honor of the arrival of the first Japanese to the United States in the mid-19th century. Nearly 50 years later, it is a time to celebrate the contributions that generations of AAPIs have made to American history and culture. That can certainly be seen throughout New York City in the form of food, fashion, art, music, and architecture.
We look at New York City residential buildings designed by notable AAPI architects, from Pritzker Prize laureates to local talent quickly making its mark on the city. These are some of the city’s most in-demand buildings – only a small handful of apartments for sale may be found among the buildings featured below!
We look at New York City residential buildings designed by notable AAPI architects, from Pritzker Prize laureates to local talent quickly making its mark on the city. These are some of the city’s most in-demand buildings – only a small handful of apartments for sale may be found among the buildings featured below!
In this article:
I.M. Pei
Pritzker Prize laureate I.M. Pei is best known for the glass pyramid at the Louvre in Paris, the East Building at the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C., and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland. In addition to the Silver Towers complex at New York University, he has designed a small number of residential buildings in New York City
1 unit | 4 stories
Renovated by I.M. Pei
Renovated by I.M. Pei
This article will focus on multi-family New York City buildings, but an exception must be made for the Sutton Place townhouse where Mr. Pei and his wife, Eileen, lived for 45 years. During that time, Mr. Pei’s renovations to the house included installing dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows to overlook a shared back garden, designing soapstone mantles for three of the four fireplaces, and putting in a dramatic spiral staircase and an oblong skylight above it. When he wasn’t enhancing his home, he was working on his designs in his home study.
The Peis bought the house for $215,000 (not a typo!) in the early 1970s, and it sold for $8,600,000 in September 2021. At that time, the listing agent told The Wall Street Journal, “I.M. Pei and his legacy definitely played a big part in the marketability of the house.”
The Peis bought the house for $215,000 (not a typo!) in the early 1970s, and it sold for $8,600,000 in September 2021. At that time, the listing agent told The Wall Street Journal, “I.M. Pei and his legacy definitely played a big part in the marketability of the house.”
33 West 56th Street
48 units | 17 stories
Completed in 2009
3 availabilities from $1.65M
48 units | 17 stories
Completed in 2009
3 availabilities from $1.65M
When the supertalls of Billionaires’ Row were still on the drawing board, the Pei-designed Centurion brought a touch of celebrity architect stardust to what was then a ho-hum section of Midtown West. While not the tallest building on its block, it stands out in the streetscape for its soft limestone facade, cascading terraces, and five “lanterns,” as Pei described the five double-height windows. Interiors feature high ceilings, teak floors, and custom kitchens.
Centurion, #4C (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)
300-343 East 33rd Street
1,100+ units | 21 stories
Completed in 1961
4 availabilities from $599K
1,100+ units | 21 stories
Completed in 1961
4 availabilities from $599K
Kips Bay is in the midst of a residential renaissance that has attracted acclaimed architects, and Mr. Pei was an early entrant with the four-building Kips Bay Towers complex. An early plan called for six buildings, but Pei wanted fewer so as to create more open space; decades later, the three-acre private garden is one of the chief selling points. It is surrounded by four buildings with oversized picture windows and minimalist-style facades.
Kips Bay Towers, #4C (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)
Shigeru Ban
When Japanese-born architect Shigeru Ban was named the Pritzker Prize laureate of 2014, the committee cited the Centre Pompidou-Metz in France and his imaginative disaster relief shelters all over the world. However, his esteemed portfolio includes two of New York's most eye-catching downtown buildings.
524 West 19th Street
9 units | 11 stories
Completed in 2008
1 availability for $4M
9 units | 11 stories
Completed in 2008
1 availability for $4M
In a neighborhood that has attracted no shortage of acclaimed architects from all over the world, the Ban-designed Metal Shutter House stands out for the perforated metal shutters that open and close across the entire breadth of the full-floor apartments inside. Not only does this create seamless indoor-outdoor living space, but the opening and closing of the shutters changes the look of the building as a whole.
