[Hypothalamus]

New York YIMBY:

Revealed: 461 West 34th Street
BY: NIKOLAI FEDAK ON APRIL 29TH 2014 AT 12:00 PM


461 West 34th Street, rendering via Karl Fischer

Concurrent with the recent approval of permits, a rendering for 461 West 34th Street has surfaced on Karl Fischer’s website. The site’s architect of record is DSM Design Group, though that leaves room for Fischer’s involvement as the design architect. Atria and Marx Development are behind the recent DOB filings, and will be developing the site together.

[...]

The rendering on Fischer’s website may or may not be slightly dated, but it appears to conform to the building’s outline in zoning diagrams, as well as the general street-wall. 461 West 34th Street’s appearance is very basic, but given the possible alternatives, that is not necessarily the worst outcome for the site.

While the location of the project is currently marginal, the imminent rise of The Hudson Yards will completely change its dynamic, which also begs the question: Why build a basic, frill-free hotel on the corner of what will soon become one of the most iconic intersections in New York City? With ‘supertalls’ lining the other side of Tenth Avenue, the rendered plans for 461 West 34th Street are underwhelming — and given the proximity to tourist attractions and subway access, 461 West 34th Street could surely support additional density.

Regardless of the site’s obvious potential — which far exceeds what is allowed by zoning — construction is now imminent. No activity is evident on-site, but given the recent approval of permits, excavation should soon begin, as completion is expected in 2016.