In the middle of Manhattan, a new skyscraper is being built at 520 Fifth Avenue, whose form is intended to be reminiscent of New York’s iconic Beaux-Arts architecture. Particularly impressive are the monumental arches straight out of Grand Central Terminal. The 305 m tall building will offer office space, elegant flats and a private club for meetings, sports and leisure. In addition, the design by architects from the renowned Kohn Pedersen Fox studio is also a tribute to the stepped edifices in the art déco style.
Fifth Avenue is one of the most important streets in New York and it is at its intersection with West 43rd Street that the new skyscraper from KPF is being built. The plan to demolish and redevelop the buildings at numbers 518, 516 and 520 dates back to the beginning of this century, but the current developer only bought the lots in question in 2019. Preliminary work had already started two years later.
Classic ideals
The facade of the skyscraper sets it apart from other modern high-rise buildings. Instead of sheets of glass, the architects opted for terracotta and metal to correspond with the surrounding monuments of a century ago. The terracotta panels form high arches that allude to the monumental elements of Grand Central Terminal and, above all, the Century Association. The latter historic building was created in the Neo-Renaissance style, meaning that 520 Fifth Avenue wants to emulate not so much Beaux-Arts as simply classical forms. What’s more, the arches form an arcade above the entrance.
The stepped roof is also worth mentioning. The last floors step upwards, a reference to the nearby Rockefeller Center. Many of the surrounding towers use this solution, the most obvious example being the Empire State Building.
The references to the classics, however, end only in form, not ornamentation. Elements such as archivolts and spandrels have been reduced to simple grooves. Apart from the three arches at the entrance, the building also lacks classical symmetry and proportion, and the rest of the arches have different heights. The modern approach to forms is intended to accentuate the functionality and aesthetics of the skyscraper.
Luxury with flair
The lower floors, along with the two underground floors, will be rented by the private Moss Club. Members are to have access to a gym, golf simulator, tennis courts, swimming pool and spa section. There will also be a canteen, bar, library, games room and even a full-fledged recording studio on the first and second floors. Above the exclusive leisure and recreation areas, the architects have envisaged 25 floors of luxurious office space with ceilings at least 3.7 m high.
The remaining 88 floors will be divided into elegant flats. Their décor was designed by the acclaimed Charles & Co studio, and the designers’ aim was to combine elegance with modernity. The varied flats feature both bright, light-filled rooms bathed in creamy tones and darkened spaces lined with walnut and panelled ceilings. The designers have also taken care of details such as brass fixtures, crystal chandeliers and hand-painted wallpaper. In addition, such high-rise flats offer great views of New York’s most important landmarks, such as the aforementioned Rockefeller Center, the Empire State Building, Grand Central Terminal and many others. The first tenants will be able to enjoy these views from the third quarter of 2025.
Resurrection fashion
In the case of 520 Fifth Avenue, it is difficult to speak of attempts to resurrect the opulent Beaux-Arts style or any of the classical orders. The architects at KPF have merely borrowed classical forms and transformed them into a modern skyscraper. In comparison, some time ago architects from Foster Partners tried their hand at designing a modern skyscraper in the neo-art déco style. It has to be said that although the full potential of this ornate style was not exploited then, the building looks very aesthetically pleasing. As we can see, revisiting the aesthetics of a century ago is slowly becoming more and more popular in the world of architecture. What is more, such designs bring freshness to the established modernist doctrine, which is oriented towards maximum functionality.
At 520 Fifth Avenue, there are even fewer references to the past than in the case of the F P project, but KPF’s main objective was to create a modern, exclusive and, above all, elegant high-rise building that fits in well with the neighbourhood. This task has been accomplished in timeless style.
Photo source: KPF
Also read: Architecture | Curiosities | Skyscraper | New York | United States | whiteMAD on Instagram
