685 First Avenue

Year
2018
Richard Meier & Partners in collaboration with Developer Sheldon Solows East River Realty
Development is pleased to celebrate the design and construction of the new 685 First Avenue
tower in New York City.
The 42-story, 460-foot high residential tower, Meiers tallest in New York City, will rise just south
of the United Nations Headquarters in Manhattan overlooking the East River. The 685 First
Avenue site occupies a 32,365 SF parcel between East 39th and East 40th Streets along the
West side of First Avenue. It will be home to 556 rental and condominium apartments and feature
panoramic views of the river and the city.
Minimalistic in form, the design of this predominantly glass building evidences great
consideration for materiality, lightness, transparency and order. Its taut curtain wall is incised with
modular subdivisions and articulated with selective metal panel elements in the form of
balconies, canopies and corners. A distinguishing featurean architectural cut-out at the 27th
and 28th floorswill exist in dialogue with the buildings context and be visible from across the
East River.
At street level, the project is designed to promote urban activity by providing retail space along
First Avenue. The expansive glazing of the grand, double-height residential lobby has a direct
visual and physical connection with the surrounding context, the future public park across First
Avenue and the East River. The light colored materials rely on principles of light, order and
geometry to create a modern and open space.
Residents of the towers 408 rental units and 148 condominiums will have access to distinctive
amenities located on the second floor, including an indoor swimming pool, fitness center,
childrens playroom, tablet/work room, game room, private dining room, and lounge. These
amenities and public spaces come alive through a rich palette of colors and textures, and tactile
materials. All living room and bedrooms in the building are configured to take advantage of the
outstanding views. The light palette of the interiorswhites, grays and earth tonescomplement
the smooth and textured surfaces of wood, plaster and glass.
Window bays and modules are maximized in size to full floor-to-floor heights, altogether
eliminating any horizontal or vertical shadow panels. Each module is subdivided further
proportionally and geometrically into a system of operable window panels, joints and reveals, and
mullion profiles that keep the facade open and elegant. The black glass unifies the facade,
provides privacy for residents, and modulates the reflections of the context.
685 First Avenue will join 18 Richard Meier & Partners Architects designs for sites in New York
City, including the iconic Perry Street & Charles Street Condominiums, the Westbeth Artists
Housing in the West Village, the Aye Simon Reading Room at the Guggenheim Museum, and
proposed but unbuilt plans for the World Trade Center and Madison Square Garden Site
Redevelopment.