Central Park Tower’s Construction Crane Begins Disassembly Above Billionaires’ Row

Central Park Tower. Photo by Michael Young

The construction crane on Extell‘s Central Park Tower has begun disassembly at 217 West 57th Street in Midtown as the 1,550-foot-tall skyscraper moves closer to completion. Designed by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill, the residential supertall boasts the highest roof level of any building in the Western Hemisphere. Extell is projecting a $4 billion sellout with its in-house team marketing the 179 residences.

Recent photographs show the progress that has occurred on the crown’s cladding since our last update in late April. Only a small sliver remains to be filled in on the eastern elevation.

Central Park Tower from Columbus Circle. Photo by Michael Young

Central Park Tower from Central Park. Photo by Michael Young

Central Park Tower. Photo by Michael Young

Central Park Tower. Photo by Michael Young

The exterior hoist on the northern elevation facing Central Park is still fully standing but could begin coming down by the end of the year.

Central Park Tower. Photo by Michael Young

The following shots were captured as the crane boom was being separated and taken apart in sections. There is a smaller red and white derrick helping to take down the main crane and both are visible above the flat roof parapet. This process should be quick and will likely finish soon.

Central Park Tower. Photo by Michael Young

Central Park Tower. Photo by Michael Young

Central Park Tower. Photo by Michael Young

A large section of the glass enclosure is still covered in the temporary blue film around the midpoint of the tower. However, enough of the final exterior is exposed to give an impression of the Central Park Tower’s overall aesthetics.

Central Park Tower. Photo by Michael Young

Central Park Tower. Photo by Michael Young

Central Park Tower. Photo by Michael Young

Central Park Tower seen from The Edge at 30 Hudson Yards. Photo by Michael Young

Nordstrom’s white sidewalk scaffolding with the company’s logo remains standing but should be removed once construction gets closer to the finish line.

Central Park Tower. Photo by Michael Young

Among the Central Park Tower’s amenities is a 100th-floor residential club perched over 1,000 feet above Billionaires’ Row, making it the highest such space in the world. The club will span 8,300 square feet and include a private ballroom, a dining room, a bar, a full-service kitchen, and a wine and cigar lounge. Rottet Studio is designing this exclusive space as well as the residential interiors.

Central Park Tower could likely be completed by the end of the year or early in 2021 at the latest.

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17 Comments on "Central Park Tower’s Construction Crane Begins Disassembly Above Billionaires’ Row"

  1. I decided to start following the construction of Central Park Tower in January 2019. I even saw the tower in person in the Summer of that same year.
    Now, the time is nearing to where we will finally see the completion of the best New York City skyscraper since One World Trade Center.

  2. Aside from the incredible slenderness and height, this building feels like another spec developer building on 6th Ave. IMHO

  3. Saying a tower is the best since One World Trade Center is not saying much! With the crane going down, I suppose this obliterates any final hope that they would install the once-planned spire? Too bad – I really think this generic glass tower needs it.

    • David in Bushwick | September 14, 2020 at 7:36 pm | Reply

      As much as I don’t care for planted spires like the oversized antenna on One World Trade Center, this building should gotten one as originally planned. A height of 2,001 feet would be appropriate. The rather boring design could use it too.

    • I do agree, Central Park Tower could use a nice spire. Well, do remember what has been established at the Empire State Building and the original 1 WTC. But this is very unlikely to happen to Central Park Tower though.

  4. Spectacular photography, Mr. Young (as usual)!

  5. The western side of the building still looks like it has “slide outs” similar to travel trailer. They say the building will be more transparent when the film is removed. Hopefully it will completely disappear as it is such an ugly building. Truly a lost opportunity to be something spectacular.

  6. Will add to my “must see in person list” on next trip to NY!

    Of course, I would rather have a 5th floor Fifth Avenue view of Central Park, rather than paying over $50+ million for a view of the sky while lying in bed!

    Then again, at least I know that a hook and ladder could be used if needed, compared to being on the 86th floor, and having to jump out the window!

  7. This is a fantastic skyscraper, an instant landmark. And, I should know – I live in Chicago. But then so do Adrian Smith and Gordon Gill!

  8. It’s up there, all right

  9. Agreed on spires, in general. The antenna on WTC1 is despicable. But I think Central Park Tower would have been better of with one.

  10. I live in a PH on the 17th floor with a nice terrace.
    I don’t think I would live higher than 25 stories.
    I’d be anxious.

  11. The height is pretty wonderful, but the odd differentiation of the cantilevered section really detracts from what should be a stunning building.

  12. What a wasted opportunity.

  13. As has been the case with its sister ultra-slim-talls, it will take time for me to adjust to it. It might even begin to grow on me. Having said that, I’ll take RAMS’s 220 CPS any day.

  14. “Extell is projecting a $4 billion sellout”

    On what basis do they project this? How many units have been sold and at what price?

  15. Spires work better usually when the building tapers in to meet it. Not so much with a flat roof.

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