Construction is rising on 1491-1493 First Avenue, a 35-story residential building on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Designed by Hill West Architects and developed by Carmel Partners, which purchased the property from Robert Chou for $73.5 million in early 2022, the 404-foot-tall structure will yield 206 condominium units, 7,120 square feet of ground-floor retail space, and a cellar level. CP VII 78th Street Owner is the owner and Carmel Construction East is the general contractor for the project, which is located at the southwestern corner of First Avenue and East 78th Street.
Work has progressed quickly since our last update in early November, when crews were still forming the foundations deep below grade. Recent photos show the reinforced concrete superstructure rising above the sidewalk scaffolding, with one story poured and formwork in place for the second level.
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
Photo by Michael Young
Photo by Michael Young
The rendering in the main photo shows the tower clad primarily in floor-to-ceiling glass framed by an irregular grid of light gray brick. The lower levels feature a denser concentration of the masonry envelope, which gives way to broader expanses of glass on the upper stories. Several setbacks are located at the top of the multi-story podium and below the culminating mechanical extension.
Carmel Partners secured a $153 million construction loan from Northwestern Mutual in September to complete the project.
The closest subway from the development is the 6 train at 77th Street station along Lexington Avenue. Also nearby is the Q train at the 72nd Street station to the southwest on Second Avenue.
1491-1493 First Avenue has a completion date of summer 2025 posted on site.
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Rendering looks 🔥
This is the site that was bare for so long that it had trees growing on it. It took a while to determine who actually owned the property.
Previous owner was trash who couldn’t care less about the neighborhood. Surprisingly the rodent problem is also gone.
No comments? Ok—I’ll have a go…. Looks like too many elements to me—the square base, the rectangular sides, and the curved glass top—busy! Pick any two.
Yuck. That little brick job next door is super interesting though.
Lots of super-interesting little brick jobs in the neighborhood. Too bad they are being lost to all the yuck buildings.
If you want a view in New York City, This would do justice to those who want tons of light and spectacular East River views. I lived close by at 505 East 79th Street, low floor and dark and in the back.I t will give life to a dark corner,
Requires labor from people and machinery, so think about how strong it will be: Thanks.
I used to live here on the top floor of a 5 story walkup back in 1990. A little dumpy but it was the best of times! Can’t wait to see the building completed…. the vacant trash lot that replaced the buildings was a little sad.
Can we get an update on this building? Exterior looks almost done. Curious how the apartments will be marketed.