MJM + A Architects recently unveiled its plans for the construction of Hudson Spire, a 1,800-foot-tall tower that would become the tallest building in North America.
The structure includes approximately 1.2 million sf for high-end retail, office, hotels, and residences in the heart of Hudson Yards, a dynamic new neighborhood and cultural center in development on 10th Avenue from 34th to 40th Street, on the site of what was formerly the West Side Rail Yards.
Hudson Spire would be on a section of the new Hudson Boulevard, overlooking a park-like public space that is the centerpiece of the neighborhood. The building will face the Hudson River and be less than two blocks from the Jacob Javits Convention Center.
Michael J. Macaluso, Principal and Founder of MJM + A Architects, was retained by the property owners and their exclusive real estate broker, Massey Knakal, to come up with a grand design for the building.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that architects dream of,” said Macaluso. “When the senior executives of Massey Knakal, James Nelson and Bob Knakal, and Anthony Volpe of the Rosenthal Group first laid out for us the challenge of creating an 1,800-foot-high mixed-use tower for Hudson Yards, we were both thrilled and inspired. As architects, our job is to interpret the dreams of others. The creative geniuses of our design studio, led by my partner Keith Lucas, came up with a stunning vision of a vibrant glass structure that literally jumps from its bases and soars to the stars.”
Hudson Spire is slated to have 110 stories, offering a unique combination of commercial and residential space. Floors one through five will host upscale restaurants and retailers, on top of which will be 15 stories of office space. Floors 21 through 85 are designated for three separate high-end hotel properties, each with approximately 200 guest rooms, lavish amenities, and event/conference space.
The top 25 floors will be luxury residences, with one or two units per floor, concierge service, private elevators, glass walls on all four sides, and stunning views that extend from the Statue of Liberty to the George Washington Bridge and beyond.
“Hudson Yard represents the last frontier in undeveloped Manhattan property,” said Macaluso, “and Hudson Spire will be right in the middle of this dynamic new neighborhood with all its cultural attractions, entertainment, and river views. And its close proximity to the Javits Center makes it an excellent choice for Fortune 500 executive travelers.”
Superthin skyscraper design
Hudson Spire follows the “super tall / super thin” strategy of other recent luxury high-rise residences, mandated by the space, cost and zoning realities of Manhattan property. Starting at a base width of approximately 100 feet, the edifice will be physically set back as it rises, tapering to just 75 feet in width at the top floors.
The structural challenges of high winds and complex elevator requirements are solved with a hybrid reinforced concrete and steel frame, encased by alternating reflective and non-reflective high powered glass.
“There’s not a lot of façade to work with,” said MJM + A's Lucas, “so we wanted to make it visually interesting. We decided, rather than go with a typical singular surface, let’s do something different and more dynamic. Let’s vary the composition of the glass color and reflective property, with lots of intersecting angles that play off one another, so that sunsets and city views will look different on one face of the building than on the others.”
At 1,800 feet, Hudson Spire will be even taller than the recently-constructed Freedom Tower at the World Trade Center. “Since 9/11, the city has gone through a long healing process. The owners of the property want to create a building that looks forward, not back, that will uplift the city but is unrelated to 9/11,” says Macaluso. “Hudson Spire reflects the dawn of a new age, emphasizing the global character of New York City as a business hub, a tourist destination, and the many foreign residents who now call it home. Hudson Spire will be a welcome addition to the Manhattan skyline, and to the spirit of the city itself.”
Related Stories
| Jan 31, 2014
6 considerations for rehabbing student union buildings
Most colleges and universities feel pressure to offer the latest amenities in order to attract and retain the best and brightest students. While hauling in the bulldozer to create modern facilities is attractive in some regards, deciding to renovate can be just as effective and, in some cases, even preferable to new construction.
| Jan 30, 2014
Mayors of 10 metros unite to cut building-related climate pollution
Organizers say combined initiative could cut as much climate-change pollution as generated by 1 million cars every year, and lower energy bills by nearly $1 billion annually.
| Jan 30, 2014
See how architects at NBBJ are using computational design to calculate the best views on projects [video]
In an ideal world, every office employee would have a beautiful view from his or her desk. While no one can make that happen in real life, computational design can help architects maximize views from every angle.
| Jan 30, 2014
The evolving workplace: One designer's inspiration board
"Open office" has been a major buzzword for decades, and like any buzzword, some of the novelty has worn off. I don't believe we will abandon the open office, but I do think we need to focus on providing a dynamic mix of open and closed spaces.
| Jan 30, 2014
How reverse engineering nature can spur design innovation
It’s not enough to copy nature. Today’s designers need a deeper understanding of environmental nuance, from the biome in.
| Jan 30, 2014
What to expect in the metal building industry in 2014
Every year brings changes. This one won’t be any different. We’ll see growth in some areas, declines in others. Here’s a little preview of what we’ll be writing about 2014 when 2015 comes rolling in.
| Jan 30, 2014
What's in store for healthcare capital markets in 2014?
Despite the shake up stemming from the Affordable Care Act, 2014 will be an active year in healthcare capital markets, according to real estate experts from CBRE Healthcare.
| Jan 29, 2014
Richard Meier unveils 'urban courtyard' scheme for Mexico City towers
A grand atrium, reaching some 30 stories, highlights the contemporary, bright-white design scheme unveiled this week by Richard Meier & Partners for a new mixed-use development in Mexico City.
| Jan 29, 2014
Historic church will be part of new condo building in D.C.
Sorg Architects unveiled a design scheme for 40 condos in a six-story building, which will wrap around an existing historic church, and will itself contain four residential units.
| Jan 29, 2014
Hotel, retail, recreation sectors to lead growth in 2014
AIA's Consensus Construction Forecast, a survey of the nation’s leading construction forecasters, is projecting that spending will see a 5.8% increase in 2014, led by the hotel, retail, and amusement/recreation sectors.
