53W53

53 West 53 is at 53 West 53rd Street in the Midtown Manhattan neighborhood of New York City. It is along the northern side of 53rd Street between Fifth Avenue and Sixth Avenue.{{Cite web |title=53 West 53rd Street, 10019 |url=https://zola.planning.nyc.gov/l/lot/1/1269/7502#17.04/40.761827/-73.976824 |url-status=live |access-date=March 20, 2020 |publisher=New York City Department of City Planning|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709195430/https://zola.planning.nyc.gov/l/lot/1/1269/7502 |archive-date=July 9, 2021 }} The land lot covers {{cvt|17713|ft2}}{{cite web |last=Cubarrubia |first=Eydie |date=2021-06-29 |title=Exoskeleton Keeps 53 West 53 Sturdy Atop Manhattan Museum: New York's Project of the Year |url=https://www.enr.com/articles/50636-project-of-the-year-exoskeleton-keeps-53-west-53-sturdy-atop-moma |access-date=2021-07-09 |website=Engineering News-Record |archive-date=April 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422164348/https://www.enr.com/articles/50636-project-of-the-year-exoskeleton-keeps-53-west-53-sturdy-atop-moma |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Project Detail Page |url=https://www.lendlease.com/us/projects/53-west-53rd-street/ |access-date=2021-07-10 |website=www.lendlease.com |archive-date=July 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710020257/https://www.lendlease.com/us/projects/53-west-53rd-street/ |url-status=live }} or {{cvt|18,560|ft2}}. The site has a frontage of {{cvt|87.33|ft}} on 53rd Street to the south and {{cvt|97.5|ft}} on 54th Street to the north, with a depth of {{cvt|200|ft}} between these two streets.

Nearby buildings include the CBS Building to the south, Credit Lyonnais Building to the southwest, New York Hilton Midtown to the west, 1345 Avenue of the Americas to the northwest, the Warwick New York Hotel to the north, 46 West 55th Street to the northeast, and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) to the east. 53 West 53 is one of several major developments in the northern section of Midtown Manhattan that are collectively dubbed Billionaires' Row by the media.{{Cite news |last=Clarke |first=Katherine |date=2019-11-21 |title=Wealthy Buyers Are Jumping Between Billionaires' Row Towers |language=en-US |work=The Wall Street Journal |url-access=subscription |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/wealthy-buyers-are-jumping-between-billionaires-row-towers-11574351065 |access-date=2021-07-11 |issn=0099-9660 |archive-date=July 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711003930/https://www.wsj.com/articles/wealthy-buyers-are-jumping-between-billionaires-row-towers-11574351065 |url-status=live }} Other buildings along Billionaires' Row include 432 Park Avenue, 111 West 57th Street, One57, and Central Park Tower on 57th Street, as well as 220 Central Park South on Central Park South (59th Street).{{Cite news |last=Satow |first=Julie |date=June 27, 2014 |title=Moving In, Slowly, to 'Billionaires' Row' |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url-access=limited |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/29/realestate/manhattan-luxury-high-rise-gets-its-first-residents.html |access-date=October 28, 2020 |archive-date=November 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101090659/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/29/realestate/manhattan-luxury-high-rise-gets-its-first-residents.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Willett |first=Megan |date=September 2, 2014 |title=The New Billionaires' Row: See the Incredible Transformation of New York's 57th Street |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/skyscrapers-of-57th-street-manhattan-2014-9 |access-date=December 5, 2016 |work=Business Insider |archive-date=December 18, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161218213452/http://www.businessinsider.com/skyscrapers-of-57th-street-manhattan-2014-9 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Goldberger |first=Paul |date=May 2014 |title=Too Rich, Too Thin, Too Tall? |url=http://www.vanityfair.com/unchanged/2014/05/condo-towers-architecture-new-york-city |access-date=December 5, 2016 |work=Vanity Fair |archive-date=November 27, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151127062635/http://www.vanityfair.com/unchanged/2014/05/condo-towers-architecture-new-york-city |url-status=live }}

Officially named 53 West 53,{{cite web |title=53W53rd |url=http://www.hines.com/property/detail.aspx?id=2082 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160114225140/http://hines.com/property/detail.aspx?id=2082 |archive-date=January 14, 2016 |access-date=2008-01-27 |publisher=Hines Interests Limited Partnership}} the building was designed by French architect Jean Nouvel as a 77-story, 145-unit tower.{{Cite web |title=53 West 53 |url=https://www.skyscrapercenter.com/building/53-west-53/317 |url-status=live |access-date=2008-11-30 |publisher=SkyscraperPage.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191216075158/http://www.skyscrapercenter.com:80/building/53-west-53/317 |archive-date=December 16, 2019 }}{{Cite web |title=53W53 |url=https://www.emporis.com/buildings/315691/53w53-new-york-city-ny-usa |url-status=usurped |access-date=2008-04-10 |publisher=Emporis.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151223063300/http://www.emporis.com/buildings/315691/53w53-new-york-city-ny-usa |archive-date=December 23, 2015 }}{{cite web |last=Bindelglass |first=Evan |date=13 June 2016 |title=53W53 Shows Its Exoskeleton At 53 West 53rd Street, Midtown |url=https://newyorkyimby.com/2016/06/53w53-shows-its-exoskeleton-at-53-west-53rd-street-midtown.html |access-date=22 July 2016 |publisher=New York Yimby |archive-date=July 19, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160719103952/http://newyorkyimby.com/2016/06/53w53-shows-its-exoskeleton-at-53-west-53rd-street-midtown.html |url-status=live }} The building has 77 physical stories. The top story is numbered 87 and several floor numbers are skipped.{{harvnb|Hines|2015|ps=.|p=220}}{{Efn|name=marketing floors|Hines classifies the true number of stories above ground as "construction floors", which are labeled with a different "marketing floor" number. Numbering is as follows:{{harvnb|Hines|2015|ps=.|pp=221–222}}

• Ground (1st) through 6th stories – floors 1 through 6
• 7th story – floor 12
• 8th through 34th stories – floors 14 through 40
• 35th through 77th stories – floors 45 through 87

There is no physical third story and floor number 3 is skipped. The floor numbers are consistent with those in the main MoMA building, the third story of which does not extend into 53 West 53rd Street.

}} There are also two basement levels; the cellar immediately below ground is used as storage by MoMA, while the subcellar beneath it contains mechanical rooms for the upper stories. The highest occupied story is {{cvt|890|ft}} above ground. The tower technically measures {{cvt|1049|ft|8|in}} tall from the lobby floor to the tip of its tallest spire.{{harvnb|Hines|2015|ps=.|p=228}} This makes it the tenth-tallest completed building in the city {{As of|2019|11|lc=y}}.{{Cite news |title=12 tallest skyscrapers in New York City |language=en |work=am New York |url=https://www.amny.com/real-estate/tallest-buildings-in-nyc-1.9216740 |access-date=October 17, 2017 |archive-date=November 2, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171102163126/https://www.amny.com/real-estate/tallest-buildings-in-nyc-1.9216740 |url-status=live }}

The site is split between three different zoning districts, each of which had different setback requirements.{{cite web |date=2017-09-06 |title=Jean Nouvel's 53W53 Skyscraper Takes Shape in New York |url=https://www.designboom.com/architecture/jean-nouvel-53w53-skyscraper-moma-expansion-tower-construction-09-06-2017/ |url-status=live |access-date=2021-07-10 |website=designboom |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170906174325/https://www.designboom.com/architecture/jean-nouvel-53w53-skyscraper-moma-expansion-tower-construction-09-06-2017/ |archive-date=September 6, 2017 }} During planning, Nouvel's team designed a sloping structure to follow the setback requirements and various parcel restrictions on the site. The ultimate design for the building has five spires.

