Construction is complete on the steel and glass garden canopy at 550 Madison Avenue, a 684-foot-tall landmarked skyscraper in Midtown East. The triple-height framework is designed by Snøhetta with AECOM Tishman as the general contractor, and is part of a 21,000-square-foot indoor-outdoor renovation of the 38-year-old postmodern office building by The Olayan Group and RXR Realty, along with a revamped lobby designed by Gensler that was completed late last year. The developers are aiming to achieve LEED Platinum and WELL Gold certifications for the building, which is located between East 55th and 56th Streets.
At the time of our last update in August, the first few sections of white steel framework had just begun to go up along the West 56th Street end of the property. Now the assembly spans the entire block and is topped by its glass paneling.
550 Madison Avenue. Photo by Michael Young
550 Madison Avenue. Photo by Michael Young
550 Madison Avenue. Photo by Michael Young
550 Madison Avenue. Photo by Michael Young
With the canopy fully built, work is now proceeding on the area below.
550 Madison Avenue. Photo by Michael Young
550 Madison Avenue. Photo by Michael Young
550 Madison Avenue. Photo by Michael Young
550 Madison Avenue. Photo by Michael Young
550 Madison Avenue. Photo by Michael Young
Wooden form work was seen holding up what will be part of the elegant sculptural walls that will house a cafe. This can also be seen in the rendering below.
550 Madison Avenue. Photo by Michael Young
550 Madison Avenue. Photo by Michael Young
Photos taken through the sidewalk barriers and metal fencing show workers putting together the new sidewalk pavement and stone slabs for the base of the skyscraper. An illuminated 550 logo has been installed above the main doors, and Alicja Kwade’s Solid Sky sculpture can be seen suspended over the lobby through the soaring arched glass window.
550 Madison Avenue. Photo by Michael Young
550 Madison Avenue. Photo by Michael Young
550 Madison Avenue. Photo by Michael Young
550 Madison Avenue. Photo by Michael Young
The new café will be surrounded by landscaping, expanded seating with additional tables, and public restrooms.
Rendering of outdoor canopy by Snøhetta
550 Madison Avenue’s new garden space, designed by Snøhetta. Rendering by Gensler and MOARE.
In recent news, French design house Hermès has signed a 71,757-square-foot lease that is expected to span three full levels on the 23rd through 25th floors.
YIMBY last reported that Snøhetta’s glass canopy and garden design will be finished sometime this year, most likely in the latter half.
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beautiful!
This project feels like it has been dragging on forever which is insane because it has such a limited scope that it should have only taken 6 months max.
Unions are a corrupt racket, I should know.
This whole project is turning out very nicely.
Brilliant!
That “Solid Sky” is a beauty! I want one!
Is it open on the ends or completely glass enclosed? Where does the water and snow go on the roof?
There’s a gutter hidden in one of the cross-beams connected to drainage pipes in the columns.
I prefer the original design.
Can’t wait to see the finishing touches. I worked in the building for 14 years.