50 West 66th Street Remains Stalled on Manhattan’s Upper West Side

Work remains stalled on 50 West 66th Street, a 69-story residential tower that is slated to become the tallest skyscraper on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Last summer, it appeared that progress would resume on the 775-foot-tall Snøhetta-designed project after a joint venture was formed between Extell Development Company and global investment entity Tennor Holding B.V. to complete construction. However, later in the year, Landmark West filed its “Article 78” petition against the developers regarding the height and zoning of the edifice. The case was set to head to the New York State Supreme Court after the Board of Standards voted 2-2 on the appeal, but no further information is available. If realized, the tower would surpass the height of the nearby 200 Amsterdam Avenue, which NIMBYs also sought and failed to curtail.

Recent photos reveal no changes since last summer at the site, which is bound by Central Park West to the east, Amsterdam Avenue to the west, West 65th Street to the south, and West 66th Street to the north. Progress remains at street level with construction machinery neatly organized and awaiting activity. The construction crane hovers over the sidewalks of West 66th Street, while metal fences and construction boards cover the northern and southern perimeter of the property. The supertalls of Billionaires’ Row, including Extell’s One57 and the 1,550-foot-tall Central Park Tower are visible between the temporary void in the streetscape.

50 West 66th Street. Photo by Michael Young

50 West 66th Street. Photo by Michael Young

50 West 66th Street. Photo by Michael Young

The construction crane of 50 West 66th Street. Photo by Michael Young

Behind 50 West 66th Street’s façade of glass, limestone, and bronze cladding is an anticipated collection of 127 condominiums as well as a host of recreational amenities including an indoor swimming pool, a full basketball court, a squash court, and a bowling alley. Additional amenities located on the 20th floor include a manicured lounge, a business center, a landscaped terrace with fire pits, and a spa. From afar, 50 West 66th Street would further extend the skyline to the north beyond the glass and steel skyscrapers that rise around Columbus Circle.  We can see the southern corner of the tower housing terraces facing Central Park.

50 West 66th Street rising north of 15 Central Park West and Columbus Circle. Rendering by Binyan Studios

The most architecturally interesting element of the design is the setback above the multi-story podium, featuring chamfered corners, sloped edges with glass railings, landscaped garden beds and trees at varying elevations, and floor-to-ceiling glass enclosing the indoor amenity spaces.

50 West 66th Street. Rendering by Snohetta.

A March 2022 completion date is still posted on the construction board, though that target date will certainly be pushed back.

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