The building's facade is framed within a concrete diagrid, which shifts the tower's structural system to the exterior, thereby allowing more open space for the interior of each floor. The diagrid was designed by WSP Global, which spent over a year modifying the details of the design.{{cite web |last=Keskeys |first=Paul |date=2018-05-11 |title=AD PRO Visits Jean Nouvel on-site at 53W53 |url=https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/jean-nouvel-53w53-moma-tower-midtown-manhattan-progress |access-date=2021-07-09 |website=Architectural Digest |archive-date=April 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423180531/https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/jean-nouvel-53w53-moma-tower-midtown-manhattan-progress |url-status=live }} Nouvel and the WSP engineers collaborated extensively on the superstructure's design because Nouvel wanted 53 West 53's facade to reflect the arrangement of the diagrid.{{cite web |title=53w53 |url=https://www.wsp.com/en-US/projects/53w53 |access-date=2021-07-09 |website=WSPglobal |archive-date=January 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117002348/https://www.wsp.com/en-US/projects/53w53 |url-status=live }} The diagrid includes vertical, diagonal, and horizontal girders to carry weight loads while also stiffening the frame against wind.{{cite web |date=2012-11-05 |title=53W53 MoMA Tower |url=https://www.structuremag.org/?p=11647 |access-date=2021-07-09 |website=STRUCTURE magazine |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709195430/https://www.structuremag.org/?p=11647 |url-status=live }} The design of the facade around the diagrid was inspired by drawings made by Hugh Ferriss.{{Cite web |last=Brenzel |first=Kathryn |date=2018-06-08 |title=On the outside looking in: Jean Nouvel wishes he got to design interiors of 53W53 |url-access=limited |url=https://therealdeal.com/2018/06/08/on-the-outside-looking-in-jean-nouvel-wishes-he-got-to-design-interiors-of-53-west-53rd/ |url-status=live |access-date=2021-07-09 |website=The Real Deal New York |language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613134940/https://therealdeal.com/2018/06/08/on-the-outside-looking-in-jean-nouvel-wishes-he-got-to-design-interiors-of-53-west-53rd/ |archive-date=June 13, 2018 }}

As designed, the north and south facades slope away from the street as they rise, while the west and east facades are perpendicular to ground level.{{harvnb|Hines|2015|ps=.|p=230}} The exterior curtain wall is made of 5,747 triple-glazed panels manufactured in Germany.{{Cite news |last=Nonko |first=Emily |date=2016-11-09 |title=A Modern Pyramid Rises Next to MoMA |language=en-US |work=The Wall Street Journal |url-access=subscription |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/a-modern-pyramid-rises-next-to-moma-1478734923 |access-date=2021-07-12 |issn=0099-9660 |archive-date=July 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712180330/https://www.wsj.com/articles/a-modern-pyramid-rises-next-to-moma-1478734923 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Stabile |first=Tom |date=November 15, 2016 |title=Sleek Midtown Tower Hides Complex Supports |url=https://www.enr.com/articles/40906-sleek-midtown-tower-hides-complex-supports |url-status=live |access-date=2021-07-09 |website=Engineering News-Record|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170520014727/http://www.enr.com:80/articles/40906-sleek-midtown-tower-hides-complex-supports |archive-date=May 20, 2017 }} The curtain wall consists of glass panes, aluminum frames, and ventilation grates. Mockups of the windows were tested in a wind tunnel before being installed.{{Cite web |date=2018-02-15 |title=Supertall Skyscrapers NYC {{!}} Building Structure Testing |url-access=limited |url=https://therealdeal.com/2018/02/15/manhattans-skyscrapers-are-put-through-the-most-extreme-tests-you-can-imagine/ |access-date=2021-07-12 |website=The Real Deal New York |language=en-US |archive-date=July 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712010125/https://therealdeal.com/2018/02/15/manhattans-skyscrapers-are-put-through-the-most-extreme-tests-you-can-imagine/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Clarke |first=Katherine |date=2018-02-15 |title=Skyscrapers Face the Apocalypse |language=en-US |work=The Wall Street Journal |url-access=subscription |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/skyscrapers-face-the-apocalypse-1518699051 |access-date=2021-07-12 |issn=0099-9660 |archive-date=July 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712010125/https://www.wsj.com/articles/skyscrapers-face-the-apocalypse-1518699051 |url-status=live }} The curtain wall is anchored to the concrete floor slabs. Part of the lower stories' facade, and some portions of the west and east facades that abut other buildings, are made of masonry. Custom window blinds were required for the inwardly angled facades.{{Cite web |date=2015-05-20 |title=Jean Nouvel's NY skyscraper will include MoMA gallery space |url=https://www.dezeen.com/2015/05/20/jean-nouvel-53w53-skyscraper-new-york-moma-gallery-space-three-floors/ |access-date=2021-07-10 |website=Dezeen |language=en |archive-date=July 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710182446/https://www.dezeen.com/2015/05/20/jean-nouvel-53w53-skyscraper-new-york-moma-gallery-space-three-floors/ |url-status=live }} Most of the facade is maintained by a window-washing rig on the bulkhead, but the lowest stories of the building are maintained by cranes, and the storefront windows are washed at street level.{{harvnb|Hines|2015|ps=.|p=231}}

The girders consist of concrete poured around steel pieces of rebar. The diagrid was initially planned to be made of steel, but concrete was ultimately used because of concerns over cost, ceiling heights, weight, and collaboration with labor unions. According to WSP vice president Gustavo Oliveira, difficulties arose over how to connect the rebar within the concrete girders at each of the nodes where girders intersect. Furthermore, there were approximately three dozen nodes where at least four girders intersect; the largest node, on the north side of the sixth floor, connected six girders. Therefore, for each node, a steel core was created and rebar pieces were anchored to that core. The concrete was poured in place, except for the pinnacles, which were prefabricated. The concrete had to be poured gradually because the steel cores were almost impossible to reposition after the concrete had dried up.

File:Tower-verre-space.jpg on the right.]]

Langan, the geotechnical engineer, monitored the underlying bedrock and conducted seismic planning. The ground underneath the building consists of {{cvt|8|-|35|ft}} of fill, followed by {{cvt|5|-|8|ft}} of sand, {{cvt|2|-|61|ft}} of decomposed mica schist, and a hard layer of mica schist bedrock.{{harvnb|Hines|2015|ps=.|pp=226–227}} Much of the underlying ground in Midtown Manhattan could support loads of {{cvt|60|ST/ft2}}, but the western portion of 53 West 53's site had formerly contained a stream. Groundwater was present {{cvt|15|-|18|ft}} below ground level at the site.{{harvnb|Hines|2015|ps=.|p=227}} The weathered mica on the western part of the site could only support {{cvt|8|ST/ft2}}. Furthermore, the site abutted several adjacent buildings and the New York City Subway's 53rd Street Tunnel (carrying the {{NYCS trains|Queens 53rd}}). Overall, the depth of sufficiently load-bearing bedrock under 53 West 53's site varied as much as {{cvt|70|ft}}.

The site was excavated using 33 reinforced concrete caissons each measuring {{cvt|3|ft}} across. The caissons descend at least {{cvt|30|ft}} deep. Where the site abutted the subway tunnel, the caissons descend {{cvt|70|ft}} deep, the same depth as the subway tunnel. Some "high-capacity" caissons were drilled at the western end of the site to shift some of the loads to below the tunnel. The floor of the sub-cellar is placed on a grade/mat foundation. The foundation is surrounded by concrete walls that are on average {{cvt|2|ft}} thick. The shear walls and columns on the eastern boundary of the site are placed on concrete footings that rest directly on the bedrock, while the shear walls and columns on the southern and western boundaries are placed on concrete caps above the caissons. The basement story is composed of a {{cvt|16|in|4=-thick|adj=mid}} concrete slab, while the ground story is made of a {{cvt|14|in|4=-thick|adj=mid}} concrete slab.{{harvnb|Hines|2015|ps=.|p=229}}

The main contractor for the superstructure was Lendlease. The floor slabs for 53 West 53 are generally made of cast concrete {{cvt|12|in}} thick. While most of the tower's support columns are along the tower's perimeter, there are also some interior columns. Steel trusses transfer loads from the interior columns to a shear wall core along the eastern edge of the tower. The northeast corner of 53 West 53 also includes a {{cvt|24|ft|adj=on}} cantilever above an emergency electrical generator owned by Con Edison. A portion of the MoMA space, on floors 2, 4, and 5, is supported by two columns, one of which is a steel column measuring {{cvt|3|by|3|ft}}. Massive steel trusses on the sixth and eighth stories (floors 6 and 12, respectively{{Efn|name=marketing floors}}) divert the loads above the MoMA space. There is a crawl space measuring {{cvt|3.7|ft}} high above the 5th floor. Above that is a mechanical story with separate sections for MoMA and the residential units.

