A tipster submitted the first renderings for a new residential building at 222 East 40th Street in Midtown East, which is being developed by Fisher Brothers; Handel is the architect of record.
222 East 40th Street’s southwest corner, facing 39th Street: image by Handel Architects
As first reported in early May, DOB permits indicate 222 East 40th Street will measure 374,490 square feet, split between 372 apartments. The 37-story structure will stand 395 feet tall, and spans through the block, with another address at 235 East 39th Street.
The building’s design appears quite basic, though the current images may be subject to further change; 222 East 40th Street will have a standard glass facade divided between rectangles of various sizes, though the southwest corner will be almond-shaped, presenting a contrast to the otherwise boxy envelope. A parapet extends above the general squareness, covering the rooftop mechanicals.
222 East 40th Street’s northern facade: image by Handel Architects
Pending higher-quality renderings, 222 East 40th Street compares positively to its Murray Hill surrounds, which are in major need of revitalization. Given the eventuality of the Second Avenue Subway — which will hopefully cross the neighborhood by the 2020s — repealing state limits on residential FAR and transforming the vicinity into a truly high-density node would be prescient.
While discussion regarding such a move has been sporadic, it would present an opportunity to relax supply constraints, potentially aiding the residential market’s ongoing price shock — and benefitting neighborhoods with excellent transit that sorely need top-down transformations, like Murray Hill.
222 East 40th Street — 40th Street side of garage undergoing demo
While piecemeal improvements like Fisher Brothers’ latest undertaking are beneficial, Murray Hill must be completely re-built if it is ever to live up to its potential; nevertheless, 222 East 40th Street’s 372 units will present a relatively large density boost, hopefully revitalizing a formerly forlorn corner of Midtown.
Completion is expected in 2017.
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