Again in 1961, the world-renowned Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen was including the ultimate touches on the design of 51 West 52nd, a constructing that might be referred to as “the best skyscraper in New York” or Black Rock. Impressed by the neo-futuristic design model, Saarinen’s work is characterised by progressive and sculptural kinds, which defy architectural guidelines to mix dynamic and fashionable constructions. Flowing curves and natural shapes outline 51W52, the 900,000-square-foot landmark skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan.
After buying the enduring constructing in 2021 for $760 million and changing into its second proprietor, Harbor Group Worldwide kicked off a $128 million renovation program on the constructing in 2023, meaning to protect Saarinen’s authentic design and imaginative and prescient, whereas including new options and turning the 38-story tower into a contemporary office.
Industrial Property Govt spoke with HGI President Richard Litton Jr. concerning the lately accomplished skyscraper restoration and the way the brand new model of the tower caters to right this moment’s tenants.
Inform us extra concerning the historical past of 51W52. Why had been you interested in this constructing within the first place?
Litton: With roots in media and leisure, the constructing served as an icon from the start, reflecting the progressive vitality of traditional New York. Saarinen’s design was easy—traditional, symmetrical and minimalistic, with a palette of sable granite, statuary bronze and light-weight travertine—and was effectively forward of its time, with many architectural options present in newly constructed buildings right this moment.
Impressed by the challenges and alternatives accompanying the unique design, we noticed a novel alternative to breathe new life into the constructing. We wished to create a office by means of the eyes of its preliminary design, whereas nonetheless assembly present workplace area demand with state-of-the-art facilities and opulent interiors.
How did the design crew stability between preserving the enduring parts of Eero Saarinen’s authentic design and integrating fashionable options to satisfy modern workplace requirements?
Litton: The design crew, led by Vocon and MdeAS Architects, thoughtfully chosen fashionable parts that activated and energized the area whereas honoring the expertise Saarinen initially envisioned. These included restoring bronze fin partitions, curating the foyer and lounge areas with authentic Saarinen and Florence Knoll furnishings and using simplistic design to let the numerous structure converse for itself.
We labored intently with the design results in produce an expertise that was desired by right this moment’s workplace tenants. The unique parts had been fantastically blended with fashionable facilities and enhanced inside fixtures like a glowing gentle set up and reimagined lobbies to create a hospitality-inspired, extremely fascinating office.
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Contemplating that preserving the unique design was a high precedence, what challenges did the crew encounter in the course of the skyscraper restoration?
Litton: When approaching the design of the constructing, the groups confronted a number of challenges. To replace the constructing with out erasing its character and historical past took cautious planning and consideration. Challenges in the course of the skyscraper restoration included changing obscured parts such because the black stone partitions and bronze fins, updating expertise whereas sustaining the constructing’s character and activating inside areas for tenant programming.
Moreover, the decrease stage’s low ceiling heights required navigating current circumstances and the complexity of overhead mechanical, electrical and plumbing methods. Creating a brand new opening within the slab for the characteristic stair was additionally a technical problem.
How does the structure of the floorplates and different areas align with the unique design after the restoration?
Litton: The floorplates of 51W52 span 25,000 sq. ft, with the potential to occupy blocks of over 130,000 sq. ft throughout a number of flooring. From the beginning, the floorplates have been column-free, providing most flexibility for tenant buildouts and representing a design that was method forward of its time. Every flooring affords 360-degree views, giant home windows and ample pure gentle. Fortunately, Saarinen’s preliminary design matches effectively with the wants of right this moment’s fashionable tenants, so there wasn’t a lot from a structural perspective that wanted to be finished to the floorplates.
What particular design parts had been integrated into the skyscraper restoration to evoke a way of hospitality and assist work-life stability for tenants and guests?
Litton: The design philosophy behind 51W52’s lobbies and facilities includes a holistic strategy, balancing historic preservation and fashionable performance to create an opulent expertise for workplace tenants. As quickly as you enter by means of the 52nd Avenue foyer, you’re greeted by Saarinen’s authentic palette of sable granite, statuary bronze and light-weight travertine. Modern parts had been chosen to boost, quite than detract from this design, together with a glowing gentle set up suspended from the 20-foot-high ceiling, a glowing onyx reception desk, and the restoration of the wealthy bronze fin partitions.
