In a previous article, we talked about how New York City's Tribeca neighbourhood has seen a sharp increase in population over the past several years, thanks to a series of former industrial buildings converted for residential uses as well as new construction adding density to the area. At 56 Leonard Street, a highrise designed by Herzog & de Meuron Architekten is rising towards completion, featuring 145 new luxury units and soaring 250 metres above the intersection of Church and Leonard Streets.

Aerial view of 56 Leonard, image by Edward Skira

In the picture above, taken by SkyriseCities Co-Founder Edward Skira during a tour of One World Trade Center, we see how the Hines-developed tower's distinctive silhouette impacts the Lower Manhattan skyline. Recently topped off, the building's 57 cantilevered storeys are gradually being covered by bright blue glass, blending with the city sky. While approximately two of the lower thirds have been covered so far, many of the structure's most varied protruding elements are still exposed. These will contain 10 penthouses, ranging from 340 to approximately 590 square metres in size.

Cladding is making its way towards the upper levels of the tower, image by Edward Skira

As the application of the cladding progresses, this unique feature in the tower's architecture will become even more apparent. On the lower floors, the clear glass enclosing each balcony has been installed. Floors eight through 45 will offer a series of one- to five-bedroom 'townhouses,' each featuring a different layout. They will rise above the building's amenities section where the city's largest infinity pools — 23 metres long — will overlook the street. The tower's entrance will be marked by a 158-square-metre lobby with 5.5-metre ceilings, as well as Anish Kapoor's sculpture, which has yet to be installed. 

The lower section of the tower is mostly covered in glass, image by Edward Skira

56 Leonard Street is scheduled for completion in 2016, adding to the ever-growing collection of highrises making Manhattan's skyline one of the most recognizable in the world. Meanwhile, additional information and renderings can be found in our Database file, linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion? Check out the associated Forum thread, where more picture updates for the building are available, or leave a comment in the space provided at the bottom of this page.