Inspired by the project site’s historical value, British architect David Adjaye has drafted a condo tower made of hand-cast concrete for Lower Manhattan. Its official renderings, released on Dec. 14, came nearly two years after developer Lightstone Group filed for a building permit.
The 800-ft. building is set to rise at 130 William St. which is one of the oldest streets in the borough. Originally known as King St., it was later renamed after Willem Beekman who arrived in New Amsterdam with Peter Stuyvesant in 1647. He served as mayor of New York City for nine terms.
In the early 1900s, buildings to the south of William St. were reconstructed to feature the Dutch revival style. Architects such as C.P.H. Gilbert and Edward Tilton designed the first structures in New Amsterdam that use red brick as building material. Later in 1996, the area was declared a historical site by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission.
“Understanding that rich history, I was inspired to craft a building that turns away from the commercial feel of glass and that instead celebrates New York’s heritage of masonry architecture with a distinctive presence in Manhattan’s skyline,” Adjaye said in a statement.
To complement the building’s cement exterior, Adjaye added arched windows and bronze detailings. Double-height loggias are integrated only to upper floors that will house penthouse apartments.
The design architect for the 66-story tower is Adjaye Associates. The firm is also in charge of interiors. No date of completion has been announced as the project is still in its earliest phases.
