520 West 28th by Zaha Hadid Architects Featured in Graphis Journal #377

Numerous buildings along New York City’s raised High Line Park vie for attention. Chelsea’s 520 West 28th is undoubtedly one of the most outstanding. Its design, one of the last pieces by the celebrated architect Zaha Hadid, somehow manages to look boldly modern while fitting in seamlessly with the Art Deco designs of NYC’s older high-rise buildings.

The exterior’s distinctive stainless steel framed curves, which house extensive window space, ensure that passersby will pause as they make their way through the city. Something about this combination of curvature and excess of windows means that it fits in with the Big Apple’s aesthetic, while also appearing as if it has been flown in from Miami’s South Beach.

The interior is no less stunning. The sleek white frame, which gives the impression of being made of one continuous object with spaces seemingly carved out, is reminiscent of the interior of another NYC masterpiece of architecture, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Guggenheim Museum. Its pillars and archways seem to take after the stunning whalebone aesthetic of Santiago Calatrava’s Oculus Center.

Related, the organization that commissioned the construction, is fully aware of the significance of this building. “520 West 28th will make a profound statement to New York City’s visual landscape with its compelling design and prominent location on the High Line,” said Greg Gushee, Related’s EVP.

Residents of 520 West 28th don’t just live next to the High Line; they also live the high life. Within the building’s 143,000 square feet and 11 stories are 39 luxury condominiums. Each has an 11-foot ceiling and state-of-the-art Italian Boffi kitchen. The majority of these condos even incorporate private elevator
lobbies. An entire level is dedicated to wellness, which includes a spa and a 25-yard sky-lit lap pool. Other outstanding amenities within the building include an IMAX theater room with 12 seats, a sculpture garden, and an exterior top-level terrace with its own kitchen.

Sadly, Zaha Hadid passed away before she could witness the completion of 520 West 28th Street, which is her only New York City based-building. Undoubtedly, she would have been proud to see it completed. In 2015, she stated, “I’ve always been fascinated by the High Line and its possibilities for the
city. Decades ago, I used to visit the galleries in the area and consider how to build along the route. It’s very exciting to be building there now.”

Learn more about 520 West 28th here.

To read the entire article, preorder Journal #377 here and view the digital edition now.