Richard Meier’s first NYC skyscraper starts its climb above street level in Turtle Bay

Richard Meier’s 685 First Avenue–the starchitect’s largest and tallest building in the city to date–has begun its above-ground ascent, reports CityRealty. The 42-story, 460-foot-tall slab tower is located along the East River at 40th Street, just south of the United Nations, and has gained attention for its dark glass facade, a noticeable shift from Meier’s signature beige aesthetic. Its 408 rentals and 148 condominiums are expected to be completed by early 2019, and now that construction is “craned and above street level,” the project is well on its way.

Developer Sheldon Solow bought the 30,000-square-foot site 16 years ago as part of his nine-acre Turtle Bay South master plan to include affordable housing, an office tower, five acres of public parks, and a public school. As 6sqft previously explained:

The city approved the plan and a rezoning from manufacturing to residential/commercial, but the recession stalled the project, and two years later Solow sold the northeast corner of First and 35th to the School Construction Authority and an acre between 35th and 36th Streets to JDS Development Group, who is already nearing completion on the American Copper Buildings. Solow said he still plans to develop the rest of the site, but has declined to provide details.

Nevertheless, just last month a new set of renderings for 685 First Avenue were revealed, showcasing the Meier-designed interiors as well as close-ups of the monolithic glass facade with its vertical balcony columns on the western side and horizontal cutout on the eastern side. This recessed portion on the 27th/28th floors marks where the rentals end and condos begin, and at night it will light up. Amenities will include on-site parking, a fitness center and yoga room, 70-foot lap pool, children’s playroom, game room, private dining room, and a lounge.

Construction shots via CityRealty

Find future listings for 685 First Avenue here.

[Via CityRealty]

RELATED:

• Interior renderings, more details revealed for Richard Meier’s Turtle Bay tower
• Richard Meier Flips Favored Palette from Ivory to Ebony for Developer Pal’s Turtle Bay Tower
• Richard Meier-Designed Tower Finally Begins Construction at Turtle Bay South Complex

Renderings courtesy of Bloomimages