While the towering buildings of the New York City skyline are constantly changing, shifting, and growing, it is rare to have any construction project overtake the most famous skyscrapers in the city. This is particularly true of apartment buildings. However, as of October 2014, when the last bit of concrete was poured, the new building at 432 Park Avenue is the tallest residential building not only in Manhattan, but in the entire western hemisphere. The building sits between 56th and 57th streets, overlooking Central Park and huge swaths of the city. In fact, some condos even have views all the way out to the Atlantic.
Designed by architect Rafael Viñoly, the building measures 1396 feet (425 meters) tall, which makes it taller than both the iconic Empire State Building and the art deco-style Chrysler Building.
In fact, the massive building is even taller than the new building at One World Trade Center, if you don't count that building's towering spire.
Its massive height makes the building visible from every borough and even as far away as Monmouth County in neighboring New Jersey.
The building, which has currently sold about 50% of its units, includes 104 condos.
Of course, living in a massive luxury building like this one (on Park Avenue nonetheless) does not come without a price tag. The price range for the condos starts at $16.96 million and goes up from there, with the top priced unit being the sprawling penthouse suite, which listed at $95 million. Unfortunately, that one has already sold.
And the luxury does not stop with the exterior of the building. The units' interiors were designed by Deborah Berke and include solid oak floors and Italian marble countertops, plus luxurious 12.5-foot ceilings.
Simple glassware and carafes make a statement by forgoing embellishments, with the tall wine decanter echoing the urban topology of the skyline.
But it is really the views that are worth the price. With stunning 10 foot by 10 foot windows, residents can enjoy unmatched views of the city from every room. Even from the bath. Every condo sits about 365 feet, so while a penthouse view doesn't come with each unit, there are no sidewalk-level options, either.
The building has many amenities, too, including a restaurant on the ground level, a private gym, pool, and billiards room.
Residents are expected to be able to move in to the building starting in 2015.
But even without occupants, the skyline of the Big Apple has already been permanently altered by this impressive structure.
