The latest addition to the New York City skyline is Pritzker Prize-winning architect Álvaro Siza’s new residential tower at 611 West 56th Street, a 37-story building capped by a 53-foot, limestone-encased bulkhead. The project—the Portuguese architect’s first in the United States—is entering the final stage of construction, with sales of its 80 units beginning this month.
Siza is celebrated for his sculptural designs, many of which are set within strikingly contrasting environments. Just take his Leça Swimming Pool in Porto, Portugal, which put him on the map in the 1960s, or his more recent design of Saya Park in South Korea: each structure gracefully rises out of its surroundings, distinguished by comparatively simple shapes. In the high rise-saturated Big Apple, Siza brings about his signature minimalism and honesty.
Winner of the 1992 Pritzker Architecture Prize, Siza can account for an impressive career abroad, accumulating other well-deserved prizes along the way. Yet no project has ever lured the 86-year-old to the U.S.—that is, until 611 West 56th Street, which is now in the final stages of construction, with interior design and architecture by the AIA award-winning studio Gabellini Sheppard Associates.
The luxury residential tower is among several ongoing or recently completed city projects featuring prominent collaborators. Prior to working on this project, the interior design duo Michael Gabellini and Kimberly Sheppard completed 152 Elizabeth Street, the NYC luxury high-rise designed by another Pritzker winner, Japanese architect Tadao Ando.
The 450-foot-tall structure offers prospective buyers homes ranging from one to four bedrooms, including larger duplex “maisonettes,” full-floor homes, and a grand penthouse. For added privacy, each floor contains no more than two units, many of which are accessible via an elevator directly from the lobby.
Prices range from $1,260,000 for a one-bedroom apartment to $11,245,000 for a four-bedroom penthouse. For more information about available units at 611 West 56th Street, please visit the property website.