The condominium tower is located on a 12,000 square foot building site on Amsterdam Avenue, between 69th and 70th Street in Manhattan’s Upper West Side. The 55-story tower- currently under construction, is 668 feet tall and features 112 high-end residential units. Elkus Manfredi was awarded the exterior design contract and the interior design contract was awarded to CetraRuddy Architects.

 

The building design was inspired by the dual tower configurations of the great residential landmarks lining Central Park’s west side. The facade detailing pays homage to the classic Art Deco building architecture dotting the Manhattan skyline. As a contemporary interpretation of these design styles, the architectural expression incorporates a symmetrical composition of facade elements. These elements consist of “masonry” pilasters, deep vertical mullions, contrasting horizontal metal spandrels and a flush glazed center spine. Recessed glass corners with deep horizontal mullions cap the ends of the dual tower expression. Its unique profile is derived from required zoning regulations resulting in a series of multiple-floor setbacks. Slender in proportion, the building steps back seven times, creating a series of private terraces facing Central Park.

 

I joined the 200 Amsterdam design team at the end of Schematic Design and followed the project through Construction Administration. The team had developed a basic massing strategy and residential unit mix when I was tasked with leading the exterior design effort. Although my responsibilities covered a wide range of design and coordination, my primary focus was on the exterior design – specifically the podium, tower and crown. As the project progressed my role evolved from design studies to façade detailing, documentation and ultimately coordination. Working alongside a Senior Technical Architect, my responsibilities during Construction Administration shifted to all aspects of project coordination- interior and exterior, including Shop Drawing and Submittal review.

 

PODIUM DESIGN:

A black granite base ties the two-story limestone and stainless-steel podium to the ground. Ornamental screens and glass patterns were designed to recall Art Deco architecture, while maintaining the restrained aesthetic lines of a more contemporary architectural expression. The base includes Alabama limestone with a Jet Mist black granite water table, satin stainless-steel storefront window frames, decorative custom-patterned grilles, and canopy. The grilles flanking the windows are also incorporated into the canopy ceiling architecture. The lighting is integrated into these podium elements creating a soft glow along the street. Corbelled lintels, window frames and canopy fascia punctuate the podium with classic Art Deco details.

 

TOWER DESIGN:

The tower is a balance of “masonry” and glass to create the solid appearance of an Art Deco building while creating the lighter appearance of a contemporary glass tower. The shallow V-shaped engineered stone pilasters have a light gray color complementary to the natural stone base. This creates shadows to add apparent depth to the facade.

 

CROWN DESIGN:

At night the crown is uplit at the pilasters and end bays, creating a soft glow and unique silhouette on the skyline. 

​