NEW YORK | 53W53 (Tower Verre) | 1,050 FT | 73 FLOORS

I read somewhere that the diagonal columns are affecting the appeal of these condos to potential buyers. It obstructs the views.

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I recall too, a quote from a real estate broker in some random article I read. I thought the comment was funny/odd, but true: “It’s nice to see ‘creative/interesting’ Architecture like this get built - but people want unobstructed views when they buy a multi-million dollar residence”. That paraphrase is an approximation of what I recall reading, it struck me as quite a candid and comical remark, and totally true.

It is all about the ‘interiors’ when it comes to condo apartments; great architecture is last on the list - if on ‘the list’ at all when making the decision to buy. I am sorry to ‘red pill’ the readership on this point; but it is irrefutable.

I would like to see some sort of Tax subsidy - or other incentive - for doing Artful Architecture in NYC; we can call it the City Beautiful Incentive Plan. :smiling_face_with_three_hearts:

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I think I recall Silverstein using the same excuse for taking the cross-bracing off 3 WTC. The tenants wanted unobstructed views. It’s a shame, since I really love the look of diagrid bracing on skyscrapers. Two of my favorite towers are John Hancock in Chicago and Bank of China in Hong Kong, both of which have beautiful diagrids.

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RAMSA’s success since 15 CPW and forward pokes a hole in the argument of it being all about the interiors.

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But RAMSA’s interiors are generally good too. They just build good stuff, inside and out. Many of his buildings look like they’ve been here for a century, but in a modern and typically very attractive way. It’s a neat trick.

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Just checked Street Easy–says large majority of units have been sold. 53 West 53 at 53 West 53rd St. in Midtown : Sales, Rentals, Floorplans | StreetEasy

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Good point. I would consider this RAMSA condo building the exception - ‘the exception that proves the rule’. I know, most buyers, are only marginally concerned or interested in the Architectural Design of the building when making a decision to buy a condo.

I have come to that conclusion because I work directly with hundreds on new condo owners each year; but I think anyone with a bit of anecdotal evidence would be able to come to - and agree with - that conclusion.

I wish it were not the case, but my point is that it is ‘generally’ true that the Architectural Design of a new condo is not a priority for people in the market for a new condo. The vast majority of new condos are artless, building standard, generic architecture: that would not be the case if MOST people would pay more for GOOD architecture.

Interesting thoughts - I could be wrong, probably not… :rofl:

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From 3.14.21:

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6.7.2021
The BMU was out today. Reminded me of the edge at 30HY.

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https://www.instagram.com/p/CPHLJ2nApcG/?utm_medium=copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/CPEZ8aejK4Z/?utm_medium=copy_link

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https://www.instagram.com/p/CPggGqTrWj_/?utm_medium=copy_link

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What building is that last picture taken from?

One57?

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Definitely, with that curve it gives it away

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October 9, 2021


Photo taken by me

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https://www.instagram.com/p/CUnBNuxLnOk/?utm_medium=copy_link
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From Q4 2021:

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