At the 35th through 37th stories (floors 45 through 47, respectively{{Efn|name=marketing floors}}), a {{cvt|2|ft|4=-thick|adj=mid}} outrigger wall runs around the tower, connecting the diagrid and shear wall. Mechanical rooms are placed within these floors, dividing 53 West 53 into two segments with separate electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems. One mechanical system serves the floors above these rooms while the other system serves the floors below. There are five steel spires above floors 21, 24, 73, 83, and 86; their steel construction allowed greater flexibility for constructing the roof. To stiffen the top of the building, the 73rd, 74th, and 76th stories (floors 83, 84, and 86{{Efn|name=marketing floors}}) consist of {{cvt|20|in|4=-thick|adj=mid}} concrete slabs. A {{cvt|650|ST|LT t|adj=on}} tuned mass damper was installed in the double-height 74th story to provide stability against high winds or earthquakes.{{cite news |last=Higgins |first=Michelle |date=August 7, 2015 |title=Keeping Skyscrapers From Blowing in the Wind |work=The New York Times |url-access=limited |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/09/realestate/keeping-skyscrapers-from-blowing-in-the-wind.html |access-date=August 16, 2015 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 16, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150816093441/http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/09/realestate/keeping-skyscrapers-from-blowing-in-the-wind.html |url-status=live }}

File:53 W53 fr 57 St 2020 jeh.jpg

53 West 53 has a total floor area of approximately {{cvt|750000|sqft|m2|abbr=off|sp=us}}.{{cite web |title=Hines luxury condo project in NYC moves forward with Asian funding |url=http://blog.chron.com/primeproperty/2013/10/hines-luxury-condo-project-in-nyc-moves-forward-with-asian-funding/ |access-date=28 May 2015 |work=Prime Property |date=October 30, 2013 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304054557/http://blog.chron.com/primeproperty/2013/10/hines-luxury-condo-project-in-nyc-moves-forward-with-asian-funding/ |url-status=dead }}{{Cite news |last=Higgins |first=Michelle |date=2015-05-29 |title=On the Midtown Skyline, a Race to the Clouds |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url-access=limited |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/31/realestate/on-the-midtown-skyline-a-race-to-the-clouds.html |access-date=2020-06-10 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624225510/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/31/realestate/on-the-midtown-skyline-a-race-to-the-clouds.html |url-status=live }} The building is mixed-use, with condominiums, museum gallery space, and a private restaurant at the base.{{cite web |url=http://www.53w53.com/availability |title=Availability |publisher=53W53 |access-date=20 August 2015 |archive-date=August 21, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150821083743/http://www.53w53.com/availability |url-status=live }} Three of the lowest stories are used as MoMA gallery space. The tower has four passenger elevators; two serve the lower residences on floors 12 through 40, while two serve the upper residences on and above floor 48. All four elevators serve the lobby, floors 12 through 16, and floor 46. In addition, there are four service elevators: one for the lower residences, one for the upper residences, and two in the basement levels. There are also three elevators within individual suites.{{harvnb|Hines|2015|ps=.|p=239}}

The entrances to the building are through 53rd and 54th Streets.{{harvnb|Hines|2015|ps=.|p=233}} The lobby contains {{cvt|9000|ft2}} of space and is divided into three sections: an entrance foyer, a main lobby, and an elevator lobby. The main lobby has a coffered ceiling as well as an oak floor with inlaid marble tiles. The walls of the lobby are covered with oak paneling, and the ceiling is supported by the diagonal columns of the diagrid.{{cite web |last=Fazzare |first=Elizabeth |date=2020-01-29 |title=Thierry Despont Updates the Grand Lobby Tradition for New York's 53 West 53 |url=https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/thierry-despont-updates-the-grand-lobby-tradition-for-new-yorks-53-west-53 |access-date=2021-07-09 |website=Architectural Digest |archive-date=May 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511075454/https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/thierry-despont-updates-the-grand-lobby-tradition-for-new-yorks-53-west-53 |url-status=live }} The ground floor next to the lobby also includes a library with a fireplace. There is also an {{convert|11000|ft2|adj=on}} restaurant named 53, which occupies the basement and part of the ground level. The 53 restaurant, designed by Lionel Ohayon, contains around 36 brightly-colored "fins" that curve across the restaurant's ceiling and walls.{{cite web |last=Howarth |first=Dan |date=January 9, 2023 |title=A Hip, New Restaurant Next to MoMA Offers Diners a Feast for the Eyes |url=https://interiordesign.net/projects/restaurant-design-icrave-53-new-york/ |access-date=April 17, 2023 |website=Interior Design}}

MoMA's gallery space is on floors 2, 4, and 5.{{cite web |last=Cohen |first=Michelle |title=New renderings and construction photos reveal full design of Jean Nouvel's 53W53 'MoMA tower' |website=6sqft |date=2017-09-07 |url=https://www.6sqft.com/new-renderings-and-construction-photos-reveal-full-design-of-jean-nouvels-53w53-moma-tower/ |access-date=2021-07-10 |archive-date=July 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710232610/https://www.6sqft.com/new-renderings-and-construction-photos-reveal-full-design-of-jean-nouvels-53w53-moma-tower/ |url-status=live }}{{harvnb|Hines|2015|ps=.|p=221}}{{Cite news |last=Pogrebin |first=Robin |author-link=Robin Pogrebin |date=2019-02-05 |title=MoMA to Close, Then Open Doors to More Expansive View of Art |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url-access=limited |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/05/arts/design/moma-museum-renovation.html |access-date=2021-07-12 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=February 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190220230954/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/05/arts/design/moma-museum-renovation.html |url-status=live }} The gallery space includes the Daylit Gallery on floor 2 and the Studio on floors 4 and 5. There is no third story because the floor numbers follow those of the main MoMA building, and MoMA's third story does not extend into 53 West 53. The MoMA galleries are internally disconnected from the rest of 53 West 53 and are not served by the building's elevators.{{harvnb|Hines|2015|ps=.|p=52}} The only exits from the MoMA space are through the main building to the east, as well as emergency exits that lead directly to 53rd and 54th Streets.{{harvnb|Hines|2015|ps=.|p=223}} The gallery space covers {{cvt|40000|ft2|}}.{{Cite news |last=Pogrebin |first=Robin |author-link=Robin Pogrebin |date=2013-04-10 |title=12-Year-Old Building at MoMA Is Doomed |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url-access=limited |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/11/arts/design/moma-to-raze-ex-american-folk-art-museum-building.html |access-date=2020-06-10 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=April 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200427015102/https://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/11/arts/design/moma-to-raze-ex-american-folk-art-museum-building.html |url-status=live }} A terrace extends from the south facade at the sixth story.{{harvnb|Hines|2015|ps=.|p=232}}

There are 145 residences{{cite web |last=Montanez |first=Abby |date=November 11, 2022 |title=This Bonkers Wine Room Inside a Manhattan High-Rise Is More Lavish Than Your Home |url=https://robbreport.com/shelter/spaces/wine-room-at-53-west-1234771337/ |access-date=January 20, 2024 |website=Robb Report}} ranging from one to either four or five bedrooms. As a result of the building's shape, each floor has a different shape and higher floors are incrementally smaller.{{cite web |date=2016-10-20 |title=Jean Nouvel's MoMA Tower is getting the first of its intricate, diagrid skin |url=https://www.6sqft.com/jean-nouvels-moma-tower-is-getting-the-first-of-its-intricate-diagrid-skin/ |access-date=2021-07-10 |website=6sqft |archive-date=July 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710212638/https://www.6sqft.com/jean-nouvels-moma-tower-is-getting-the-first-of-its-intricate-diagrid-skin/ |url-status=live }} Floors 14 through 16 contain studio apartments for service workers employed by residents of upper-floor units.{{cite web |last=Carmiel |first=Oshrat |date=2015-05-15 |title=Inside New York's Newest Architectural Masterpiece for the Mega-Rich |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-05-15/moma-tower-s-70-million-duplex-newest-addition-to-nyc-skyline |access-date=2021-07-10 |website=Bloomberg |archive-date=July 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710211200/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-05-15/moma-tower-s-70-million-duplex-newest-addition-to-nyc-skyline |url-status=live }} There are several large penthouse units. For instance, a {{cvt|6,448|ft2|adj=on}} full-story unit on floor 65, has a {{cvt|1400|ft2|adj=on}} living room, a dining room, a kitchen, four bedrooms, four-and-a-half bathrooms, a den, and an office.{{cite web |last=Block |first=Fang |date=2021-02-05 |title=Full-Floor Residence at Manhattan's 53 West 53 Asks $46.68 Million |url=https://www.mansionglobal.com/articles/full-floor-residence-at-manhattans-53-west-53-asks-46-68-million-223403 |access-date=2021-07-10 |website=Mansion Global |archive-date=July 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710163910/https://www.mansionglobal.com/articles/full-floor-residence-at-manhattans-53-west-53-asks-46-68-million-223403 |url-status=live }} There are also six penthouse apartments,{{cite web |last=Cary |first=Bill |date=June 16, 2023 |title=Glass-Walled Duplex Atop the Museum of Modern Art Soars Above Midtown Manhattan |url=https://www.mansionglobal.com/articles/glass-walled-duplex-atop-the-museum-of-modern-art-soars-above-midtown-manhattan-f77c6a91 |access-date=January 20, 2024 |website=Mansion Global}} including one designed by Fox-Nahem and Elle Decor.{{cite web |last=Ginsburg |first=Aaron |date=February 15, 2023 |title=Take a tour of a duplex penthouse at Jean Nouvel's tower above MoMA |url=https://www.6sqft.com/take-a-tour-of-a-65m-penthouse-at-jean-nouvels-tower-above-moma/ |access-date=April 17, 2023 |website=6sqft}}{{cite web |date=February 17, 2023 |title=Inside 53 West 53, The ELLE DECOR Penthouse's Super-Luxe Tower |url=https://www.elledecor.com/celebrity-style/luxury-real-estate/a42789607/53-west-53rd-jean-nouvel/ |access-date=January 20, 2024 |website=ELLE Decor}} Some of the apartments are duplexes, such as the penthouses on floors 76–77 and 78–79, which both have a double-height living room, four bedrooms, and three-and-a-half baths.{{cite web |last=Vora |first=Shivani |date=July 6, 2021 |title=Breathtaking Penthouses for Sale Across the Globe |url=https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/breathtaking-penthouses-for-sale-across-the-globe |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710163909/https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/breathtaking-penthouses-for-sale-across-the-globe |archive-date=July 10, 2021 |access-date=2021-07-10 |website=Architectural Digest}} Some tenants have customized their apartments; for example, apartment 61A was redesigned with furniture complementing the beams on the building's facade.{{cite web |date=October 4, 2022 |title=Exclusive peek at artfully curated home in Jean Nouvel's 53 West 53 |url=https://www.wallpaper.com/architecture/apartment-interior-rr-interiors-jean-nouvel-53-west-53-new-york-usa |access-date=October 6, 2022 |website=Wallpaper* |archive-date=October 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221005103750/https://www.wallpaper.com/architecture/apartment-interior-rr-interiors-jean-nouvel-53-west-53-new-york-usa |url-status=live }}

