Architecture

Public skybridge links extraordinary towers 630 ft above NYC streets

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The Avenir's two skyscrapers will consist of 46 floors each
Silverstein Properties
The Avenir's two skyscrapers will consist of 46 floors each
Silverstein Properties
The Avenir's two skyscrapers will be connected by a publicly accessible skybridge situated 630 ft (192 m) above New York's streets
Silverstein Properties
The Avenir's base will contain eight floors and host a casino, as well as restaurants and entertainment areas
Silverstein Properties
The Avenir will be located in Manhattan West, close to the Hudson Yards mega-development
Silverstein Properties
The Avenir will include 100 affordable apartments
Silverstein Properties
The Avenir's developer says it's "shovel ready" and is awaiting permission to go ahead with the project on the site pictured
Silverstein Properties
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Plans have been revealed for a remarkable new skyscraper development in Manhattan, New York City. Named Avenir, the project will consist of two matching towers, which will be connected by a skybridge, allowing members of the public to move from one to another at a height of 630 ft (192 m) above the city streets.

Assuming all goes ahead as planned, Avenir will be located near the Hudson Yards mega-development, which includes Heatherwick Studio's Vessel, KPF's vertigo-inducing 30 Hudson Yards and more. It's being developed by Silverstein Properties and is designed by architects Steelman Partners and CetraRuddy, working in collaboration.

The towers will take the form of slender glass rectangles anchored by a shared podium and will consist of 46 floors each, though the renders depict one being slightly taller than the other. The base will host a large casino, entertainment and restaurant complex, while the towers themselves will include 1,000 luxury hotel rooms, with a 1,000-seat performance hall on the 45th floor. The skybridge will be located on the 45th floor too, and will contain greenery and offer superb views of the city.

The Avenir's two skyscrapers will be connected by a publicly accessible skybridge situated 630 ft (192 m) above New York's streets
Silverstein Properties

Silverstein Properties is also keen to promote Avenir's inclusion of affordable housing, however it's important to note that the project will contain just 100 apartments, which will be doled out via the existing NYC housing lottery system.

"We welcome the opportunity to design the Avenir, an integrated resort in New York City," said Paul Steelman, CEO, Steelman Partners. "We have designed entertainment, hotel, and casino spaces all over the world and with each space, we focus on creating value that fits seamlessly into the neighborhood and the cultural fabric of which they are a part. This site has important, unique connections to the City’s transportation systems and the Javits Center. The Far West Side of Manhattan is a place rich with history, character, diversity, and opportunity, and we look forward to designing something special that will elevate and connect the neighborhood in new ways."

The Avenir's base will contain eight floors and host a casino, as well as restaurants and entertainment areas
Silverstein Properties

The Avenir is slated to receive the LEED green building standard and will be built using recycled and renewable construction materials. It will also have energy efficient building systems and will be all-electric, with no fossil fuels used on-site in operation, though we expect to learn more on its energy efficiency as it progresses.

We've no word yet on when Avenir is due to be completed but, according to the developer, it's "shovel ready" and awaits planning approval.

Source: Silverstein Properties

View gallery - 6 images
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3 comments
A.L.
The base of this thing looks like nothing so much as a giant food vendor’s cart.

Hot dogs and pretzels, anyone?
riczero-b
Apart from a.l.'s observation, it's a stately and clean design. I hope they've done due diligence on the airflow issues, the tower settings and the sky bridge form a massive Venturi for some wind directions.
Smokey_Bear
Nice, clean looking design.