By: Michael Young and Matt Pruznick 8:00 am on July 20, 2022
Work is nearing completion on the new public plaza adjacent to 550 Madison Avenue, a landmarked 37-story commercial skyscraper in Midtown East. Developed by The Olayan Group and RXR Realty, the 684-foot-tall postmodern building is undergoing a 21,000-square-foot indoor-outdoor renovation, which includes a triple-height steel-framed glass canopy designed by Snøhetta and a revamped lobby designed by Gensler. AECOM Tishman is serving as the general contractor for the project, which is located between East 55th and 56th Streets and is aiming for LEED Platinum and WELL Gold certifications.
At the time of our last update in March, construction was wrapping up on the canopy assembly, but work on the landscaping below had yet to commence. Tremendous progress has occurred since, with a stone paver pathway weaving around sweeping concrete seating elements and curving garden beds populated with large trees and shrubs.
550 Madison Avenue. Photo by Michael Young
550 Madison Avenue. Photo by Michael Young
550 Madison Avenue. Photo by Michael Young
550 Madison Avenue. Photo by Michael Young
550 Madison Avenue. Photo by Michael Young
Plastic barriers and metal fencing surround all three sides of the property, where work is progressing on the entrances, ground-floor retail frontage, and new sidewalks.
550 Madison Avenue. Photo by Michael Young
550 Madison Avenue. Photo by Michael Young
The following photo shows the arrival of curved wooden benches that will soon be installed in the plaza.
550 Madison Avenue. Photo by Michael Young
550 Madison Avenue. Photo by Michael Young
550 Madison Avenue. Photo by Michael Young
550 Madison Avenue. Photo by Michael Young
550 Madison Avenue. Photo by Michael Young
Floor-to-ceiling windows now frame out the cafe structure toward the southern end of the space.
550 Madison Avenue. Photo by Michael Young
550 Madison Avenue. Photo by Michael Young
The new public plaza for 550 Madison Avenue is slated for completion this fall.
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