NEW YORK | 51 Astor Place | 13 floors

[Eidolon]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottly...-18964236@N00/

That cladding is great and ensures that this building stands head and shoulders above the other post-war and most-pre-war buildings in the immediate vicinity. It's presence is also very impressive, but it is not sucking the life out of it's surroundings.

A fine addition to this part of Manhattan.

[easy as pie]

this one seems to have gone up really quickly. thanks for the snap.

[yankeesfan1000]

Thanks to RoldanTTLB on WNY for the photo.

So far, I like the building, glass looks good, especially the contrasting colors which I was skeptical about at first. My big criticism is the side shown with the black or dark facade, faces Astor Place/Cooper Square which has a small park, and pedestrian plaza, both of which are going to be renovated in the near future, while the building steps down to 3rd Avenue, as shown in Eidolon's photo. With the city set to redo Astor Place, and try and make it more visually appealing and friendly, it would've been nice to have the 3rd Ave side of this building facing Astor Place, as it would've allowed more natural light, and air to the existing and new Astor Place.

I just find it sort of odd that this building kind of has its back to what will soon be a really nice little park, and instead faces 8th St and 3rd Avenue.


http://www.flickr.com/photos/7799907...n/photostream/

[ThatOneGuy]

I love black glass so much. I wish it were used more these days... All we get is blue

[NYguy]

Yeah, this is one of the nicer small developments.

[reencharles]

Nice glass...

[sbarn]

Looks like cladding is basically done.






ZippyTheChimp @ WNY

[yankeesfan1000]

The black triangle in the glass, as seen in the first photo is so odd.

[mrnyc]

Originally Posted by yankeesfan1000

The black triangle in the glass, as seen in the first photo is so odd.

yeah, that and the glass itself reminded me of farshid moussavi's cool new moca in cleveland. not so much in other views:

[NOPA]

Oh this turned out nice

[Mike570]

Nice building! Thanks for the pics

[RobEss]

Updates, everyone!

As of this morning, the concrete for the 3rd Ave. plaza has been poured.
Forms for what I assume to be the benches and statue pedestal were poured a week ago, and the installation of the revolving door and black granite trim seem to be nearly wrapped up. The only glass left to hang is surrounding the elevator.

I have a somewhat decent photo of the plaza to share, unfortunately only iPhone-level res. If you have any more detailed questions about current construction, I frequent the Astor Place area and could easily take a look for you.

[yankeesfan1000]

Great photo, it'll be nice to have that corner more open.

[giantSwan]

any before and after pics?

this is a small project - but it's a massive improvement IMHO

[yankeesfan1000]

^

This was the the 9th St side before, and below was a big Starbucks on the 8th St side.

Curbed

[RobEss]

Updates!

They're starting to install the benches, which look to be made from grey stone and have a distinctly Anvil-like shape.



Notice the sharp, triangular end on the far-right section.



They started installing the first segments today using some sort of hoist system.



They've also received the paving stones; they're roughly 4 feet long and honestly look very fetching.

[NYguy]

omoo

[ardecila]

This is the sexiest building. Period.

[JACKinBeantown]

Originally Posted by ardecila

This is the sexiest building. Period.

The one in the reflection?

[nycaddict]

does this have a tenant yet?