New York Korea Center’s Distinctive Form Taking Shape at 122-126 East 32nd Street in Murray Hill

Construction is continuing on the New York Korea Center, a highly distinctive 120-foot-tall building at 122-126 East 32nd Street in Murray Hill. Designed by Samoo Architects and Engineers (SAMOO) for Level Group, the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in New York, purchased the property for $15.8 million in March 2008, including the use of nearly 4,500 square feet of air rights. The project, which broke ground in June 2018, is planned to yield 36,500 square feet.

Recent photos show the curving floor plates completed on the lower portion of the building. The main rendering above depicts this entire section of the superstructure enclosed in a glass box, creating a bright atrium between the outer walls and the actual building. It’s likely the framework for this exterior shell won’t be constructed until the reinforced concrete portion is finished. Capping the project is an ornate funnel-shaped crown clad in gold-colored horizontal ribs and interspersed with sections of glass.

The New York Korea Center. Photo by Michael Young

It looks like construction is getting close to commencing on the final section of the structure.

The New York Korea Center. Photo by Michael Young

The New York Korea Center. Photo by Michael Young

The New York Korea Center. Photo by Michael Young

The New York Korea Center. Photo by Michael Young

YIMBY estimates that the New York Korea Center could finish toward the end of 2021 or sometime in 2022.

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