Renovations are complete on 51W52, also known as Black Rock, an office building at 51 West 52nd Street in Midtown Manhattan. Harbor Group International completed the $128 million overhaul of the 38-story structure, which was originally designed by Eero Saarinen as the headquarters for CBS and yields 900,000 square feet of interior space.
Photograph of new amenity space at 51W52, by Colin Miller Photos
“From the beginning, we understood the immense potential of 51W52 given its architectural significance, desirable floor plans, and central location in Midtown,” said T. Richard Litton Jr., president at HGI. “The structure of the building was optimal, we just needed to make subtle enhancements to reflect and appreciate its original design. We’ve already started to feel the impact of the renovations, with palpable excitement from existing tenants, consistent leasing activity from prospective tenants, and activation within the lobby and lounge spaces. It’s incredible to see our vision for the reimagined space come to life and an exciting moment to officially introduce the ‘new’ 51W52.”
Photograph of new lobby at 51W52, by Colin Miller Photos
Since its acquisition by HGI affiliates in October 2021, 51W52 has undergone substantial renovations to modernize the building’s interior space while preserving its architectural legacy. The project, which was designed by Vocon and MdeAS Architects, includes revamped lobbies, new elevators, upgraded interiors spaces, and the addition of a tenant lounge, fitness center, and private café in the building’s basement.
Photograph of new amenity space at 51W52, by Colin Miller Photos
The renovation project’s design reflects a blend of classic and contemporary styles. Notably, Vocon and MdeAS were careful to make sure the façade remained true to Saarinen’s original vision.
Photograph of new amenity space at 51W52, by Colin Miller Photos
“The expressive and timeless design of Saarinen’s Black Rock building at 51 W 52nd Street provided the perfect canvas to support a reinvention into a modern workplace experience,” said Dan Shannon, managing partner at MdeAS Architects. “By conceptualizing the experience from the outside in, we were able to restore the fundamental beauty of his design and apply the principles of form, light, and even water to new elements such as the feature stair and water feature that meet the preferences of contemporary office users.”
Photograph of new fitness center at 51W52, by Colin Miller Photos
51 West 52nd Street is located centrally in Midtown and a short walk from subway stations that service the B, D, F, M, and E trains.
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“$128 overhaul”..what a bargain!
(I know, I know, it’s a typo, I couldn’t resist)
I don’t want to ignore the first and all followings, shows that the original is still good at least four to changed: Thanks.
One of my favorite mid-century buildings. It’s the best of the best.
My nearby office building is doing the same thing, renovating the lobby and adding an “executive” lounge, meeting rooms and cafè space in the basement. A gym is coming next. Office buildings must now compete to find tenants as work from home is destroying city centers everywhere.
I noticed the “canyon of darkness” of this tower next to it’s neighbors, especially on the first 5-10 floors? 🤔💡💡
Black Rock rocks
Now, this is a truly great building.
A fortress!
It’s good that CBS didn’t make the same mistake as Chase Bank did with demolishing a great looking 50 story+ tower designed by SOM to build a tower that is going to remain empty?
bingo