Kohn Pedersen Fox Files for 70-Story Tower at 520 Fifth Avenue, in Midtown Manhattan

Previous renderings of 520 Fifth Avenue, image via Ceruzzi Properties

Permits have been filed for a 70-story mixed-use tower at 520 Fifth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan. Rabina Properties is listed as the owner behind the applications with Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates as the architect of record.

520 Fifth Avenue

Previous rendering of 520 Fifth Avenue, image from Ceruzzi Properties

In 2019, speculation arose that 520 Fifth Avenue would likely house the first skyscraper over 900 feet along Fifth Avenue, developed by Ceruzzi Properties and SMI USA. Renderings then by Handel Architects unveiled a glass-clad tower rising 76 stories, with a height of 920 feet at the pinnacle.

The new proposal calls for an 896-foot-tall development yielding 523,188 square feet, with 169,992 square feet designated for residential space and 353,196 square feet for commercial space. The building will have 98 residences, most likely condos based on the average unit scope of 1,734 square feet. Although it is unclear what the commercial space will be used for, previous plans included retail space and a 208-room hotel. The concrete-based structure will also have a cellar, three sub-cellars, and a 20-foot-long rear yard.

Located on the corner of Fifth Avenue and 43rd Street, the cleared site is one street away from the eastern end of Bryant Park. Handel Architects’ design was expected to begin construction last year. No details have been released regarding a timeline for this new development.

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

.

21 Comments on "Kohn Pedersen Fox Files for 70-Story Tower at 520 Fifth Avenue, in Midtown Manhattan"

  1. David in Bushwick | January 7, 2021 at 8:14 am | Reply

    It would appear developers have decided to ignore the ongoing glut of high-end apartments and office space.

    • Or they think the glut will be gone in 3-5 years when the building is completed.

    • They haven’t ignored it. They have info that tells them otherwise. And that they have faith in the city. As do other developers. I think this is a great thing. People don’t typically invest big $$$ if they think its a sure-losing proposition. (I also notice plenty of office tower lighted windows in current night photographs of Midtown and downtown, which means people are working in them.)

  2. Its about time. This lot has been empty for years.

  3. Of course there is another little building on 34th and Fifth, that’s a bit over 900′ 🙂

    • I think the architect is trying to make the base fit in with SOM’s landmarked glass and aluminum Manufacturers Trust Company Building at 510 Fifth Avenue. It would be nice if one of the renderings included the landmark rather than just a lot. In fact, the only neighboring building shown is the landmarked McKim, Mead and White-designed Century Association Clubhouse at 7 West 43rd Street.

  4. The tower is nice but the podium could use some work — looks a bit jumbled together.

  5. PLEEESE PUT THE CROSS STREETS IN THE OPENING PARAGRAPH!!
    Thank you!

    • Yeah that has always bugged me too. Avenue numbered addresses are pretty meaningless without a cross street. YIMBY, please take note.

  6. Yikes, that rendering makes it look a like a 700-story tower!
    Might be an “issue” with the FAA?

  7. “…speculation arose that 520 Fifth Avenue would likely house the first skyscraper over 900 feet along Fifth Avenue.” As I recall, The Empire State Building (350 Fifth Avenue) is 1,250 to the top of the observatory.

    • The ESB is not located directly on the Fifth Avenue canyon, but between Fifth and Sixth.

      • That is completely not true, the entrance to ESB and is on Fifth Ave and that’s where it rises. What are you smoking? Maybe stop using Google Street View for your “research” and visit NYC from time to time.

        • The ESB, visually and physically, rises at the CENTER OF THE BLOCK, and NOT on the Fifth Avenue Canyon. Obviously it has an entrance and address of / on Fifth Avenue, but it is not like the XYZ buildings or the buildings further up Fifth that actually hug the street-wall.

          • You tell them Nikolai!
            REAL New Yorkers know full well that you’re spot on.

          • Bro, the XYZ Buildings are on the west side of 6th Ave NOT 5th Ave nor do they hug the street wall along 6th. Furthermore, you mean to tell me this building doesn’t set back from 5th at all!?

  8. KPF with an 896 foot tall skyscraper in (almost) the heart of Midtown. I’m very intrigued to see how this skyscraper will be like. I think this new 520 Fifth Avenue could be pretty cool, unless it’ll be another bland glass box.

  9. I have the Soti voucher and am looking for a 1 bdrm apartment.Im a city worker single dad going through a bad divorce.And I’m getting evicted from my Veterans shelter .the voucher pays for a year until I can get back on my feet again .Please feel free to contact me ?917 484 3736 Thank you Mr.Chile

Leave a Reply to Jim Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.


*