When a century-old hotel at 6 Columbus Circle hit the market last month, sources told the Commercial Observer that the relatively small site could fetch $88.9 million. Now YIMBY has renderings of a 700-foot-tall mixed-use tower that could grow on the lot along West 58th Street between Eighth and Ninth Avenues.
The images are from Cushman and Wakefield, which is marketing the 4,200-square-foot property. The renderings show a 63,510-square-foot building that pushes the edges of what zoning allows. The development would host 17,952 square feet of retail on the first five floors, plus commercial space in the basement. The retail base would feature ceiling heights of 16 to 20 feet and reach 117 feet into the air. The property, which is also known as 308-310 West 58th Street, also offers 42 feet of valuable retail frontage.
Apartments – likely condos – would begin on the sixth floor. They would be set back from the retail portion and continue upward in a skinny, glassy high-rise. Ceiling heights for the residences could range from 12 to 16 feet. The renderings depict an unusual, somewhat angular facade. The residential portion of the tower would be vertically stepped, with floor-to-ceiling glass and floor plates that resemble jagged puzzle pieces.
C&W’s brochure explains that, “The lack of both landmarks designation and height restriction along Columbus Circle paves the way for the construction of an iconic mixed-use tower that will offer breathtaking views of Central Park.”
And with extra air rights from the small apartment building next door, the new development has the potential to reach even taller than 700 feet.
I speculate that the dumpy, littler building next door is filled with rent-controlled tenants. The only way to get them out will be to give them multi-million dollar deals. Only in NY.
The design makes it look far taller than 700ft, although that is also down to the overall design and proportions which appears to emphasise the soar.
This is the sort of design I’d love to see go supertall, however in such a location I suspect it will be quite prominent from certain views such as Central Park due to the lower-rise sections of The Time Warner Centre.
The design also reminds me of a more curvaceous, organic version of 111 West 57th, is it by SHoP?
It’s gorgeous, I love how the glass and terracotta/metal(?) lines blend into one another towards the top whilst it tapers creating a distinctive, but flat top. If anything, it’s a much taller, more gracious and classy, well proportioned version of One Blackfriars (designed by Ian Simpson from Manchester) going up on London right now:
I agree with Stig! Love this design though I’m sure the eventual buyer would probably change it if they do redevelop the property.
The hotel in this location looks OK but it really isn’t within the context of the “new” Columbus Circle and redeveloping will be very beneficial in pushing the revitalization of the 57th Street corridor even further west (though these blocks are far from dumpy).
The last major project that needs to be finished is the Windermere on 57th/Ninth but with that chugging along after decades in limbo (at least it seems to be progressing) and this possibly happening, the positive changes to this hood will be dramatic!
Should also be noted that while the hotel’s facade is fine (& Blue Ribbon is great), the current rooftop addition is quite ugly.
Looks interesting given the location, but with the narrowness of the site, it looks like the resi floorplates will average about 1,300 sf. That could be a tough sell at this end of the market.
Also can they build the proposed concept design as-of-right? From my understanding a tower on base needs to have 55% of its floor area below 150’ which the proposed design does not.
In terms of sales, its not really a matter of size, but location, and views. Smaller units in SoHo for very high values; comparable to Verre. NYC is the rare type of city that could build the ugliest design, like something from Sam Chang or Kaufman, and they will sell out, and they do. In summary, its all about location, and with views of the park, this could look terrible, and will still sell out. Luckily, its gorgeous, and I hope they only add to the site by buying those surrounding properties. A super tall would be fantastic.
Global interests are rumored to be jostling for a development site adjacent to the city’s so-called Billionaires Row.
Bob Knakal, chairman, New York Investment Sales at Cushman & Wakefield, is exclusively marketing 6 Columbus Circle with Jonathan Hageman and Chris Brodhead.
“This is a world-class development opportunity and we expect to see tremendous interest from across the globe,” said Knakal.
Currently home to an existing hotel, 6 Columbus Circle is situated with 42 feet of frontage along the famous shopping, dining and cultural corridor that has become an enclave of exclusive commercial and residential properties.
Ownership has proposed plans for an illustrative development concept adhering to all zoning regulations applicable to 6 Columbus Circle. Their initial design portrays 700 ft. mixed-use tower with a vertical retail concept and residential component will offer residents sweeping views of Central Park.
Offers for the property — which is expected to fetch close to $90 million — are due February 19.
