Planned Skyscraper at 131-141 East 47th Street Appears Stalled, Likely Another Casualty Of Chinese Capital Outflow Restrictions in Midtown East, Manhattan

YIMBY’s recent reportage on a new wave of failed development sites has yet another likely addition. Renderings for the new look of 131-141 East 47th Street were revealed by YIMBY back in April of 2016, and since then, the site for the 49-story, 122-unit residential tower has been cleared of the previously extant structures. However, over two years post-demolition, work has appeared to come to a grinding halt, with no subsequent progress yet visible. The project is being developed by New Empire Real Estate, with SLCE Architects leading design, with the Chinese crackdown on capital outflows a likely explanation for the apparent pause in construction.

Permits show the 151,013 square foot building would rise 581 feet and have units that average 1,237 square feet. Sitting on a large rectangular plot of land in Midtown East, between Lexington and Third avenues, the site would only use about half the space for the main tower itself.

The site for 131-141 East 47th Street. Photo by Michael Young

The site for 131-141 East 47th Street. Photo by Michael Young

The front profile of the building along East 47th Street consists of a glass facade and several inverted setbacks that form cantilevering corners on multiple floors hanging over the buildings southern footprint. The top half of the building is uniform in shape, and terminates with a flat rooftop. On the opposite side, the northern facade of the building is completely flat and consists of the building’s core walls, covered behind a vertical brick pattern of large light-colored Indiana limestone panels extending from the street level to the top of the skyscraper.

Windows along the corners are found on both sides facing East 48th Street. The eastern and western facades will both be enclosed with a straight wall of glass, if this design is ever built.

Rendering of 131-141 East 47th Street’s main entrance. Credit: SLCE Architects

Study of 131-141 East 47th Street, northeast perspective. Credit: SLCE Architects

As proposed, three units would be found from the second floor to the 35th floor. The 13th and 36th levels will house mechanicals, and the remaining 11 floors would have two units apiece. The 48th floor would be one full-floor penthouse. Amenities for 131-141 East 47th Street include a storage and bicycle storage room, a fitness center, a children’s playroom and outdoor recreational area divided among two floors that come with a sunken outdoor garden, and a lounge.

No formal completion date for the project has been announced, but with the only current activity on site consisting of growing weeds, the lot may be in need of a new developer, which could also result in a new design.

Subscribe to YIMBY’s daily e-mail

Follow YIMBYgram for real-time photo updates
Like YIMBY on Facebook
Follow YIMBY’s Twitter for the latest in YIMBYnews