Thierry Despont designed the interiors of the condominiums.{{Cite news |last=McKeough |first=Tim |date=2020-10-16 |title=Understatement Is the New Luxury |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url-access=limited |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/16/realestate/nyc-condo-design.html |access-date=2021-07-09 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=July 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710014410/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/16/realestate/nyc-condo-design.html |url-status=live }} Each residence has a different layout as a result. All residences have a custom-designed kitchen with a marble countertop, glass cabinetry, and polished-nickel decorative elements. In addition, the units have bathrooms with marble walls, limestone floor tiles, and polished-nickel decorations.{{cite web |last=Lorincz |first=Beata |date=2021-06-02 |title=Douglas Elliman to Market Manhattan Luxury Condo Tower Near MoMA |url=https://www.multihousingnews.com/post/douglas-elliman-to-market-manhattan-luxury-condo-tower-near-moma/ |access-date=2021-07-09 |website=MultiHousing News |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709195430/https://www.multihousingnews.com/post/douglas-elliman-to-market-manhattan-luxury-condo-tower-near-moma/ |url-status=live }} There are oak floors throughout the units. The only apartments with terraces are units 17B, 17C, and 17D, whose terraces are above the roof of the building to the east.

The building has {{Convert|30000|ft2}} of amenity spaces. The basement has a bicycle storage area with 91 bicycle parking spots.{{harvnb|Hines|2015|ps=.|pp=252–253}} Floor 12 is an amenity floor with a fitness center, golf simulator, lockers, and a swimming pool area.{{harvnb|Hines|2015|ps=.|pp=251–252}} {{As of|2021}}, The Wright Fit operates classes and programs in the fitness center.{{Cite web|last=Morris|first=Sebastian|date=2021-09-01|title=Photos Reveal Wellness Amenity Space at Jean Nouvel's 53W53 Supertall in Midtown, Manhattan|url=https://newyorkyimby.com/2021/09/photos-reveal-wellness-amenity-space-at-jean-nouvels-53w53-supertall-in-midtown-manhattan.html|access-date=2021-10-26|website=New York YIMBY|language=en-US|archive-date=October 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211026134931/https://newyorkyimby.com/2021/09/photos-reveal-wellness-amenity-space-at-jean-nouvels-53w53-supertall-in-midtown-manhattan.html|url-status=live}} The pool area consists of a lap pool measuring {{cvt|65|by|14|ft}}, a spa pool measuring {{cvt|8|by|5.83|ft}}, and a "cold plunge" pool measuring {{cvt|3.5|by|5.83|ft}}.{{harvnb|Hines|2015|ps=.|pp=250–251}} Patrick Blanc designed two living walls for the pool space,{{cite web |last=Milne |first=Jennifer |title=Jean Nouvel New York Apartment |website=ELLE Decor |date=2019-07-03 |url=https://www.elledecor.com/design-decorate/house-interiors/g28213220/jean-nouvel-new-york-apartment/ |access-date=2021-07-11 |archive-date=July 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711000258/https://www.elledecor.com/design-decorate/house-interiors/g28213220/jean-nouvel-new-york-apartment/ |url-status=live }} with 3,500 plants.{{cite web | last=Gannon | first=Devin | title=Jean Nouvel's condo tower 53W53 reveals lavish wellness amenities | website=6sqft | date=2021-08-31 | url=https://www.6sqft.com/see-inside-the-lavish-private-club-of-jean-nouvels-53w53-tower/ | access-date=2021-10-26 | archive-date=October 26, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211026134931/https://www.6sqft.com/see-inside-the-lavish-private-club-of-jean-nouvels-53w53-tower/ | url-status=live }}

Floor 14 contains a laundry room. On the same level are 34 wine-storage lockers, each of which measures between {{convert|20|and|80|ft2}}. The building also contains an octagonal wine-tasting room, which residents can use for free.{{Cite news|last=Strauss|first=Alix|date=2023-02-24|title=Wine, Wine and More Wine: The Latest Amenity for Luxury Condo Owners|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/24/realestate/luxury-condo-wine-room.html|access-date=2023-04-17|issn=0362-4331}} The wine room has a double-height gold-leaf ceiling and wooden flooring. There are 119 residential storage lockers on floors 14 and 15 as well as a children's play area on floor 16. There is also a double-height lounge on floors 46 and 47.{{harvnb|Hines|2015|ps=.|p=224}}

The building's management performs pantry stocking service, a housekeeping service, and pet walking for an additional fee. Residents also receive MoMA benefactor-level memberships, which include unlimited free admission to the museum, exhibition previews, discounts in MoMA stores, and access to film screenings.{{cite web |last=Budin |first=Jeremiah |date=18 June 2015 |title=Multimillion-Dollar MoMA Condos Come With Museum Perks |url=http://ny.curbed.com/archives/2015/06/18/multimilliondollar_moma_condos_come_with_museum_perks.php |access-date=19 August 2015 |publisher=Curbed |archive-date=September 19, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150919102527/http://ny.curbed.com/archives/2015/06/18/multimilliondollar_moma_condos_come_with_museum_perks.php |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=53 West 53 Amenities |url=https://www.53w53.com/amenities |url-status=live |access-date=2021-07-10 |website=www.53w53.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150618211558/http://www.53w53.com:80/amenities |archive-date=June 18, 2015 }} If a unit is sold, the membership transfers from the seller to the buyer.

MoMA, which owned a {{cvt|17000|ft2|adj=on}} lot at 53 West 53rd Street west of its existing building, sold it to developer Gerald D. Hines for $125 million in January 2007.{{cite web |last=McKeough |first=Tim |date=January 30, 2008 |title=Nouvel Designs Towering Slender Neighbor for MoMA |url=https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/4208-nouvel-designs-towering-slender-neighbor-for-moma |access-date=July 11, 2021 |website=Architectural Record |archive-date=July 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711022817/https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/4208-nouvel-designs-towering-slender-neighbor-for-moma |url-status=live }} Hines planned to build a skyscraper called Tower Verre on the site. Several architects submitted proposals for the tower before Jean Nouvel was selected as the architect in November 2007.{{Cite news |last=Ouroussoff |first=Nicolai |author-link=Nicolai Ouroussoff |date=2007-11-15 |title=Next to MoMA, a Tower Will Reach for the Stars |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url-access=limited |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/15/arts/design/15arch.html |access-date=2020-06-10 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161206013923/http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/15/arts/design/15arch.html |url-status=live }} Nouvel had so fervently wanted to design the tower that he told his business partner Michel Pelissié to not pressure Hines excessively on architects' fees.{{Cite news |last=Lubow |first=Arthur |date=2008-04-06 |title=The Contextualizer |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url-access=limited |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/06/magazine/06nouvel.html |access-date=2021-07-11 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=February 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228085909/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/06/magazine/06nouvel.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite news|last=Brown |first=Eliot |date=2008-04-07 |title=MoMA Tower, a Prime Focus of Pritzker Winner Nouvel, Will Have Hearing Tomorrow |newspaper=Observer |language=en-US |url=https://observer.com/2008/04/moma-tower-a-prime-focus-of-pritzker-winner-nouvel-will-have-hearing-tomorrow/ |url-status=live |access-date=2021-07-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711022816/https://observer.com/2008/04/moma-tower-a-prime-focus-of-pritzker-winner-nouvel-will-have-hearing-tomorrow/ |archive-date=July 11, 2021 }} The building initially was to stand 1,250 feet (381 m) tall (the same height as the Empire State Building below its mast). The building was planned to include {{cvt|50000|ft2}} on the second through fifth floors for MoMA, as well as a 100-room luxury hotel and 120 luxury residential condominiums.{{Cite web |date=2007-11-16 |title=53 West 53rd Street by Jean Nouvel |url=https://www.dezeen.com/2007/11/16/53-west-53rd-street-by-jean-nouvel/ |access-date=2021-07-09 |website=Dezeen |language=en |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709233046/https://www.dezeen.com/2007/11/16/53-west-53rd-street-by-jean-nouvel/ |url-status=live }} At the time, the skyscraper was scheduled to start construction in 2009 and be completed in 2012. To build a taller structure than would normally be allowed, Hines sought to buy air rights from the University Club of New York and St. Thomas Church nearby. The purchases required the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC)'s approval because both structures were city landmarks.{{Cite news |last=Collins |first=Glenn |date=2008-04-15 |title=A Gigantic Job for Window Fixers |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url-access=limited |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/15/arts/design/15stai.html |access-date=2021-07-11 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=July 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711011759/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/15/arts/design/15stai.html |url-status=live }}

