Edited by: TJVNews.com
Public gardens have become a ubiquitous sight around the Big Apple for a number of years and a brand new one is slated for Midtown East. According to a report on the YIMBY web site, this week, the City Planning Commission approved 550 Madison Avenue‘s Snøhetta-designed gardens. The public space surrounding the office tower will measure 21,000 square feet and include a café, elevated and ground-level landscaping, expanded seating, additional tables, and public bathrooms.
Behind this project is The Olayan Group which represents one third of the development team behind the skyscraper’s renovation, according to the Yimby report. The greenery for the garden will include evergreens, perennials, and flowering shrubs, according to the Yimby report and has been inspired by Northeastern-native fauna. A slanted glass roof will partially enclose the new garden.
“We’re thrilled to be a part of re-envisioning the future of this historic site, by imagining a precedent for New York’s changing demands on privately owned public spaces,” said Michelle Delk, partner and director of landscape architecture at Snøhetta. “A contrast to the urbanity of midtown, this new garden complements the adjacent tower while drawing upon the vibrancy of the neighborhood and the natural history of the region, offering visitors an immersive respite in the city.”
The renderings of the new lobby area of the iconic Manhattan tower have revealed that they were designed by Gensler. According to the Yimby report, the lobby will include terrazzo flooring, bronze-hued mullions, triple-height ceilings and multi-story arched windows.
Yimby has reported that the fully completed project is expected to debut this year with anticipated LEED Platinum certification. The other two thirds of the development team include RXR Realty and Chelsfield.
“Philip Johnson and John Burgee’s vision for 550 Madison was to create not only a one-of-a-kind commercial tower but deliver public open space to Midtown East,” said Erik Horvat, managing director of real estate at Olayan America.
“Working with Snøhetta, we have created an incredible new public garden that will bring much-needed green space and further improve the vitality of Midtown East. I want to thank the Department of City Planning, Community Board 5, and the Landmarks Preservation Commission for their partnership and collaboration on creating what will become a great amenity to the local community and our world-class office tenants.”
