Best New Changes on the NYC Skyline in 2012

[rshaw113]

What is everyone's opinion on which are the best changes on the NYC Skyline either completed in 2011 or due to be completed somewhere in 2012? For pure architectural reasons (leaving out anything WTC, which has a much more complicated history).

My first one from 2011 would be New York by Gehry / Beekman / 8 Spruce; I have a limited architectural background, so I'm not sure why I'm so into it, other than the fact it's so weird and glassy. I'm also really into 250 East 57th, and for buildings in general that aren't skyline-changing, I also really like the weird design of Mercedes House.

Other thoughts? Any perspective from a formal architectural background would be cool to hear. I just know I like buildings when I think, "that looks really cool."

[jd3189]

One 57 is going to be prominent this year,and since it's a supertall and has the looks, it will be a great addition to the skyline for 2012 and years to come.

[THE BIG APPLE]

Obviously 1WTC, before 2 and 3 WTC are built. The short period of time 1WTC gets to spend soaring above the skyline ALONE is going to be missed once 2 and 3 are built and make the WTC site into an americanized version of Dubai Marina. A close second would be One 57, the tallest building built to the roof since the Twin Towers. These two are slated for topping out sometime in 2012, so looking forward to it.

[Jelly Roll]

I have to say 8 Spruce St would get my vote. Love the look of it and think it adds a lot to the skyline.

[towerpower123]

8 Spruce St, Freedom Tower, Four World Trade Center, International Gem Tower (Box with cool diamond style facade), and One Madison Park, and Goldman Sachs tower if you include 2010.

[hunser]

Although not very visible, The Setai is a very fine addition to Midtown. It's like ESB's little brother. And the lighting scheme of the crown is simply beautiful.

[THE BIG APPLE]

The Setai is really beautiful and in my opinion one of the best buildings completed in the latter part of the last decade. But it was completed in 2010, and I hope more buildings like it are completed going forward from 2012.

[NYC4Life]

For Lower Manhattan, it's obviously 8 Spruce Street and the soon to be topped out 1WTC. For Midtown, although the spotlight this year will belong to One57, we can't forget the Mima tower completed last year that dominates the relatively sparse Western end of the 42nd street skyscraper canyon.