The tallest residential building in the world

Exclusive shopping has been available here since autumn 2019. The seven-storey Nordstrom flagship store was opened at the base of the building before work on the “upper rooms” in the new Central Park Tower reached the final stages. The apartments in what is currently the tallest residential building in the world were put on the market long ago. And one thing is certain: the tower is a new landmark on Manhattan’s “Billionaire’s Row”, and is creating a sensation with its 131 storeys, 179 luxury residences, and New York’s highest private residential club.

“The pinnacle of development”

Located on West 57th Street, the building is “the definitive New York skyscraper”, according to the project developers, the Extell Development Company. Central Park Tower offers matchless views, exquisite architecture, elegant layouts and an unprecedented quality of service. At the official topping-out ceremony, Extell founder Gary Barnett wasn’t short on superlatives: “We would not be able to offer this level without the contributions from the world’s most talented architects, engineers and designers. Central Park Tower is the pinnacle of development in New York and around the world.”

All those who have heaped praise on the designs ever since their initial presentation will agree with him. Architectural Digest named the skyscraper designed by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture (AS+GG) as one of most anticipated buildings of 2020. For good reason, as it turns out.

Skilful interplay of light and height

The facade of Central Park Tower is a combination of glass and satinized stainless steel elements. Vertical and horizontal details make unusual statements in an interplay between light and the surface structure. The tower sits graciously enthroned on a pedestal, allowing even its lower storeys to look down on the surrounding buildings, with all residences enjoying an impressive vista. At about 92 metres above street level, the building juts out towards the east and offers the north-facing apartments an unobstructed view over Central Park.

The interior of the tower was the responsibility of an interior design studio that enjoys one of the highest global profiles: Rottet, headed by Lauren Rottet, FAIA, FIIDA, tackled even the most unconventional customer requests. Famous for luxury outfitting, the team focused above all on using the lighting conditions provided by the architecture of the tallest residential building in the world, as well as opportunities for breathtaking views, to achieve the best possible effect.

The 179 ultra-luxurious two to eight-bedroom apartments are situated on the 32nd storey upwards. Whether on the “smaller” side with 133 m², or anywhere up to around 1,625 m², the apartments display spectacular comfort and premium design with a love of detail.

Highest residential tower with highest quality

Hand-rubbed kitchen furniture produced from natural materials and designed especially for the tower by Smallbone of Devizes, for example, combines European eucalyptus or North European maple with Italian marble, Dornbracht fittings and Miele appliances. No expense is spared in the world’s tallest residential building! The wet rooms are also equipped with the most expensive quality on the market, with imported Grigio Orobico and Cipollino Bluette marble, hydromassage bathtubs and the most luxurious finishing.

In order to enable an appropriate lifestyle for its residents, the tower’s own “Central Park Club” with 4,645 m² on several storeys naturally boasts an 18-metre pool with sundeck and bar service, concierge, play area and play room for children, billiards, conference and business centre including bar, BBQ areas and a “green terrace” for sophisticated gatherings. Besides these facilities, there are also exclusive fitness, wellness and spa zones on the 16th floor that offer everything a luxury-loving heart desires.

The 100th floor is even more extraordinary: residents enjoy another special bonus here. Bar, dining room, large ballroom and kitchen with full service are reserved exclusively for their private use. With maximum luxury, high above the legendary Billionaire’s Row in Manhattan. But there’s more: a dignified cigar and wine lounge also allows its guests to relax and unwind.

Lifestyle expertise for the super-rich

For the design of the entire “Central Park Club”, Extell enlisted the expertise of prominent lifestyle specialist Colin Cowie. And it is only logical that professional butlers are also on hand to spare the apartment owners any conceivable exertion in their everyday pursuits.

Cultural institutions such as Carnegie Hall and the Lincoln Center are only a short walk away from what is currently the world’s highest supertall. Coveted designer stores such as Prada and top-end department stores such as Bergdorf Goodman are just next door, while Nordstrom is even in the same building. Central Park literally lies at the feet of this new, iconic skyscraper. And yet it is neither that, nor the “inner” luxury that makes this glittering new building so exciting.

Highlight among skyscraper experts

The supertall designed by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture is – after the One World Trade Center – the second-highest skyscraper in the US and the Western Hemisphere. It points up into the sky like a shimmering finger, attracting admiring upturned gazes.

It is a project that involved several challenges for the architects, despite their experience in designing high-rises. And even though Smith + Gill received much recognition for the Burj Khalifa in Dubai and Jeddah Tower in Saudi-Arabia, Manhattan will always be a very special domain.

Co-founder Gordon Gill: “New York is one of the most iconic cities in the world. And much of this comes from its beautiful architecture. Contributing to New York’s skyline at that scale and becoming part of that legacy is a defining moment for any architect.” After all, travellers used to be greeted by commanding structures such as the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building upon their arrival in the Big Apple, the architect continues: “Now we can add Central Park Tower to that exclusive list of buildings that stand out upon first experience.”

Winning the race for the skies

It is a striking highlight among the works designed by this renowned team of architects which other current new additions to the famous skyline have been unable to diminish. Although they are no less interesting.

However, neither Norman Foster’s new skyscraper on 425 Park Avenue, which soars up 272 metres high, nor the Hudson Yards towers at 395 metres, come even close to Central Park Tower when it comes to height. It is undeniably the world’s tallest residential building – at least for now.

Text: Elisabeth Schneyder
Translation: Rosemary Bridger-Lippe
Images: ©Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture/Extell)