The Fumihiko Maki-designed 51 Astor Place has now been topped-out, and the glass facade has begun rising in earnest. The office tower of only twelve stories takes up its entire block, making its presence quite noticeable despite its relatively short height. Both the glass and the structure have made significant progress since the last update on the building, from early October.
Maki’s work in New York City has been stupendous (his most notable project has been Four World Trade Center/150 Greenwich Street), and 51 Astor is no exception. Even in the gloomy November weather, the facade of 51 Astor looks sharp and crisp, with the graduated setbacks of the building making it anything but a typical glass box.
A nice addition to the neighborhood.