The initial plan was heavily opposed. Manhattan Community Board 5, whose district included 53 West 53rd Street's site, voted overwhelmingly in March 2008 to recommend that the LPC disapprove of the air rights transfers.{{cite web |last=Brown |first=Eliot |date=March 11, 2008 |title=Residents Rail Against Current MoMA Skyscraper Plans |url=https://observer.com/2008/03/residents-rail-against-current-moma-skyscraper-plans/ |access-date=July 11, 2021 |website=Observer |archive-date=July 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711022815/https://observer.com/2008/03/residents-rail-against-current-moma-skyscraper-plans/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Arak |first=Joey |date=March 12, 2008 |title=Please Don't Screw Up the Jean Nouvel MoMA Tower |url=https://ny.curbed.com/2008/3/12/10575750/please-dont-screw-up-the-jean-nouvel-moma-tower |access-date=July 11, 2021 |website=Curbed NY |archive-date=July 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711022817/https://ny.curbed.com/2008/3/12/10575750/please-dont-screw-up-the-jean-nouvel-moma-tower |url-status=live }} In response, supporters of the tower formed an online petition to recommend that the community board rescind its objections.{{cite web |last=Brown |first=Eliot |date=March 14, 2008 |title=Community Board Votes Against MoMA Tower; Development Enthusiasts Counter With Petition |url=https://observer.com/2008/03/community-board-votes-against-moma-tower-development-enthusiasts-counter-with-petition/ |access-date=July 11, 2021 |website=Observer |archive-date=July 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711022817/https://observer.com/2008/03/community-board-votes-against-moma-tower-development-enthusiasts-counter-with-petition/ |url-status=live }} At an April 2008 hearing, residents stated the design would "prevent it from harmoniously fitting into its surroundings", and state senator Liz Krueger said that the building would "overwhelm the area’s infrastructure and services".{{cite web |title=New York State Senator Liz Krueger -Before the Department of City Planning Regarding the Environmental Impact Statement Draft Scope of Work for the 53 West 53rd Street Project |url=http://www.lizkrueger.com/testimony/momaNovember08.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303202100/http://www.lizkrueger.com/testimony/momaNovember08.html |archive-date=2016-03-03 |access-date=28 May 2015 |work=lizkrueger.com}}{{Cite news |last=Moynihan |first=Colin |date=2008-04-09 |title=Planned Tower Near MoMA Widely Criticized at Hearing |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url-access=limited |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/09/nyregion/09moma.html |access-date=2021-07-11 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200611012810/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/09/nyregion/09moma.html |url-status=live }} On September 9, 2009, the New York City Planning Commission said the building could be constructed if it were {{cvt|200|ft|m}} shorter.{{Cite news |last=Ouroussoff |first=Nicolai |author-link=Nicolai Ouroussoff |date=2009-09-09 |title=Off With Its Top! City Cuts Tower to Size |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url-access=limited |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/10/arts/design/10building.html |access-date=2020-06-10 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=September 2, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160902230830/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/10/arts/design/10building.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Arak |first=Joey |date=2009-09-09 |title=MoMA Mia! City Tells Jean Nouvel, 'Off With Your Head!' |url=https://ny.curbed.com/2009/9/9/10533364/moma-mia-city-tells-jean-nouvel-off-with-your-head |access-date=2021-07-10 |website=Curbed NY |archive-date=July 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710180016/https://ny.curbed.com/2009/9/9/10533364/moma-mia-city-tells-jean-nouvel-off-with-your-head |url-status=live }} New York City Planning Commissioner Amanda Burden said the top of the tower was composed mainly of "highly visible mechanical equipment".{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Eliot |date=2009-09-08 |title=Burdened! Jean Novel Tower Expected to Feel Planning Commish's 200-Foot Chomp |url=https://observer.com/2009/09/burdened-jean-novel-tower-expected-to-feel-planning-commishs-200foot-chomp/ |url-status=live |access-date=2021-07-10 |website=Observer |language=en-US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018165931/http://observer.com/2009/09/burdened-jean-novel-tower-expected-to-feel-planning-commishs-200foot-chomp/ |archive-date=October 18, 2012 }} The {{cvt|1050|ft|m|adj=on}} version was approved by the New York City Council on October 28, 2009, in a 44–3 vote.{{cite web |last=Carlson |first=Jen |date=Oct 28, 2009 |title=Will There Be A Monster Stall For MoMA Tower? |url=http://gothamist.com/2009/10/28/will_there_be_a_monster_stall_for_m.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150417235005/http://gothamist.com/2009/10/28/will_there_be_a_monster_stall_for_m.php |archive-date=2015-04-17 |access-date=2020-06-10 |website=Gothamist}}{{Cite web |last=Pogrebin |first=Robin |author-link=Robin Pogrebin |date=2009-10-29 |title=City Council Approves (Shorter) MoMA Tower |url=https://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/29/city-council-approves-shorter-moma-tower/ |access-date=2021-07-12 |website=ArtsBeat |language=en-US |archive-date=July 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712011627/https://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/29/city-council-approves-shorter-moma-tower/ |url-status=live }} The approval came with stipulations such as restrictions on loading docks and a requirement to preserve a sculpture-garden fence owned by MoMA. That year, the University Club sold the tower's developers {{cvt|136000|ft2}} of air rights.{{Cite web |last=Weiss |first=Lois |date=2014-09-19 |title=NYC church gets $71M for air rights over steeple |url=https://nypost.com/2014/09/19/nyc-church-bags-71m-for-air-over-steeple/ |access-date=2021-07-12 |website=New York Post |language=en-US |archive-date=November 3, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171103153502/http://nypost.com/2014/09/19/nyc-church-bags-71m-for-air-over-steeple/ |url-status=live }}

