Plans For Midtown Postmodern Skyscraper Redevelopment Scaled Back

MIDTOWN MANHATTAN, NY — Architects in charge of the redevelopment of an iconic postmodern skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan will be forced to scale back their designs in light of a last-minute push to designate the building a city landmark.

Snøhetta released an updated design for 550 Madison Ave's redevelopment which will "preserve the iconic tower while providing modern upgrades and revitalizing the surrounding public space," according to a news release from the Norway-based firm.

About 94 percent of the building's exterior will be retained during the renovation, which is a far cry from the firm's original plans. Snøhetta announced plans in 2017 to replace the facade with large glass windows, upgrade retail space in the building's base floors and double the building's public space to include a large outdoor garden, according to a press release.

Plans for features such as upgraded retail, office and public space are still included in Snøhetta's new designs. The firm plans to remove upper portions of the existing four-story annex in the back of the building, an altered glass roof and side street enclosures that were built in the 1990s in order to create a large, open public garden in the exterior of the building.

The city Landmarks Preservation Commission voted in July to extend landmark designation to the Philip Johnson- and John Burgee-designed tower. At just 34-years-old the skyscraper is younger than many other New York City buildings given individual landmark status.

The designation thwarted initial plans for a dramatic redevelopment of the building, but the tower's owners said they would respect the LPC decision and modify development plans accordingly.

"We are proud that 550 Madison is now an official New York City landmark, claiming its place in our city's architectural heritage. Ownership strongly supports designation of the iconic office tower and applauds the Landmarks Preservation Commission's decision," building owners said in July.

The Madison Avenue tower was built between 1978 and 1984 on Madison Avenue between East 55th and 56th streets. The building's postmodern design — featuring a pinkish-gray granite facade, flat arches and a unique broken crown — has generated is share of admirers for bucking prominent trends of New York City skyscraper design. The building is considered the first skyscraper designed in the postmodern style.

Exterior renderings courtesy LMNB & Snøhetta. Garden renderings courtesy Moare & Snøhetta