A new rendering has been revealed for 245 West 55th Street, an 18-story renovation and expansion in Midtown, Manhattan. Developed by New Jersey-based Mandelbaum & Mandelbaum under the 245 West 55th St LLC, the project involves the construction of six new stories above the roof parapet of the current 135-foot-tall mixed-use building, as well as the gut renovation of its 70,000 square feet of interiors and possible residential conversion of its commercial space. The site’s zoning also permits the structure’s renovation for boutique office use, though it is currently unclear which option the developer is pursuing. The property is located on an interior lot between Eighth Avenue and Broadway.
The rendering above previews the new addition rising above the current structure’s 12th story bulkhead and clad in a mix of gray brick and metal paneling. The fenestration is composed of a broad grid of industrial-style windows with black mullions, and the massing incorporates three tiers of setbacks that will be topped with terraces. The expansion culminates in a tall bulkhead enclosed in gray paneling.
Recent photos below show the building shrouded in scaffolding and construction netting as crews continue to gut the interiors. This work is being carried out in accordance with the Brownfield Cleanup Program due to chemical contamination stemming from DuArt film processing studio’s operation out of the building from 1922 to 2011. Construction on the addition has yet to commence.
Photo by Michael Young
Photo by Michael Young
Photo by Michael Young
Photo by Michael Young
Photo by Michael Young
Photo by Michael Young
Photo by Michael Young
DuArt originally listed 245 West 55th Street for $48 million in November 2022. The current developer acquired it for $29 million the following year.
The nearest subways from the development are the A, B, C, D, and 1 trains at the 59th Street-Columbus Circle station; the B, D, and E trains at the 7th Avenue station along West 53rd Street; and the N, Q, R, and W trains at the 57th Street-7th Avenue station next to Carnegie Hall.
245 West 55th Street’s anticipated completion date is slated for spring 2027, as noted on site.
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
I hope the developers don’t try lifting any televisions…
LOL—why won’t YIMBY allow GIFs?!
Although wide grid industrial-style windows are more beautiful and striking, if we use binoculars the whole structure will be harmonious: Thanks to Michael Young.
Too bad about that bulkhead on top, this otherwise looks great.
Yes, Bulkhead way too bulky..
Wonderful adaptive reuse. Bravo!
Whatta waste of time.
You mean to say we should not reuse and adapt buildings for residential needs during a housing crisis??? Wow spoken like a true NIMBY 🤬