Metal Shutter Houses, #1 (Serhant)
67 Franklin Street
13 units | 8 stories
Converted in 2014
No current availabilities
13 units | 8 stories
Converted in 2014
No current availabilities
Metal Shutter Houses (see above) was Pritzker Prize laureate Mr. Ban’s first condominium in the United States, but not the last: When a Tribeca cast-iron textile factory was converted to condos in the early 2010s, the developers brought Mr. Ban on to revamp the interiors as a whole and add two setback stories for a pair of penthouses on top. The Landmarks Preservation Commission unanimously approved the project, calling it “lyrical, beautiful, and rigorous,” and the finished penthouses feature movable walls of glass that open onto private terraces.
Tadao Ando
Pritzker Prize laureate Tadao Ando's works throughout the United States include the Modern Art Museum in Fort Worth, the Pulitzer Foundation for the Arts in St. Louis, and the Clark Art Institute in Massachusetts. However, his first residential work in the United States may be found in New York City.
7 units | 7 stories
Completed in 2018
No current availabilities
Completed in 2018
No current availabilities
Nolita is one of New York’s busiest and most exciting downtown neighborhoods, but one would never know that at 152 Elizabeth Street, which its Pritzker Prize-winning architect, Tadao Ando, has said “should give a quiet feeling” (h/t World Architecture). The building features a Zen-inspired minimalist facade as well as a living ivy wall. Only seven custom-crafted units allow for optimal privacy, and all enjoy private keyed elevator access, oversized windows, and peaceful interiors.
SO-IL
The Brooklyn-based, award-winning SO-IL, led by Jing Liu and Florian Idenburg, has attracted attention all over the world for its eye-catching designs that, in their words, are "both respectful of their pasts and adaptable to a dynamic future." This is especially important and appreciated for the residential works they bring to their hometown.
18 units | 5 stories
Completed in 2021
1 availability for $1.8M
Completed in 2021
1 availability for $1.8M
450 Warren Street sold out quickly, and availabilities are few and far between. This building with covered outdoor foyers and private terraces in every unit came on the market in the late days of the pandemic, when buyers had been cooped up inside for a long time. However, between its green terrazzo-ground concrete facade, open-air courtyard entry, central atrium, and beautifully appointed apartments, it would undoubtedly have attracted attention at any time.
450 Warren Street, #TWOC (Corcoran Group)
9 Chapel Street
27 units | 14 stories
Completed in 2024
4 availabilities from $1.74M
27 units | 14 stories
Completed in 2024
4 availabilities from $1.74M
Across the street from the historic St. James Cathedral Basilica, Nine Chapel makes a statement of its own with its tall height, wedding cake massing, and perforated metal facade. Like 450 Warren Street (see above), there is a strong emphasis on indoor/outdoor living: The building is reached via a landscaped entrance, and all units were designed as corner units with at least two exposures and massive private terraces that evoke front porches. The building is now open for immediate occupancy and offering a parking incentive.
Nine Chapel, #8A (Corcoran Group)
46 units | 8 stories
Completion estimated for 2025
6 availabilities from $1.98M
Completion estimated for 2025
6 availabilities from $1.98M
With its pink terra cotta facade, oversized windows, and edgy design, 144 Vanderbilt Avenue has utterly transformed the former site of a gas station at the nexus of Fort Greene and Clinton Hill. The cutting-edge design lends itself to multiple exposures in every unit, and all units feature concrete ceilings, oversized windows, kitchens with Blue Fusion countertops and integrated Bosch appliances, and at least one private outdoor space. Move-ins are estimated to begin later this year.
144 Vanderbilt Avenue, #2C (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)
20 stories
Completion estimated for 2026
Completion estimated for 2026
Gowanus is in the midst of a residential renaissance, and will be home to Tankhouse and SO-IL's next collaboration. The design will optimize canal frontage to create a vibrant ground floor and public space, and multiple setbacks will allow for indoor/outdoor amenities at upper levels.