Work was still delayed because of a lack of funding after the 2008 financial crisis.{{Cite news |last=Ouroussoff |first=Nicolai |author-link=Nicolai Ouroussoff |date=2008-12-19 |title=It Was Fun Till the Money Ran Out |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url-access=limited |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/21/arts/design/21ouro.html |access-date=2020-06-10 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 29, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170329004118/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/21/arts/design/21ouro.html |url-status=live }} Hines and Nouvel filed new schematics for the skyscraper in May 2011 to conform with the lower height.{{cite web |last=Mirviss |first=Laura |date=September 19, 2011 |title=53 West 53rd |url=https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/5744-53-west-53rd |access-date=July 11, 2021 |website=Architectural Record |archive-date=July 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711011809/https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/5744-53-west-53rd |url-status=live }} That July, Nouvel filed a set of new plans with the New York City Department of Buildings,{{cite web |last=Polsky |first=Sara |date=July 27, 2011 |title=Jean Nouvel's Shortened MoMA Tower Actually Lives! |url=https://ny.curbed.com/2011/7/27/10454066/jean-nouvels-shortened-moma-tower-actually-lives |access-date=July 11, 2021 |website=Curbed NY |archive-date=July 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711011800/https://ny.curbed.com/2011/7/27/10454066/jean-nouvels-shortened-moma-tower-actually-lives |url-status=live }}{{cite news|last=Chaban |first=Matt |date=July 26, 2011 |title=Mo' MA: Museum's Inspired, Insipid Tower Returns |url=https://observer.com/2011/07/mo-ma-museums-inspired-insipid-tower-returns/ |access-date=July 11, 2021 |newspaper=Observer |archive-date=July 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711011759/https://observer.com/2011/07/mo-ma-museums-inspired-insipid-tower-returns/ |url-status=live }} conforming to the guidelines that the City Council had approved for the tower.{{Cite news |last=Satow |first=Julie |date=2012-05-19 |title=Amanda Burden Wants to Remake New York. She Has 19 Months Left. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url-access=limited |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/20/nyregion/amanda-burden-planning-commissioner-is-remaking-new-york-city.html |access-date=2021-07-11 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=September 11, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140911002221/http://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/movies/2013/05/23/movie-review-what-maisie-knew/ZoKdWOxMNe4Me071pBzJdM/story.html |url-status=live }} The Corcoran Group was hired in May 2012 to market units at the stalled 53 West 53rd Street project.{{Cite web |date=2012-05-21 |title=Corcoran Sunshine to market 1,050-foot-tall MOMA development |url-access=limited |url=https://therealdeal.com/2012/05/21/corcoran-sunshine-to-market-1050-foot-tall-midtown-development/ |url-status=live |access-date=2021-07-10 |website=The Real Deal New York |language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170727195301/https://therealdeal.com/2012/05/21/corcoran-sunshine-to-market-1050-foot-tall-midtown-development/ |archive-date=July 27, 2017 }}{{Cite web |date=2012-05-21 |title=Stirrings of life on $126M site next to MoMA |url=https://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20120521/REAL_ESTATE/120529994/stirrings-of-life-on-126m-site-next-to-moma |access-date=2021-07-10 |website=Crain's New York Business |language=en |archive-date=July 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710180017/https://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20120521/REAL_ESTATE/120529994/stirrings-of-life-on-126m-site-next-to-moma |url-status=live }} Hines continued to seek financing throughout the rest of the year, despite speculation in late 2012 that construction would start soon.{{Cite web |date=2012-11-29 |title=Hines still seeking financing for Torre Verre |url-access=limited |url=https://therealdeal.com/2012/11/29/hines-still-seeking-financing-for-tower-verre-despite-construction-speculation/ |url-status=live |access-date=2021-07-11 |website=The Real Deal New York |language=en-US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160313043934/http://therealdeal.com/2012/11/29/hines-still-seeking-financing-for-tower-verre-despite-construction-speculation/ |archive-date=March 13, 2016 }}{{Cite web |last=Chaban |first=Matt |date=2012-11-29 |title=Not Verre Yet: Hines Still Looking for Financing for MoMA Tower |url=https://observer.com/2012/11/not-verre-yet-hines-still-looking-for-financing-for-moma-tower/ |url-status=live |access-date=2021-07-11 |website=Observer |language=en-US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121217101452/http://observer.com:80/2012/11/not-verre-yet-hines-still-looking-for-financing-for-moma-tower/ |archive-date=December 17, 2012 }} In October 2013, the Singaporean Kwee brothers' Pontiac Land Group agreed to provide a large equity investment, valued at either $200 million{{Cite web |last1=Carmiel |first1=Oshrat |last2=Thakur |first2=Pooja |date=2013-10-29 |title=NYC Museum of Modern Art Condos Get Singapore Investor |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2013-10-29/nyc-museum-of-modern-art-condos-get-singapore-investor |url-status=live |access-date=2020-06-10 |website=Bloomberg|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150519011840/http://www.bloomberg.com:80/news/articles/2013-10-29/nyc-museum-of-modern-art-condos-get-singapore-investor |archive-date=May 19, 2015 }} or $300 million.{{Cite news |last=Karmin |first=Craig |date=2013-10-29 |title=New Life for Skyscraper |language=en-US |work=The Wall Street Journal |url-access=subscription |url=https://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304655104579165573187682340.html |access-date=2021-07-10 |issn=0099-9660 |archive-date=May 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220508044618/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702304655104579165573187682340 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Polsky |first=Sara |date=2013-10-30 |title=With $1B Cash Infusion, Nouvel's MoMA Tower Will Be Built |url=https://ny.curbed.com/2013/10/30/10181672/with-1b-cash-infusion-nouvels-moma-tower-will-be-built |access-date=2021-07-10 |website=Curbed NY |archive-date=July 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710180017/https://ny.curbed.com/2013/10/30/10181672/with-1b-cash-infusion-nouvels-moma-tower-will-be-built |url-status=live }} Pontiac also secured an $860 million loan from a consortium of Asian banks, including United Overseas Bank, Maybank, OCBC Bank, and DBS Bank.{{cite news |last=Ghigliotty |first=Damian |date=August 5, 2015 |title=United Overseas Bank: A Growing Presence in New York Commercial Real Estate |work=Commercial Observer |url=https://commercialobserver.com/2015/08/united-overseas-bank-a-growing-presence-in-new-york-real-estate |access-date=2021-07-10 |archive-date=August 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160822102936/https://commercialobserver.com/2015/08/united-overseas-bank-a-growing-presence-in-new-york-real-estate/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Bockmann |first=Rich |date=2014-09-18 |title=$85M air rights purchase pushes stalled MoMa tower ahead |url-access=limited |url=https://therealdeal.com/2014/09/18/purchase-of-85m-in-air-rights-pushes-stalled-moma-tower-ahead/ |url-status=live |access-date=2021-07-11 |website=The Real Deal New York |language=en-US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160122162607/http://therealdeal.com/2014/09/18/purchase-of-85m-in-air-rights-pushes-stalled-moma-tower-ahead/ |archive-date=January 22, 2016 }}

File:53w53Mar23.jpg

In January 2014, MoMA decided to raze the American Folk Art Museum, which was between MoMA's existing structure and the proposed 53 West 53rd Street.{{cite web |last=Raskin |first=Laura |date=2015-05-12 |title=High flyer: a vision of Jean Nouvel's addition to New York's soaring skyline |url=https://www.wallpaper.com/architecture/high-flyer-a-vision-of-jean-nouvels-addition-to-new-yorks-soaring-skyline |url-status=live |access-date=2021-07-10 |website=Wallpaper*|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160509130528/http://www.wallpaper.com:80/architecture/high-flyer-a-vision-of-jean-nouvels-addition-to-new-yorks-soaring-skyline? |archive-date=May 9, 2016 }}{{Cite news |last=Pogrebin |first=Robin |author-link=Robin Pogrebin |date=2014-01-08 |title=Ambitious Redesign of MoMA Doesn't Spare a Notable Neighbor |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url-access=limited |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/09/arts/design/a-grand-redesign-of-moma-does-not-spare-a-notable-neighbor.html |access-date=2021-07-10 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=July 9, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140709031532/http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/09/arts/design/a-grand-redesign-of-moma-does-not-spare-a-notable-neighbor.html |url-status=live }} The architectural community protested the planned demolition in part because that building was relatively new, having been completed in 2001.{{cite web |last=Chaban |first=Matt |date=2014-01-09 |title=MoMA to demolish Folk Art Museum building despite acclaimed design, critics' rage |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/moma-demolish-folk-art-museum-opposition-article-1.1570456 |access-date=2021-07-12 |website=New York Daily News |archive-date=July 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712010126/https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/moma-demolish-folk-art-museum-opposition-article-1.1570456 |url-status=live }} MoMA decided to proceed with the demolition because the American Folk Art Museum was in the way of MoMA's planned expansion, which included exhibition space within 53 West 53rd Street.{{Cite web |last=Cascone |first=Sarah |date=2014-04-14 |title=MoMA Moves Forward with Folk Art Museum Demolition |url=https://news.artnet.com/art-world/moma-moves-forward-with-folk-art-museum-demolition-10154 |access-date=2021-07-10 |website=Artnet News |language=en-US |archive-date=July 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710173937/https://news.artnet.com/art-world/moma-moves-forward-with-folk-art-museum-demolition-10154 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Pogrebin |first=Robin |author-link=Robin Pogrebin |date=2014-04-15 |title=Architects Mourn Former Folk Art Museum Building |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url-access=limited |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/16/arts/design/architects-mourn-former-folk-art-museum-building.html |access-date=2021-07-10 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=November 9, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171109023533/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/16/arts/design/architects-mourn-former-folk-art-museum-building.html |url-status=live }} In September 2014, Hines and Pontiac purchased a combined {{cvt|240000|ft2}} air rights from MoMA and St. Thomas Church for $85.3 million.{{cite web |last=Pham |first=Diane |date=September 21, 2014 |title=Construction on Jean Nouvel's MoMA Tower will Finally Move Forward Thanks to New Air Rights |url=https://www.6sqft.com/construction-on-jean-nouvels-moma-tower-will-finally-move-forward-thanks-to-newly-acquired-air-rights/ |access-date=July 11, 2021 |website=6sqft |archive-date=July 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711011800/https://www.6sqft.com/construction-on-jean-nouvels-moma-tower-will-finally-move-forward-thanks-to-newly-acquired-air-rights/ |url-status=live }} At that time, the building became known as 53 West 53.{{cite web |title=53W53/MoMA Tower/Tower Verre Finally Going Up |url=http://citty.com/2014/09/19/53w53moma-towertower-verre-finally-going |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150523043820/http://citty.com/2014/09/19/53w53moma-towertower-verre-finally-going |archive-date=23 May 2015 |access-date=28 May 2015 |work=citty.com}}

