Residences in Álvaro Siza’s First U.S. Building Have Officially Hit the Market
The latest addition to the New York City skyline is Pritzker Prize-winning architect Álvaro Siza’s new residential tower at 611 West 56th Street, a 37-story building capped by a 53-foot, limestone-encased bulkhead. The project—the Portuguese architect’s first in the United States—is entering the final stage of construction, with sales of its 80 units beginning this month.
A view of the four-story, limestone-encased bulkhead atop the new luxury tower at 611 West 56th Street in New York City. The glass-and-stone facade is designed as an elegantly simple grid to complement the building's slender profile.
Siza is celebrated for his sculptural designs, many of which are set within strikingly contrasting environments. Just take his Leça Swimming Pool in Porto, Portugal, which put him on the map in the 1960s, or his more recent design of Saya Park in South Korea: each structure gracefully rises out of its surroundings, distinguished by comparatively simple shapes. In the high rise-saturated Big Apple, Siza brings about his signature minimalism and honesty.
The 450-foot-tall tower reaches skyward, positioned between 11th and 12th Avenues near the Hudson River. White Perla Bianca limestone clads all four sides of the tower's facade, with each stone tile arranged in panels to emphasize the building's different forms and volumes.
Winner of the 1992 Pritzker Architecture Prize, Siza can account for an impressive career abroad, accumulating other well-deserved prizes along the way. Yet no project has ever lured the 86-year-old to the U.S.—that is, until 611 West 56th Street, which is now in the final stages of construction, with interior design and architecture by the AIA award-winning studio Gabellini Sheppard Associates.
A look at the lobby design, which encapsulates the interior aesthetic created by Gabellini Sheppard Associates. The use of Pietra Cardosa stone flooring, along with custom oak woodwork and cove lighting, creates a warmer experience for building residents.
The luxury residential tower is among several ongoing or recently completed city projects featuring prominent collaborators. Prior to working on this project, the interior design duo Michael Gabellini and Kimberly Sheppard completed 152 Elizabeth Street, the NYC luxury high-rise designed by another Pritzker winner, Japanese architect Tadao Ando.
Expansive windows are a central feature of all units in the building. "Corner windows were important. There’s a rhythm to it—from here, you can see the Hudson River; from there, you can see Central Park," says Siza.
The 450-foot-tall structure offers prospective buyers homes ranging from one to four bedrooms, including larger duplex "maisonettes," full-floor homes, and a grand penthouse. For added privacy, each floor contains no more than two units, many of which are accessible via an elevator directly from the lobby.
A look at the kitchen in one of the building's penthouse residences. Warm wood cabinetry and stone countertops complement the spaces's clean aesthetic.
Other amenities range from a fitness studio with separate yoga and boxing rooms to a landscaped sculptural garden designed by M. Paul Friedberg with sculptures by Álvaro Siza himself. Keep scrolling for more views of the penthouse residence, which is also now available to prospective buyers.
The penthouse kitchen opens up to a two-story living room. Expansive glazing frames a city view, while the open space offers room for entertaining and access to private terrace.
The penthouse's master bathroom looks out over unobstructed views. "In all the residences, maximizing far-reaching views of Midtown, Downtown, and the Hudson River was a top priority," says Siza.
Another view of Midtown Manhattan and the new Hudson Yards development further downtown. Positioned along the city's west side, any one of the building's 80 residences look out over the shimmering New York City skyline.
Prices range from $1,260,000 for a one-bedroom apartment to $11,245,000 for a four-bedroom penthouse. For more information about available units at 611 West 56th Street, please visit the property website.
Project Credits:
Architect: Álvaro Siza
Interior Design: Gabellini Sheppard Associates / @gabellinisheppard
Co-developers: Sumaida + Khurana and LENY
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