THE UPPER WEST SIDE’S TALLEST STRUCTURE A GLITTERING 775 FOOT HIGH-RISE OF TEXTURED STONE AND BRONZE ACCENTS NEARS ITS COMPLETION OVER CENTRAL PARK

BY AMANDA McCOY RENDERINGS COURTESY OF RECENT SPACES

At the turn of the 20th century, as demand for vertical construction climbed in NYC’s financial hub, a brigade of high-rises began to ascend in lower Manhattan. (Fun fact: the 11-story Tower Building, erected in 1889, was considered the city’s first true skyscraper, as it relied on a steel frame for support rather than its exterior walls.) By the 1920s, legions of tall towers were cropping up throughout the downtown and midtown nabes, including global icons like the Chrysler and Empire State. But several blocks up, the Upper West Side mostly retained its low-slung skyline over the decades; of course, the neighborhood wasn’t devoid of upward construction, but its tree-lined streets remained a journey through mid-rise pre-wars and Beaux-Arts townhouses.

But in a roaring global city like the Big Apple, skylines are ever-changing, even for a famously historic district like the UWS. In 2021, the 52-story residential super-tall at 200 Amsterdam Avenue marked its completion, the tallest structure to open its doors along the western edge of Central Park. But only four years later, there’s a new chief in town, as 50 W 66th Street makes its final touches. At 775 feet and 70 stories, it’s officially the highest super-tall in the Upper West Side’s history.

Developed by Extell, the 127-unit behemoth began construction in 2018. (The early days were marred by zoning battles, but a 2020 ruling by the Board of Standards and Appeals marked a major victory and propelled construction forward.) The global powerhouse architecture firm Snøhetta was tapped to lead the design. During conception, the architects understood their role in redefining the neighborhood’s skyline, thus they meticulously selected a palette of natural materials that would easily melt into the rich, multi-period architectural stew of the historic area.

At street level, the building features a podium clad in hand-set, textured limestone complemented by bronze and glass storefronts. A porte-cochère, accented with bronze columns, welcomes denizens home. As the facade ascends, it transitions into a glass curtain wall marked by a series of sculptural cutaways a nod, per the firm, to the “chiseled stone of Manhattan’s geologic legacy.” These excavations separate the building at the 16th floor, where an amenity terrace offers far-reaching panorama across Central Park and the Hudson River. Above, the remaining stories are clipped at the corners to offer private loggias for residents, before culminating in a bronze-sheathed crown, which serves as a kind of neo-modern lantern in the sky.

Units span two-bedroom condos to full-floor palaces in the sky, and are divided into two collections: the lower level House and the AB Concept designed Tower. The latter features soaring ceilings and walls of glass to take full advantage of the sweeping park, river, and city views, and many toss in private corner loggias. Residents have the option to choose their finishes from various stones, millwork, and woods, and all units boast primo goodies like custom designed kitchens by Smallbone, glossy marble bathrooms with deep soaking tubs, and 12-inch oak flooring.

The building’s top-ticket key, a sprawling six-bedroom, seven-bathroom penthouse that spans the entire 62nd floor, is on the market for $85 million. It features two loggias along the north and south corners, a 2,000-square-foot sun-drenched salon with 14’6” ceilings, a formal banquette-style dining hall, dedicated library, and massive master suite with two bathrooms, two dressing rooms, and a private sitting area.

No creature comfort was spared in service. A dedicated doorman and concierge team is on hand to offer five-star, resort-style benefits, and there’s a dedicated service entrance and elevator. Need a hand fetching groceries, making dinner reservations, or walking Mr. Bark Twain? The Lifestyle Concierge is on speed dial.

More than 50,000 square feet were slated for residential amenities, spanning both indoor and outdoor spaces. In addition to a traditional fitness studio, there are full-size basketball and pickle ball courts, a Pilates studio, and a squash court, plus a large indoor saltwater lap pool and spa. The outdoor sundeck features another saltwater pool, plus several lounge chairs to relish the city’s sun season. Grab cocktails and crudo at the Skyline Lounge and Sunset Bar to enjoy atop an outdoor loveseat next to a roaring fire pit.

Rounding out the amenities are a bowling alley, golf simulator, screening theater, infrared sauna and steam rooms, a gaming lounge, and children’s studio.

Available units begin around $4.6 million.

50 West 66th Street 50w66nyc.com