JDS’ Apartment Towers Rise at 626 First Avenue

626 First Avenue, photo by Tectonic626 First Avenue, photo by Tectonic

JDS is making its mark on the East Side with two copper-clad towers on First Avenue between 35th and 36th Streets, and photographer Tectonic recently took several progress shots of the ambitious rental project at 626 First Avenue.

626 First Avenue, photo by Tectonic

626 First Avenue, photo by Tectonic

The angular pair of buildings will top out at 41 and 48 stories and house 800 apartments. So far, the northern tower has reached 46 stories, and the concrete structure of the southern tower has 35 floors. A skybridge will link the two structures, which will span 824,000 square feet. Ultimately, the taller building will reach 511 feet into the air.

Besides 725,000 square feet of residential space, the complex will include 94,700 square feet of community facilities and a 4,100-square-foot retail space on the ground floor. The building permits don’t say anything about the community space, but we assume some of it will go toward a planned 38,000-square-foot public park. Before construction started, JDS told the local community board that the park would feature an interactive fountain and plantings that absorb and filter storm water.

The development will also have a flood-proofed, underground garage with room for 252 cars.

Future residents will get to enjoy an infinity pool, an indoor lap pool and lounge in the sky bridge, roof deck, fitness center, and spa. SHoP Architects designed the project, which will wrap up construction in early 2017.

626 First Avenue, photo by Tectonic

626 First Avenue, photo by Tectonic

A view of 626 First Avenue from Queens, photo by Tectonic

A view of 626 First Avenue from Queens, photo by Tectonic

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