Distinguishing itself amidst the Manhattan skyline, one skyscraper, while not the tallest, claims the title of the world’s slimmest. The Steinway Tower, an 84-story residential marvel designed by New York’s SHoP Architects, boasts the remarkable distinction of being the “most slender skyscraper globally,” showcasing a remarkable width-to-height ratio of 23 1/2-to-1.
Explaining the architectural feat, Gregg Pasquarelli, the founding principal of SHoP Architects, emphasized that any ratio exceeding 1-to-10 is considered slender, with 1-to-15 or more deemed exotic and exceptionally challenging. Notably, the tower’s sleek profile outstrips even the slender buildings of Hong Kong, typically measuring around 17- or 18-to-1.
Situated just south of Central Park on Manhattan’s 57th Street, renowned as “Billionaires Row,” the Steinway Tower comprises 60 apartments ranging in price from $18 million to $66 million per unit. Offering sweeping 360-degree views of the city, it stands at a height of 1,428 feet (435 meters), securing its position as the second-tallest residential tower in the Western Hemisphere, after the nearby Central Park Tower at 1,550 feet (470 meters). For perspective, Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, towering at 2,717 feet (828 meters), holds the title of the world’s tallest building.
Despite its slender silhouette, the tower exhibits a degree of flexibility crucial for safety. To counteract swaying, especially at its upper levels during windy conditions, the architects incorporated tuned steel plates as a counterbalance. The exterior, adorned with the customary reflective glass, features a distinctive textured terracotta and bronze facade designed to induce wind turbulence and slow down the building’s acceleration. Additionally, approximately 200 rock anchors delve up to 100 feet (30 meters) into the underlying bedrock, providing a secure foundation.
Steinway Tower holds a rich history as the former site of Steinway Hall, constructed in 1924. Acquired by JDS Development Group and Property Markets Group in 2013, the tower’s developers envision a lasting legacy. Pasquarelli expresses his hope that, in the future, New Yorkers will associate the address 111 West 57th St. with the city, holding a special place in their hearts.