Michelangelo-on-a-Skyscraper: Mark Foster Gage’s proposal for Manhattan tower

The 1492-foot-tall luxury tower, 102-storeys tall, accommodating 91 residential units; is proposed in the heart of Manhattan, New York City. The architect’s studio has released a statement saying that “the high-end residential building would feature a carved stone facade and eye-catching glimmers of bronze. Residents would also be treated to sweeping views of Central Park and the city skyline, and a number of balconies would frame particular features of the surrounding landscape. Due to its splendor, the mammoth residential tower has been described as what might happen if Michelangelo was brought back to life and commissioned to design a skyscraper!

And so, instead of the typical glass-steel frames towering over the cityscape, instead of creating yet another super-tall box sheathed in glass; the Manhattan skyline will get a starkly different skyscraper – with intricate stone designs interspersed with the curtain walls. Each apartment would be unique; with custom-designed plans and elevations. On the 64th floor, the building would have a sky lobby, with a retail space, a ballroom and a four-star restaurant.

“Design is thinking of a great many things like how a building appears from different distances, or in this case, how to make each floor unique to the owner. In our office discussions we thought that such a significant luxury building deserved more than just being yet another glass or steel modernist box,” says Gage.

The proposal has huge cantilevered balconies, supported by concrete carved giant wings that extending outwardly of the structure. Intricate gargoyles and sculptures in concrete and limestone cover the tower; with details in bronze and brass. 

While the design details hark back to an erstwhile era, the building is in sync with the requirements of contemporary luxurious residences. The old methodology of carving stone too, is to be replaced with the much quicker CNC (computer numerically controlled) technology! 

Besides, taking luxury living several notches higher, the new super-tall structure to be built on 41 West 57th Street would become a riveting feature on the Manhattan skyline. A show-stopper - and a breathtaking one at that!