Most buildings try to hide their skeletons behind masonry or some other opaque element. At 53W53, however, showing the bones off is a design feature. Thanks to some photos taken by our friend Tectonic, we can now see some of the exoskeleton at the Jean Nouvel-designed tower. The overall structure has now risen about four stories above ground.
As befitting one of the planet’s key engines of economic and cultural motion, New York City exists in a state of constant change. This is particularly true for the city’s older, centrally located neighborhoods, such as TriBeCa. Over the past two centuries, its western portion along West Street has been repeatedly transformed beyond recognition, particularly by the 1960s urban renewal program that completely cleared dozens of formerly-vibrant blocks. But even there, a 32-year building life span is short by any measure.
Last summer, the Daily News reported that the city was dragging its feet on building gas, sewer, and electric lines for the final phases of Nehemiah Spring Creek’s affordable housing development in East New York. Now, wheels are cranking into motion at the city housing agencies. Building applications have been filed for the fourth stage of the project.
The residential, mid-rise street wall around McCarren Park in northern Brooklyn is receiving its latest addition as the six-story apartment building at 544 Manhattan Avenue nears exterior completion. Permits indicate Nicholas Notias of Flushing-based Neptune Mechanical, LLC as the owner and the firm also serves as the construction manager. LMW Engineering Group, LLC is also involved with the project.
Ground floor work is currently underway for a six-story, mixed-use building at 387 Manhattan Avenue. The north Williamsburg project will feature retail, community, and residential functions. Upon completion, it will join the handful of similarly-sized buildings scattered around the rowhome neighborhood.