Work on excavating the site started later that year. Excavation proceeded slowly because of the presence of the subway tunnels under 53rd Street and other facilities owned by the New York City Transit Authority. Investment bank Goldman Sachs had joined the project by 2015.{{Cite news |last=Higgins |first=Michelle |date=2015-02-20 |title=Midtown Condo, Brooklyn 'Lab' |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url-access=limited |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/22/realestate/midtown-condo-brooklyn-lab.html |access-date=2021-07-12 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=July 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712010125/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/22/realestate/midtown-condo-brooklyn-lab.html |url-status=live }} Marketing for 53 West 53 began in May 2015,{{cite news|last=Stein |first=Amelia |date=2015-05-15 |title=Jean Nouvel: 'Architecture is still an art, sometimes' |url=http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2015/may/15/jean-nouvel-architecture-is-still-an-art-sometimes |access-date=2021-07-12 |newspaper=The Guardian |archive-date=December 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211231125630/https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2015/may/15/jean-nouvel-architecture-is-still-an-art-sometimes |url-status=live }} and the first listings for units at the building became publicly available in that September.{{cite web |last=Rosenberg |first=Zoe |date=2015-09-18 |title=At Last, Jean Nouvel's Supertall MoMA Tower Hits the Market |url=https://ny.curbed.com/2015/9/18/9919782/at-last-jean-nouvels-supertall-moma-tower-hits-the-market |access-date=2021-07-10 |website=Curbed NY |archive-date=July 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710180016/https://ny.curbed.com/2015/9/18/9919782/at-last-jean-nouvels-supertall-moma-tower-hits-the-market |url-status=live }} The units ranged from a one-bedroom apartment on floor 17, marketed at $3 million, to the penthouse on floors 81 and 82, marketed at $70 million. The building's sales gallery, on Fifth Avenue, included a digital board with information about the units and images of other Nouvel buildings.{{cite web |last=Plitt |first=Amy |date=2015-11-02 |title=Jean Nouvel's Long-Awaited 53W53 Reveals Its Cushy Sales Office |url=https://ny.curbed.com/2015/11/2/9905370/jean-nouvels-long-awaited-53w53-reveals-its-cushy-sales-office |access-date=2021-07-10 |website=Curbed NY |archive-date=July 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710173937/https://ny.curbed.com/2015/11/2/9905370/jean-nouvels-long-awaited-53w53-reveals-its-cushy-sales-office |url-status=live }} A model unit, to exhibit the materials in the interior of each apartment, was also constructed in the sales gallery.{{Cite news |last=McKeough |first=Tim |date=2016-04-01 |title=Exotic Marble and Opulent Finishes Lure Buyers |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url-access=limited |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/03/realestate/exotic-marble-and-opulent-finishes-lure-buyers.html |access-date=2021-07-10 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=July 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710173939/https://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/03/realestate/exotic-marble-and-opulent-finishes-lure-buyers.html |url-status=live }}

Foundation work began in September 2015 after the excavations were completed.{{Cite web |last=Fedak |first=Nikolai |date=2015-09-01 |title=Foundation Work Begins at 53 West 53rd Street, Formerly Torre Verre, Midtown |url=https://newyorkyimby.com/2015/09/foundation-work-begins-at-53-west-53rd-street-formerly-torre-verre-midtown.html |access-date=2021-07-09 |website=New York YIMBY |language=en-US |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709221535/https://newyorkyimby.com/2015/09/foundation-work-begins-at-53-west-53rd-street-formerly-torre-verre-midtown.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Stevens |first=Philip |date=Oct 23, 2015 |title=Jean Nouvel's 53W53 Skyscraper Breaks Ground in New York |url=https://www.designboom.com/architecture/atelier-jean-nouvel-53w53-skyscraper-moma-tower-new-york-10-23-2015/ |access-date=2021-07-10 |website=designboom magazine |archive-date=July 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710212650/https://www.designboom.com/architecture/atelier-jean-nouvel-53w53-skyscraper-moma-tower-new-york-10-23-2015/ |url-status=live }} By November 2016, concrete pouring had reached the 20th story. Work on the superstructure progressed at a rate of one story every four days. The tower was halfway completed by September 2017, with the superstructure having reached the 58th story.{{cite web |last=Plitt |first=Amy |date=2017-08-28 |title=Jean Nouvel's MoMA supertall is more than halfway to its apex |url=https://ny.curbed.com/2017/8/28/16214592/midtown-nyc-jean-nouvel-moma-skyscraper-construction |access-date=2021-07-10 |website=Curbed NY |archive-date=July 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710173936/https://ny.curbed.com/2017/8/28/16214592/midtown-nyc-jean-nouvel-moma-skyscraper-construction |url-status=live }} Much of the superstructure and facade were in place by the beginning of the following year.{{cite web |last=Warerkar |first=Tanay |date=January 17, 2018 |title=Jean Nouvel's MoMA tower approaches its 1,050-foot pinnacle |url=https://ny.curbed.com/2018/1/17/16900806/53-west-53rd-moma-tower-construction |access-date=July 12, 2021 |website=Curbed NY |archive-date=July 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711232650/https://ny.curbed.com/2018/1/17/16900806/53-west-53rd-moma-tower-construction |url-status=live }} The building officially topped out in June 2018,{{cite web |last=Walker |first=Ameena |date=2018-06-14 |title=Jean Nouvel's 82-story MoMA tower tops out |url=https://ny.curbed.com/2018/6/14/17463338/jean-nouvel-moma-tower-53-west-53-construction-update |access-date=2021-07-10 |website=Curbed NY |archive-date=July 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710173938/https://ny.curbed.com/2018/6/14/17463338/jean-nouvel-moma-tower-53-west-53-construction-update |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Walsh |first=Niall Patrick |date=2018-06-12 |title=Jean Nouvel's 53 West 53rd Street Tops Out in New York City |url=https://www.archdaily.com/896231/jean-nouvels-53-west-53rd-street-tops-out-in-new-york-city |access-date=2021-07-12 |website=ArchDaily |language=en-US |archive-date=July 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712010126/https://www.archdaily.com/896231/jean-nouvels-53-west-53rd-street-tops-out-in-new-york-city |url-status=live }} and the final spire was installed in late December 2018.{{Cite web |last=Young |first=Michael |date=2018-12-25 |title=Final Segment of 53 West 53rd Street's Apex Installed Atop Midtown Manhattan |url=https://newyorkyimby.com/2018/12/final-segment-of-53-west-53rd-streets-apex-installed-atop-midtown-manhattan.html |access-date=2021-07-12 |website=New York YIMBY |language=en-US |archive-date=July 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712010128/https://newyorkyimby.com/2018/12/final-segment-of-53-west-53rd-streets-apex-installed-atop-midtown-manhattan.html |url-status=live }}

In early 2019, Hines, Pontiac, and Goldman Sachs were involved in a dispute over the extent to which they wished to reduce apartment prices at the tower. At the time, the projected sellout price for all of the apartments was $1.98 billion, a reduction from the $2.14 billion sellout cited in documents filed with the Attorney General of New York, but Hines wanted to reduce prices even more. At the time, there was not only reduced demand for luxury apartment housing in New York City but also general concerns that the facade's design could restrict views from inside each apartment. The dispute led the developers to seek arbitration.{{Cite web |date=2019-02-13 |title=Dispute among partners of superluxe MoMA tower |url=https://www.crainsnewyork.com/real-estate/dispute-among-partners-superluxe-moma-tower |access-date=2021-07-09 |website=Crain's New York Business |language=en |archive-date=February 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190214015045/https://www.crainsnewyork.com/real-estate/dispute-among-partners-superluxe-moma-tower |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2019-02-14 |title=Price war: Partners at MoMA tower went to arbitration over unit discounts |url-access=limited |url=https://therealdeal.com/2019/02/14/price-war-partners-at-moma-tower-went-to-arbitration-over-unit-discounts/ |access-date=2021-07-09 |website=The Real Deal New York |language=en-US |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709195429/https://therealdeal.com/2019/02/14/price-war-partners-at-moma-tower-went-to-arbitration-over-unit-discounts/ |url-status=live }} At the time, just over 30 percent of units had been sold in four years.{{cite web |date=September 3, 2019 |title=Foreign investors battered by losses amid city's real estate shake-up |url=https://www.crainsnewyork.com/real-estate/foreign-investors-battered-losses-amid-citys-real-estate-shake |access-date=July 12, 2021 |website=Crain's New York Business |archive-date=July 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712010135/https://www.crainsnewyork.com/real-estate/foreign-investors-battered-losses-amid-citys-real-estate-shake |url-status=live }}

