Number 30 on our countdown of the tallest projects under construction in New York is the Turkevi Center, a 563-foot-tall mixed-use skyscraper at 821 First Avenue in the Midtown East neighborhood of Turtle Bay. Designed by Perkins Eastman, the 35-story tower will serve as the consulate for the Republic of Turkey.
821 First Avenue. Photo by Michael Young
New photographs show the state of progress on the skyscraper, which is located between East 45th and 46th Streets, across from the United Nations Plaza. The most notable addition since YIMBY’s last update in early September is a decorative arabesque metallic framework that sits in front of the podium windows on wide northern profile. The shimmering, geometric star patterns match the motifs etched into the chamfers of the stone-paneled frame that surrounds the podium windows on the eastern elevation.
The mechanical hoist has also begun disassembly since our last visit, and glass panels are being installed on the southwestern corner where it was formerly attached.
821 First Avenue. Photo by Michael Young
821 First Avenue. Photo by Michael Young
821 First Avenue. Photo by Michael Young
821 First Avenue. Photo by Michael Young
821 First Avenue. Photo by Michael Young
821 First Avenue. Photo by Michael Young
821 First Avenue. Photo by Michael Young
The development will yield 102,000 square feet of commercial space spread across the first 15 floors. An auditorium will be located in the cellar levels, while offices, a prayer room, passport and visa branch offices, and outdoor terraces will span the seventh, 11th, and 16th floors. Above will be 40,195 square feet of residential space divided among 20 apartments for both staff and visitors. These units start on the 20th floor and are expected to average 2,045 square feet apiece. Two homes will be duplexes. Residential amenities include a fitness center, a shared outdoor terrace space on the 20th floor, and an underground parking garage for 20 vehicles.
Construction on 821 First Avenue is expected to be finished in the second half of 2021.
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The ornamental element would have worked so much better if they had just kept it to the curved portion and omitted the rest. It is simply much on such a stark modern structure. The design of the grille work is beautiful unto itself, and I think stunningly rendered in such a modern material. It is simply just a matter of using too much of a good thing.
I agree.
Absolutely!
I find that a lot of these consulate buildings just have phenomenal designs. The Turkevi Center is no exception. It just has such a nice and sleek modern look that is really good. This is a great addition to the City. I love it.
Beautiful Facade by United/Metal Yapi. Great job, guys! Building looks amazing!
unfortunate result.
a building with interesting mass and presence on the skyline that fails to translate that quality to street level
sadly the consulate presents the appearance of already having fallen victim to an unsympathetic renovation.
for a better lesson in the use of this ornamentation look to: l’institut du monde arabe, a masterful work in Paris.
a lost opportunity to showcase international design in new york.
Yes, I agree. Love the museum in Paris. The ornamental filagree work there is integral to the entire façade, feels entirely contextual, and not like some add-on like this appears to be, at least on the sides of the structure.
“a building with interesting mass and presence on the skyline that fails to translate that quality to street level”
Yes to this. Definite lost opportunity
I could use a few ornamental elements myself..seriously, l love the stone and metallic pattern etchings..l like this building very much..at the moment, more than the country it represents..hopefully that will change.
Very nice. Too bad Turkey has decended into an autocratic theocracy though.
It seems that only the autocratic states are constructing these types of buildings in NYC currently. See also UAE.
Turkey is not theocracy. It is democratic in search of its roots. At the moment, it is tinkering with Islam because it is egalitarian and just. I am confident that Turks will synthesize both and come up with a higher form of socialism, or better yet, re-sculpt and enhance etatism of its founder Atatürk as they have attempted here in New York City with this beautiful building soaring towards the sky while leaving a curved door open to sculpt further as time marches on. In the meantime, Kudos to Perkins Eastman for bringing that spirit of togetherness to New York City.
Eventually, dust and silt will settle and bugs, spiders will nest on those “Elemental Ornaments.” Cleaning will be costly.
Besides, in my opinion, the ornaments killed the simplicity and made the building look ugly.
I dont get the screen leaveouts on the side street. The treatment should have been continuous, it looks like sections fell off or its unfinished.