Tsao & McKown Architects
Award-winning firm Tsao & McKown's extensive portfolio includes the Sangha development in China, Wheatleigh Hotel in the Berkshires, the Washington Monument Visitors' Center, and exhibitions in museums all over the world. Between all that, they also found time to design a number of New York City residential buildings.
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15 William Street
319 units | 47 stories
Completed in 2008
11 availabilities from $990K
319 units | 47 stories
Completed in 2008
11 availabilities from $990K
Also known as William Beaver House, this tower is distinguished by the "dripping" of yellow bricks down the dark gray brick facade. The oversized windows allow for incredible natural light in every unit, and residents enjoy an array of indoor and outdoor amenities.
15 William NY, #32C (Highline Residential LLC)
92 Laight Street
68 units | 13 stories
Completed in 2004
2 availabilities from $3.15M
68 units | 13 stories
Completed in 2004
2 availabilities from $3.15M
Tsao & McKown is well known for both its adaptive reuse projects and new construction. Comprising a newly built tower and restored Romanesque Revival-style warehouse, River Lofts would appear to encompass the best of both worlds.
River Lofts, #5E (Compass)
225 Lafayette Street
40 units | 15 stories
Converted in 2004
2 availabilities from $2.4M
40 units | 15 stories
Converted in 2004
2 availabilities from $2.4M
The building on the corner of Spring and Lafayette Streets dates back to the early 20th century, when it was designed by Cass Gilbert as the home of the East River Savings and Loan Company. Nearly a century later, amidst the conversion to residential, a new penthouse was added to the roof and apartments with original details were carved out of the interiors.
The Spring, #5B (Corcoran Group)
Nobutaka Ashihara & Associates
Founded by its namesake in 1978, Nobutaka Ashihara Architect is also at the hub of A-Architects.net, a network of architecture firms with commissions all over the world. This includes New York, where they are marking their mark on prominent neighborhoods.
100 West 39th Street
90 units | 43 stories
Completed in 2006
No public availabilities
90 units | 43 stories
Completed in 2006
No public availabilities
Years before a Midtown rezoning to allow for more housing was the center of debate, Nobutaka Ashihara Architect was ahead of the game with this corner tower. There it stands out for its soaring height as well as its simple design without complicated setbacks. The condo units start on top of a Residence Inn by Marriott, the better to make the most of views of the nearby Bryant Park, and residents have access to an exclusive amenity package.
Tang Studio
Boutique architecture firm Tang Studio's extensive portfolio includes adaptive reuse, new buildings, restaurants, and the transformation of a deconsecrated Catholic church into a charter facility for Capital Preparatory Schools. As the following projects demonstrate, they show no sign of slowing down.
24-01 Queens Plaza North
117 units | 19 stories
Completion estimated for 2025
19 availabilities from $670K
117 units | 19 stories
Completion estimated for 2025
19 availabilities from $670K
Tang Studio served as executive architect alongside ODA New York on Radiant, a Long Island City condominium distinguished by its curved corners, cantilevered floors, and recessed balconies. In addition to the private balconies, amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center, basketball court, Finnish sauna, courtyard with ping-pong table, and glass-enclosed rooftop club with terrace access. Sales launched in fall 2024, and the building is over one-third sold.
Radiant, #1301 (Nest Seekers LLC)
58-01 Queens Boulevard
131 units | 12 stories
Completion estimated for 2026
13 availabilities from $599K
131 units | 12 stories
Completion estimated for 2026
13 availabilities from $599K
With its striking gray brick facade, oversized windows, and multiple setbacks that allow for private terraces in every unit, Centric has utterly transformed the corner of Queens Boulevard and 58th Street. The amenities span multiple floors and include a lobby, a fitness center, a coworking lounge, a game room, a terrace with pickleball court, and a rooftop terrace with dining and grilling stations. Sales launched in fall 2024.