As part of 53 West 53's construction, the Museum of Modern Art closed for renovation from June to October 2019 so the exhibit space at the skyscraper's base could be completed.{{cite news |last=Paybarah |first=Azi |author-link=Azi Paybarah |date=October 21, 2019 |title=MoMA Reopening: Everything You Need to Know |language=en-US |newspaper=The New York Times |url-access=limited |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/21/nyregion/moma-reopening.html |access-date=November 18, 2019 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=November 18, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191118040056/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/21/nyregion/moma-reopening.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Hines |first=Morgan |date=October 16, 2019 |title='A new MoMA': New York's Museum of Modern Art reopening after $450 million expansion |language=en-US |newspaper=USA Today |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/2019/10/16/moma-reopens-museum-modern-art-new-york-opens-oct-21/3983343002/ |access-date=November 18, 2019 |archive-date=November 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191116204645/https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/2019/10/16/moma-reopens-museum-modern-art-new-york-opens-oct-21/3983343002/ |url-status=live }} The first model residence within the building, designed by Andre Fu Studio, became publicly available in mid-2019.{{cite web |date=July 2, 2019 |title=Hines releases new images of Nouvel's tapered tower at 53 West 53rd |url=https://rew-online.com/hine-releases-new-images-of-nouvels-tapered-tower-at-53-west-53rd/ |access-date=July 12, 2021 |website=Real Estate Weekly |archive-date=July 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712010126/https://rew-online.com/hine-releases-new-images-of-nouvels-tapered-tower-at-53-west-53rd/ |url-status=live }} All construction on 53 West 53 was completed in February 2020.{{cite web |date=February 10, 2020 |title=Hines completes construction on 53 West 53 condominium tower in US |url=https://www.worldconstructionnetwork.com/news/hines-completes-construction-on-53-west-53-condominium-tower-in-us |access-date=July 12, 2021 |website=World Construction Network |archive-date=April 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210416143105/https://www.worldconstructionnetwork.com/news/hines-completes-construction-on-53-west-53-condominium-tower-in-us |url-status=live }} The first purchases for units at 53 West 53 were finalized in early 2020, with one unit selling in February 2020 for $12.8 million.{{Cite news |last=Marino |first=Vivian |date=2020-02-28 |title=More High-Price Closings at New Condo Tower Next to MoMA |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url-access=limited |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/28/realestate/more-high-price-closings-at-new-condo-tower-next-to-moma.html |access-date=2021-07-10 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=July 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710020657/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/28/realestate/more-high-price-closings-at-new-condo-tower-next-to-moma.html |url-status=live }} By that June, fifty-five of the condos had been sold. Despite the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City in 2020, units in the building continued to be sold. For example, a two-bedroom unit was sold for about $8.8 million that July{{Cite web |last=Blatter |first=Lucy Cohen |date=July 20, 2020 |title=At Summer's Peak, Just Four Manhattan Luxury Homes Find Buyers |url=https://www.mansionglobal.com/articles/at-summers-peak-just-four-manhattan-luxury-homes-find-buyers-217667 |url-status=live |access-date=2021-07-12 |website=www.mansionglobal.com |language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200720164528/https://www.mansionglobal.com/articles/at-summers-peak-just-four-manhattan-luxury-homes-find-buyers-217667 |archive-date=July 20, 2020 }} and a unit on floor 72 was sold for nearly $30 million that September.{{Cite news |last=Marino |first=Vivian |date=2020-10-02 |title=In a Quiet Month, More Big Sales at 220 Central Park South |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url-access=limited |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/02/realestate/top-nyc-real-estate-sales.html |access-date=2021-07-10 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030145222/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/02/realestate/top-nyc-real-estate-sales.html |url-status=live }} Douglas Elliman took over marketing at 53 West 53 in April 2021.{{Cite web |last=Hudson |first=Erin |date=2021-04-07 |title=Elliman takes over marketing at MoMA tower |url-access=limited |url=https://therealdeal.com/2021/04/07/elliman-takes-over-marketing-at-moma-tower/ |url-status=live |access-date=2021-07-09 |website=The Real Deal New York |language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407163845/https://therealdeal.com/2021/04/07/elliman-takes-over-marketing-at-moma-tower/ |archive-date=April 7, 2021 }} A restaurant at the building's base, known as 53, opened in late 2022.{{cite web |date=December 7, 2022 |title=53 - Midtown - New York |url=https://www.theinfatuation.com/new-york/reviews/53-nyc |access-date=April 17, 2023 |website=The Infatuation}}

When Tower Verre was first announced, Nicolai Ouroussoff of The New York Times called the project "one of the most exciting additions to New York's skyline in a generation". After the tower was reduced to 1,050 feet, Ourousoff described it as disappointing for Manhattan's "future as a great metropolis", while Justin Davidson of New York magazine said: "The inspiring arrogance of Nouvel’s tower should never have been quashed by timorous bureaucrats."{{cite web |last=Davidson |first=Justin |date=April 30, 2010 |title=Why the City Should Let Jean Nouvel Build Every Inch of the Tower Verre – New York Magazine |url=https://nymag.com/arts/architecture/features/65759/ |access-date=July 11, 2021 |website=New York Magazine |archive-date=July 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711011800/https://nymag.com/arts/architecture/features/65759/ |url-status=live }} When 53 West 53 was being completed, a writer for the Financial Times said that the building contrasted with "intense skinniness" and "the dim, expressionless glass curtain walls of corporate extrusion" across the rest of the city.{{cite web |first=Edwin |last=Heathcote |title=Jean Nouvel's tower puts the Gotham back into New York |website=FT Property Listings |date=2019-11-04 |url=https://propertylistings.ft.com/propertynews/new-york-united-states/5956-jean-nouvels-tower-puts-the-gotham-back-into-new-york.html |access-date=2021-07-10 |archive-date=July 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711003931/https://propertylistings.ft.com/propertynews/new-york-united-states/5956-jean-nouvels-tower-puts-the-gotham-back-into-new-york.html |url-status=live }} New York Times architectural critic Michael Kimmelman said that 53 West 53, along with 111 West 57th Street, "promise to help tip the scales back toward an older ideal of the sophisticated, attenuated tower", in contrast to what he perceived as "decades of plug-and-play boxes".{{Cite news |last=Kimmelman |first=Michael |author-link=Michael Kimmelman |date=2016-06-02 |title=New York Above 800 Feet |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url-access=limited |url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/06/05/magazine/new-york-life.html,%2520https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/06/05/magazine/new-york-life.html |access-date=2021-07-11 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220508044611/https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/06/05/magazine/new-york-life.html,%2520https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/06/05/magazine/new-york-life.html |url-status=live }}

The tower also garnered criticism, including the controversies over its original height and the American Folk Art Museum's demolition. In 2015, when the tower was still in development, a neighborhood group protested the fact that 53 West 53 and other Billionaires' Row towers would cast long shadows over Central Park.{{Cite web |last=McKnight |first=Jenna |date=2015-11-11 |title=Shadows cast by super-tall towers in Manhattan spark a protest |url=https://www.dezeen.com/2015/11/11/supertall-skinny-skyscrapers-towers-manhattan-new-york-shop-architects-robert-stern-rafaely-vinoly-jean-nouvel-portzamparc-controversy-protest/ |access-date=2021-05-30 |website=Dezeen |language=en |archive-date=June 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602221604/https://www.dezeen.com/2015/11/11/supertall-skinny-skyscrapers-towers-manhattan-new-york-shop-architects-robert-stern-rafaely-vinoly-jean-nouvel-portzamparc-controversy-protest/ |url-status=live }} Some critics also said 53 West 53 was a symbol of wealth inequality within New York City.

• List of tallest buildings in New York City

{{Notelist}}

{{reflist}}

• {{Cite web |last=Hines West Fifty-Third Realty, LLC |date=May 21, 2015 |title=Condominium Offering Plan for 53 West 53rd Street Condominium |url-access=limited |url=https://therealdeal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/CD14-0230_53-West-53rd-Street-Condominium_Offering-Plan_Screened_Part1.pdf |website=The Real Deal |ref={{harvid|Hines|2015}}}}

{{commons category}}

• {{official website|http://www.53w53.com/}}

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