By making the 52nd Avenue entrance the primary foyer for tenants and guests, the 53rd Avenue foyer could possibly be reimagined as an opulent tenant lounge and mixer membership, deemed Membership 53. Curated with authentic Knoll and Saarinen furnishings and lit by a second monumental gentle set up, the brand new amenity displays the hospitality required of right this moment’s boutique workplace buildings.
A Saarinen-inspired staircase connects Membership 53 to a lower-level tenant amenity area outfitted with devoted lounge areas, a health heart with state-of-the-art tools, yoga room with guided mirrors and Pelotons and elevated locker rooms with showers. Tenants even have entry to a convention and occasion area and a non-public cafe with a number of grab-and-go breakfast and lunch choices, artisan espresso, protein shakes and smoothies.
Within the spirit of Saarinen’s authentic design, a tranquil reflective pool connects these facilities. The bar and lounge space characteristic design parts harking back to the unique ground-floor restaurant at CBS’s headquarters. Basic furnishings and high-end supplies created the final word, refined hospitality expertise.
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How are all these new options and facilities catering to the wants of right this moment’s workplace customers?
Litton: One in every of our foremost objectives with the repositioning of this iconic New York skyscraper was to have a good time Saarinen’s authentic design intent whereas making ready it for contemporary tenancy by means of best-in-class amenity choices. New options and facilities akin to health facilities, lounges and eating choices align seamlessly with the wants of right this moment’s workplace tenants, selling a fascinating working atmosphere that encourages office tradition and collaboration.
The renovations at 51W52 have had an instantaneous and profound influence, resonating positively with each current tenants and potential occupants. The introduction of our cellar-level amenity suite has been met with enthusiastic reception, resulting in elevated demand and utilization of the constructing’s services. One tenant with a big in-person presence has been significantly keen on the gymnasium and downstairs bar/cafe, chopping again on their in-office barista companies to make use of the brand new facilities.
Wanting forward, we’re planning to obtain our liquor license, which can introduce a extremely anticipated amenity for our tenants. This addition displays a strategic response to evolving preferences, the place facilities that promote social interplay and leisure contribute considerably to general office well-being and engagement.
The success of the renovations isn’t restricted to inside facilities however can also be mirrored within the leasing dynamics of the constructing. We’ve continued to outpace market developments, seeing sturdy leasing exercise throughout new leases and renewals since we began the restoration course of.
What are some sustainability issues built-in into the redevelopment of the tower?
Litton: With sustainability in thoughts, we aimed to cut back embodied carbon by specializing in the restoration of the constructing by means of minimal intervention. The constructing is LEED Gold licensed and boasts new mechanics within the elevators and up to date HVAC to make sure effectivity. In a metropolis the place new building initiatives are a each day prevalence, preserving iconic buildings like 51W52 represents a novel alternative to create environmentally pleasant workplaces.
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Are you able to share some particulars concerning the tenant combine at 51W52?
Litton: The present tenant combine includes legislation and finance companies, a subset that’s usually drawn to Midtown Manhattan. The influence of the renovations has been felt instantly, with palpable pleasure from current tenants, constant leasing exercise from potential tenants and activation inside the foyer and lounge areas. Since opening the cellar-level amenity suite on the finish of February, HGI has already prolonged the gymnasium’s hours because of excessive demand and utilization.
To what extent is the distinguished location of 51W52 inside Midtown Manhattan contributing to its general enchantment to tenants?
Litton: The situation of 51W52 is a key consider its enchantment to tenants, providing a wealth of benefits that contribute to a dynamic and handy working atmosphere. Situated within the coronary heart of Midtown Manhattan, the constructing affords a fascinating work atmosphere with fast entry to the bustling 53rd Avenue hall of outlets, eating places, companies, and proximity to Central Park.
51W52 additionally advantages from wonderful transportation connectivity, with proximity to main transportation hubs akin to Grand Central Station. This connectivity ensures straightforward commuting for workers from numerous components of town, with entry to a number of subway strains and bus routes. By being part of this dynamic neighborhood, tenants can get pleasure from a wealthy cultural panorama with establishments, theaters and artwork galleries close by. This mix of economic, cultural and leisure areas provides depth to the tenant expertise, selling a well-rounded work-life stability and alternatives for networking and engagement inside the vibrant neighborhood.
