By Marlene Ridgway
New York City’s Central Park Tower is now the largest residential building in the world. Its 179 luxury condos reside above Nordstrom flagship department store. “I believe that Central Park Tower is a proven testament to how far one can go, especially in a city like New York, but with the technological advances in vertical transportation and the ever-increasing strength of materials available, with creativity and ingenuity, the sky is the limit,” says Joaquin Stearns, the senior vice president of development of Extell Development Company, about going even higher.
The Central Park Tower design was developed by Extell and brought to fruition by architect Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, after decades of planning. “We worked with the world’s most talented designers, engineers, and architects to conceptualize and develop a product that exemplifies luxury, appeals to a discerning buyer and that would also resemble nothing else out there,” notes Stearns. The reflection of sunlight on the glass and its unique slender design have made Central Park Tower a stunning addition to New York City’s skyline.
At 1,550 feet, the glass-encased building with walls of windows boasts panoramic views of the city and beyond while tackling the challenge of sustainability. The super slim design takes up little land but it also utilizes solar power and wind, which takes some of the strain off of the infrastructure.
Stearns says, “the building exterior was designed with several different materials that were carefully selected in response to the energy efficiency of the building, but also in response to how the building would respond to the effects of sunlight throughout the day and throughout the year.” Each decision was a conscious effort to create something architecturally incredible while appealing to the residents who would live there.
The corners and layers of the building, as it gets higher, were designed to handle wind while placing structural elements between residences to offer better views. “We used highly efficient low-E glass units for the windows, low reflective surfaces such as zinc panels, as well as stainless steel components throughout the vertical aspects of the building,” adds Stearns.
A technological feat, “the exterior combines elements of glass, satin-finished stainless steel, and light catching vertical and horizontal details that accentuate the interplay of texture and light,” says Stearns.
“This building used a unique combination of structural components, including custom fabricated structural steel super-columns and the use of high-strength reinforced concrete lifestyle structure, which is only found in super-tall buildings.”
Throughout the design, none of the desired hotel-like amenities were overlooked. The terrace level offers a connection to the outdoors, which includes a luxurious 60-foot pool, elegant gardens, space for sunbathing, grilling, and fire pits.
“In addition to the unmatched residences, which offer endless views, exquisite architecture, and gracious layouts, Central Park Club is a defining element that further elevates our residents’ living experience,” says Gary Barnett, founder and chairman of Extell. While inside, the tower also presents an indoor saltwater pool, game room, billiards, a private screening, and performance space. With an emphasis on wellness, the tower is home to several spas, saunas, a wellness center, sports courts, and so much more for active residents.
Nordstrom, at the base of the tower, is seven stories high and offers an incredible viewing experience for shoppers and residents, who will receive special access. Designed by James Carpenter Design Associates, the Waveform Facade makes for unprecedented views of New York City and Central Park while shopping. The curvature of the glass and zinc fins eliminates the need for reinforcement in the middle of the windows and offers uninterrupted views.
