The world’s tallest residential building, Central Park Tower, tops out at 1,550 feet

Central Park Tower officially topped out on Tuesday, breaking the record set by nearby 432 Park Avenue for the tallest residential building in the world. Reaching 1,550 feet high, the skyscraper at 217 West 57th Street would be the tallest building in New York City if not for the 400-foot spire of One World Trade, as New York Magazine reported. Developed by supertall-specialists Extell, Central Park Tower includes a seven-story Nordstrom flagship store and 179 luxury condos.

Some of the residences were listed for the first time in May, ranging from a $6.9 million two-bedroom to a five-bedroom apartment for $63 million. In 2017, it was reported that 20 of the 179 units will ask for $60 million and above, including a penthouse for $95 million. Closings are expected to begin in the first quarter of next year.

Developers predict the building will have a sellout of more than $4 billion, which would make Central Park Tower the country’s most expensive condo project ever.

Renderings courtesy of Extell Development Company

But the market has slowed for luxury towers, specifically those located on Billionaires’ Row. Jonathan Miller, a real estate appraiser, told the New York Times that 40 percent of seven towers in the Central Park South area are unsold. While sales data for Central Park Tower has not yet been released, the Commercial Observer reported last month that Extell’s other supertall on the Lower East Side, One Manhattan Square, has seen just 173 of 815 condos closed.

Renderings courtesy of Extell Development Company

According to a press release from Extell, “Central Park Tower’s beautiful facade features combined elements of glass, satin-finished stainless steel, and light-catching vertical and horizontal details that accentuate the interplay of texture and light. At a height of 300 feet from the street, the tower cantilevers to the east, creating Central Park views for all north-facing residences.”

The 131-story tower was designed by Chicago-based Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture and includes three full floors of amenity space, dubbed the Central Park Club. The club spans 50,000 square feet and features an outdoor terrace with a pool, a wellness center with an indoor pool, and a massive ballroom and cigar bar on the marketed 100th floor.

Renderings courtesy of Extell Development Company

Smith designed Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, the current tallest building in world, and the Jeddah Tower, the soon-to-be tallest, a 3,280-foot tower in Saudi Arabia. In an interview published Monday, New York Magazine architecture critic Justin Davidson asked the architect if Central Park Tower could have been taller if local zoning had allowed it.

“Oh yeah,” Smith said. “Jeddah Tower is twice the height of this one. You could drop that in here for sure.”

RELATED: 

• Six restaurants to open this fall in Nordstrom’s flagship store at Central Park Tower
• New looks and pricing details for Extell’s Central Park Tower
• Central Park Tower rises above 432 Park, officially becomes tallest residential building in the world

Renderings courtesy of Extell Development Company