One Wall Street

Serving as the backbone to the economy in the 1920s, the architecture in New York grew prominently, partially due to the economic boom following the First World War. Skyscrapers soon began to transform the city’s skyline. The epoch saw the construction of the internationally renowned Empire State Building, The Chrysler Building, Rockefeller Center and The Irving Trust Building - and as a result, New York earned its title of the birthplace of the skyscraper (in 1920 it had ten times the number of tall buildings than its nearest rival Chicago).

Now, 100 years on, we are seeing a second surge of mass construction throughout the city, particularly in Manhattan. However, rather than attention being placed on the new skyscrapers, the spotlight has reverted back onto the iconic buildings constructed in the 1920s and developers are rediscovering the wonder of these magnificent architectural masterpieces.

A high profile and anticipated example of this is the repurposing and restoration of the Irving Trust Building and art deco landmark, One Wall Street, which will be the largest office-to-residential conversation in the history of New York. Currently undergoing redevelopment into 566 studio to four-bedroom apartments in the centre of Downtown, Macklowe Properties is retaining the limestone facade and impressive interiors including the “Red Room” that features a 5,000 square foot, triple-height floor-to-ceiling mosaic by muralist Hildreth Meière which will be transformed into a retail space.

Lilla Smith, Director of Architecture and Design at Macklowe Properties comments:

“Art Deco skyscrapers in the 1930s shot up like flares, signalling to the world that New York had become the centre of culture and commerce. These buildings were not only conceived to be the headquarters of some of the most important and successful new companies in the western world, they were also seeking to break world records and showcase America’s technological advancements. 

“These 1930s superstructures captured a sense of unbridled optimism while expressing strength and monumental permanence. The skyscrapers of today, while technologically and aesthetically provocative, do not share the heroic presence of their Art Deco neighbours that marked the beginning of a new era. The restoration and adaptation of Art Deco office skyscrapers to new residential use - such as what we are currently undertaking at One Wall Street - creates a unique opportunity to have a dialogue with the past while breathing and extending the life of such architectural landmarks. While infinitely more challenging than starting with a blank canvas, ultimately, the results are much more rewarding.”

Learn more here: https://onewallstreet.com/