Renderings of 541-545 West 37th Street. Via CetraRuddy
The far west side’s destiny as a forest of shimmering skyscrapers is drawing closer. Over the years, real estate developer Joseph Chetrit has been debating whether to sell the modest-sized assemblage at 541-545 West 37th Street or redevelop the lot themselves. The uncertainty was laid to rest in late September when plans were filed to build a 48-floor mixed-use tower with 421 hotel rooms on mid-lower levels, and 135 residential units above.
The high-rise experts at CetraRuddy Architecture, who are handling the design, have discreetly published a set of renderings on their website, showing off a high-tech skyscraper with a parametrically designed screen at its base. The tower will rise 622 feet high to the top of its highest floor, and its less-than-ideal through-block footprint will yield a somewhat awkward massing. To the east, the building will overlook the future Hudson Boulevard Park; directly to the west, it may someday rise to similar-in-height towers, like BlackHouse Development’s 550-552 West 38th Street, and Siras Development’s Hudson Rise at 470 Eleventh Avenue.
In this article:
Site footprint; Massey Knakal
Podium entrances; CetraRuddy Architecture
The 621,000-square-foot building will incorporate exhibition, retail, hotel, and residential uses. Per the filed permits, the podium will hold the lobbies, an event space, and two eating/drinking establishments. The design will take conventional high-rise programming to the next level by snaking in communal spaces horizontally and vertically throughout parts of the building.
CetraRuddy says, “The continuous green element shown in the concept diagram represents contiguous amenity and social spaces, providing a unifying element for all functions. The design blends high productivity while addressing contemporary trends.”
Illustration of social and amenity spaces snaking through the building; CetraRuddy
Podium levels; CetraRuddy
Amenities in the building will include a residential lounge on the 30th floor, indoor/outdoor terraces, a fitness/wellness center, a swimming pool, and on-site parking.
The tower will rise on one of the most desolate blocks in the district, home to horse stables, parking lots, and a cut created from the Amtrak right-of-way. Chetrit purchased the site in 2012 for $26.5 million and recently began demolition on its low-slung buildings.
The tower will rise on one of the most desolate blocks in the district, home to horse stables, parking lots, and a cut created from the Amtrak right-of-way. Chetrit purchased the site in 2012 for $26.5 million and recently began demolition on its low-slung buildings.
Cleared site as of late May; CityRealty
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