Centric, #10E (Nest Seekers LLC)
438 units | 26 stories
Completion TBD
Completion TBD
In its heyday as a hotel by Ian Schraeger and Phillippe Starck, the Hudson Hotel attracted the likes of Jon Bon Jovi, Taylor Swift, Debbie Harry, and Paul McCartney. However, that wasn’t enough to keep it from becoming a pandemic casualty. Developer CSC Coliving bought the building for $207 million in July 2022, and Tang Studio is working with them on transforming the hotel rooms into apartments with an emphasis on community living. Work is underway, but construction hit some snags in fall 2024.
Raymond Chan Architect
In 1991, company founder Raymond Chan was nominated by the Mayoral Committee to be one of the New York City Planning Commission’s committee members. In the decades that have followed, his firm has garnered further attention in New York for bringing contemporary new buildings to neighborhoods on the rise.
11-36 45th Road
119 units | 7 stories
15 availabilities from $910K
119 units | 7 stories
15 availabilities from $910K
Vesta LIC rose on the former site of the Science of the Soul Study Center, a meditation center that operates as a house of worship (h/t LIC Post). The glassy new building with floor-to-ceiling windows, setback terraces, and a clear line of demarcation between commercial and residential space offers space for a new house of worship and, on the upper levels, condos filled with natural light.
From the Listing: Introducing this brand new 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom condo offering park views, abundant light, high-end finishes, and elevated Long Island City living. Enter the home with modernized smart lock doors. Sunbeams pour through floor-to-ceiling triple-paned windows, saturating a voluminous open-plan living room, dining room, and kitchen with high ceilings and northern exposure. In the chef’s kitchen, soothing organic tones complement polished Alpine Mist quartz countertops and backsplashes. Custom Arcadian oak laminate cabinetry provides ample storage and blend with fully integrated Bosch and Bertazzoni appliances. See floor plan and full details here.
82 units | 21 stories
Completion TBD
Completion TBD
To the disappointment of architecture aficionados all over the city, demolition permits were filed for the Demarest Building on the corner of Fifth Avenue and 34th Street in September 2020. A short time later, renderings of a glassy replacement were revealed. The first renderings showed private balconies jutting out of the building, but more recent designs show a more streamlined facade with setbacks that allow for terraces.
Angelo Ng and Anthony Ng Architects Studio, PC
Over the years, Angelo Ng and Anthony Ng Architects Studio, PC has made a name for itself designing multi-family buildings throughout Queens. The building boom shows no sign of slowing down, and has extended to firm headquarters in Flushing.
42-44 Crescent Street
12 units | 8 stories
1 availability for $1.55M
12 units | 8 stories
1 availability for $1.55M
Flow House towers over its low-rise neighbors, and its oversized windows allow for abundant light for the ultra-private apartments inside. All units have private balconies, and interiors feature open floor plans, LED lighting, kitchens with high-gloss cabinetry and Bertazzoni appliances, and white porcelain-clad baths.
Flow House, #PHB (Compass)
28-08 38th Avenue
50 units | 7 stories
No current availabilities
50 units | 7 stories
No current availabilities
Long Island City's building boom shows no sign of slowing down, as witnessed by Studio 38: The seven-story building rose on the former site of a commercial building to bring 50 rental units, an art studio, and retail space to the neighborhood. Renderings show a light-colored facade, oversized windows, and private balconies in select units. All residents have access to amenities like a gym, lounge, and roof terrace.
131-02 40th Road
382 units | 20 stories
Completion TBD
382 units | 20 stories
Completion TBD
Plans for Flushing Point Plaza date back to September 2016, when the first plans for a complex with two residential towers and a hotel were filed. More recently, further details were revealed about the residential component's apartments and amenities, which will include a package room, fitness center, lounge, terrace, bike room, and on-site parking.
Would you like to tour any of these properties?
Just complete the info below.
Or call us at (212) 755-5544
Would you like to tour any of these properties?
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