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111 West 57th Completion aerial images

World's skinniest skyscraper by SHoP Architects completes in Manhattan

The final exterior cladding elements have been added to SHoP Architects' 111 West 57th Street in New York City, a supertall skyscraper that is both the world's skinniest and the second tallest in the Western Hemisphere.

The 1,428-foot-tall (435-metre) tower reached completion last week, with the developers announcing that it is ready for residents to move in.

SHoP Architects 111 West 57th Street
SHoP architect's supertall 111 West 57th Street was recently completed. This photo and above are by David Sundberg

Located on what has come to be called Billionaires' Row in Midtown Manhattan, the SHoP Architects-designed tower reached supertall height in 2018 and has a height-to-width ratio of 24:1, making it the world's skinniest skyscraper.

The tower was announced in 2013 and ground broke the following year, but construction stalled in 2017 for financial reasons. According to SHoP, the tower was built with the highest strength concrete in the world.

111 West 57th from the side daytime
The tower is the skinniest in the world. Photo by Evan Joseph

The tower accommodates one residence per floor, plus 14 in the adjacent landmarked Steinway building, brining the total to 60.

"Any preconceived notions that our team had about skyscrapers of New York City developments were replaced with an opportunity to do something that had never been done before," Gregg Pasquarelli, principal at SHoP Architects, told Dezeen. "As New Yorkers, we are incredibly proud to add a new icon to our skyline."

The building tapers to flat edge at its peak. Its east and west facades are clad in terracotta tiles with bronze accents, while glass curtain walls face Central Park to the north and Lower Manhattan to the south. The interiors were executed by Studio Sofield.

Also in the building is an 82-foot (25-metre) swimming pool, as well as other luxury amenities including a private dining room and a double-height fitness centre with a terrace.

111 West 57th Avenue at sunset
Residents can now begin to move into the tower. Photo by Dronalist

Supertall skyscrapers are defined as measuring between 984 and 1,969 feet (300 and 600 metres) tall. SHoP's other in New York City, The Brooklyn Tower, topped out earlier this year.

In February 2022, reports of ice falling from both towers made headlines after severe weather hit the city.

For more information on the supertall skyscrapers of New York City, see this roundup that Dezeen published last year.

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