Façade Installation Kicks-off at Rabina’s 76-story Supertall Residential Building in Midtown

The installation of the façade has started at 520 Fifth Avenue, a 76-story residential skyscraper in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. Steered by Rabina and designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox, this structure stands at an impressive 1,000 feet in height. Once completed, it will encompass a sprawling 415,000 square feet, featuring 98 luxurious condominium units, along with commercial spaces in its lower levels and four subterranean floors. It is strategically located at the northwest intersection of Fifth Avenue and West 43rd Street, just a stone's throw away from Bryant Park.

What’s the status: Substantial progress has been made in the last few months constructing the reinforced concrete superstructure. Recent images depict the safety cocoon steadily ascending into the skyline, with vertical construction set to continue its upward trajectory throughout the remainder of this year and into 2024.

Notably, the initial few floors above the sidewalk shed have started to be enclosed with windows and terracotta paneling.  

The next step: An additional construction crane has been in the process of assembly over the past weekend. Sections of the yellow jib, trolley, metal counterweights, and various mechanical components have been sighted along West 43rd Street and Fifth Avenue as they were transported on multiple flatbed trucks, so it’s safe to assume that the team behind the project wants work to advance as fast as possible.

Battle of the giants: With a staggering architectural height of 1,000 feet, 520 Fifth Avenue is set to claim the title of the tallest residential building along Fifth Avenue upon its completion. However, it's worth noting that this distinction might be challenged if Extell's neighboring Diamond District development at 570 Fifth Avenue moves forward with its proposed 78-story hotel and residential project, which would ascend to an impressive height of 1,101 feet. As an alternative, this project also contemplates the creation of an 860-foot-tall, 47-story office skyscraper.