50 W 66th St: Everything to Know About the Highly Anticipated Luxury Apartments

If you’ve been keeping your eye on NYC’s luxury real estate market, you may know that construction on the 50 W 66th St tower began back in 2017, and is currently ongoing. You also may have heard that the project has encountered its fair share of challenges, from Covid-19 related pauses to a legal showdown with neighborhood preservationists. The latter caused a significant delay in construction, but when the Board of Standards and Appeals once again gave the project the green light in May of 2022, the construction crew hit the ground running.

What You Need to Know About This Breathtaking High Rise

The new construction at 50 W 66th Street is a 69-story, 775-foot-tall skyscraper on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Set to rival the soaring height of 200 Amsterdam, the current tallest building in the neighborhood, the tower will house 127 residential units and is expected to be completed by 2025. Although construction has yet to be completed, several units are already available for presale. The development is led by Extell and Tennor Holding B.V, and designed by innovative architecture firm Snøhetta.

The structure boasts clean lines, an intricate façade, and a thoughtfully planned layout that optimizes living spaces and captures natural light. The innovative design prioritizes both form and function, catering to the needs and desires of its residents while adding a unique dimension to the cityscape. The experts at NewDevRev are happy to answer any questions you may have about this incredible property. You can also check out some ultra-realistic renderings of the building on the designer’s website.

50 W 66th adds to the historic beauty of the Upper West Side

Nestled in the heart of the iconic Upper West Side of New York City, just a stone’s throw from the Lincoln Center for Performing Arts, the Metropolitan Opera House, and Central Park’s Sheep Meadow, 50 W 66th Street will stand as a testament to modern architectural innovation and urban elegance. This sleek and sophisticated structure will become a focal point of the neighborhood, capturing attention with its striking design, achieved through what Snøhetta refers to as a “series of sculptural excavations”. As the structure reaches the 16th floor, the bulk of the building is carved away, creating the 16th floor terrace. The remaining 85 floors narrow as the tower reaches for the sky.

The tower has an excellent walk score of 94 out of 100, with grocery stores, transit, schools, and other community staples close by. Adding to the ease of getting from point A to point B, the neighborhood is also quite bicycle-friendly, with several Citi Bike stations nearby. The building is a short 6 minute walk from shopping, dining, and transit at Columbus Circle and even closer to the 66th St – Lincoln Center subway station where you can jump on the 1 or 2 train. It’s also a straight shot to the legendary Central Park restaurant Tavern on the Green.

Overcoming setbacks: 50 W 66th Street wins a major ruling against Landmark West

Between the pandemic and various legal battles among the developer and preservationists, including one over a massive mechanical void proposed, construction of the skyscraper spent several months on hold. In September of 2020, the Department of Buildings pulled the building’s permits, as the plans were not amended to accommodate zoning and safety concerns, about which the department had issued a warning in early 2019. Luckily, in May 2022, the NYC Board of Standards and Appeals deadlocked in a tie vote on the project, and the developer was given permission to proceed. This decision came just two months after news broke that Extell had landed $967 million in financing for the massive project. Construction has since resumed and is on track for completion in 2025.

Who are the masterminds behind 50 W 66th street?

Innovative Designers

Designed by world-renowned Norwegian architectural innovators Snøhetta, 50 West 66th Street is the firm’s first residential building in the United States. The firm is also currently working on another project in the city; they are designing the brand new Westchester Square Library in the Bronx, set to open in 2025. Snøhetta is known for its innovative and multidisciplinary approach to creating impactful and sustainable environments.

Sustainability and social responsibility are at the core of Snøhetta’s design ethos. The firm strives to create spaces that are not only visually stunning but also environmentally conscious, engaging, and inclusive. Their commitment to these principles has earned them numerous awards and accolades, making them a respected and sought-after design firm on a global scale.

Snøhetta is renowned for its design philosophy that emphasizes the integration of natural and built environments, human experience, and cultural context. This approach has led to the creation of iconic projects such as the Oslo Opera House in Norway, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina in Egypt, the National September 11 Memorial Museum Pavilion in New York, and the redesign of Times Square’s pedestrian plazas.

New York Real Estate Royalty

At the helm of the development for 50 W 66th Street is real estate giant Extell Development. The firm’s impressive portfolio includes Central Park Tower, One Manhattan Square, and the luxurious One57, a residential skyscraper which garnered a massive amount of attention for its record-breaking sales and stunning views of Central Park.

Extell was founded by native New Yorker and former diamond trader Gary Barnett, whose earliest real estate development projects include The W Times Square and The Orion in Hell’s Kitchen. Since its founding in 1989, Extell has become a leading force in the real estate industry, specializing in luxury residential, commercial, and mixed-use properties.

With a focus on creating dynamic spaces that enhance the urban experience, Extell Development has consistently demonstrated its ability to transform landscapes and redefine city skylines. The company’s projects often integrate cutting-edge amenities, sustainable features, and innovative technologies, contributing to the overall advancement of urban living. This endeavor is no exception.

What’s inside the 50 W 66th Street residence

This new architectural landmark offers multiple floor plans and finishes, as well as a wide array of amenities and lifestyle services on site. Floor-to-ceiling windows will not only enhance the visual appeal but will also offer panoramic views and create cheerful, light-filled homes. With breathtaking views of Central Park and the iconic New York City skyline, 50 W 66th Street will surely be an instant New York icon.

The building will offer a variety of floor plans, ranging from 2 bedrooms up to 5 bedrooms and measuring up to 3,889 square feet. Among the long list of amenities that will be available to residents in this luxury tower are an indoor swimming pool and spa, a gorgeous landscaped terrace with fire pits, basketball, pickleball, and squash courts, and a bowling alley. There will also be a residential lounge, a business center, and even a bicycle storage area. Some might argue that the 16th floor terrace alone is worth the price tag of owning a piece of this breath-taking building. It’s easy to picture hosting parties, cookouts, and holiday celebrations from this patio in the sky. There’s no doubt that an invitation to view the Independence Day fireworks at 50 W 66th will soon be the hottest ticket in town.

How to purchase your new home at 50 W 66th Street

If you want to own your piece of what is soon to be one of the world’s premier luxury properties, the NewDevRev team is here to help you make it happen. Get in touch, and we can connect you with an expert who understands the ins and outs of this highly competitive, sought-after corner of the NYC real estate market. We’ve worked with our fair share of properties at this level and price tag, and are certain we’ll have the answers you’re looking for to seal the deal. Right now, our team expects the units at 50 W 66th to range in selling price from $4.6 million all the way up to $34 million, with an average asking price of $3,950 per square foot.

Buying any new development in New York City isn’t always a walk in Central Park. Fierce competition over properties is common, often leading to multiple offers being placed on the table. Remember, considering how your timeline aligns with construction and making sure your offer is one that is irrefusable can be absolutely crucial. Learn more about how to buy a new development in NYC here.