432 Park Avenue is the tallest residential skyscraper in Manhattan, located in Midtown Manhattan in New York City. Referred to as the “techno palace,” it is also the fifth tallest building in Manhattan and the third tallest residential building globally.

432 Park Avenue is the tallest residential skyscraper in Manhattan, located in Midtown Manhattan in New York City. Referred to as the “techno palace,” it is also the fifth tallest building in Manhattan and the third tallest residential building globally.

Hezi Mena, senior vice president of building structures at WSP in New York, describes the structure as pure and astonishing. The aim was to simplify it and not interfere with the architect’s vision.

In summary, 432 Park Avenue is a remarkable skyscraper in Manhattan, known for its height and status as one of the most expensive residential buildings in the world.

Situated on Billionaires’ Row, 432 Park Avenue stands at 1,396 feet. Designed by Rafael Viñoly, the tower was developed by CIM Group and Harry B. Macklowe. Vinoly drew inspiration from a trash can for the building’s design.

The pencil tower has a height-to-width ratio of 15:1.

Two concrete tubes provide stability and support for the building. The interior tube acts as the core, measuring nearly 30 feet by 30 feet, and serves as the structure’s backbone.

The outer tube serves as the perimeter beam and column frame. Stiffening beams join the tubes on every 12th floor, and these beams are accommodated in the double-height plant rooms to avoid interfering with the units. WSP also removed interior columns, giving residents flexibility in configuring their space.

The Supertall Structure Required Advanced Engineering

Pencil towers like 432 Park Avenue require advanced engineering and technology. The building’s foundation uses 60 rock anchors that extend 60 to 70 feet into the bedrock for stability. Windbreaks were built into the structure every 12 stories with 12 openings per face.

The top floors have thicker slabs to add weight and mitigate strong winds. Architects added special dampers at the top and on the mechanical floors to prevent swaying.

A grid framework made with white Portland cement was used for the building’s exterior. Designer Viñoly said the lattice-like exterior was inspired by a 1905 trash can design.

432 Park Avenue vs. 111 West 57th

Both 432 Park Avenue and 111 West 57th Street are super skinny residential skyscrapers. To be classified as a pencil tower, the building must have a height-to-width ratio of 7:1. 432 Park Avenue has an aspect ratio of 15:1.

111 West 57th Street pushes the size envelope. With a width of 58 feet, it has a height-to-width ratio of 24:1.

Ultra-Luxurious Units at 432 Park Avenue

Condo owners at 432 Park Avenue include Saudi retail magnate Fawaz Alhokair, a member of the Jose Cuervo Tequila family, and Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez.

With high prices, one would expect unparalleled luxury. The units have 15’6 inch tall ceilings.

The 8,255-square-foot 432 Park Avenue penthouse offers a 360-degree view that many have described as “cinematic.” This six-bedroom, seven-bathroom residence features a 1,100-square-foot great room, an oversized kitchen, and a media room.

The penthouse includes office space for a personal assistant and a private office in the master suite. Additional features include a library, fireplace, and breakfast nook with a view of Central Park. Surrounding the penthouse are single-pane, 10-foot square glass windows.

Fawaz Alhokair, a Saudi retail magnate, purchased the penthouse in 2016 for $87.7 million. He is now selling it in 2022 for $169 million, making it the most expensive condo in New York City.

State-of-the-art amenities.

Each unit at 432 Park Avenue has advanced amenities. This includes golf training facilities, private dining rooms, and screening rooms. There is also an 8,500-square-foot private restaurant with a 5,000-square-foot terrace and a Michelin-starred chef.

A health club occupies floors 12 through 16. It is equipped with a fitness center, 75-foot-long swimming pool, whirlpool, sauna, steam room, and yoga studio. Additionally, there is a 14-seat boardroom and a library.

Concierge and valet services are available for residents.

However, despite the luxury, 432 Park Avenue does have several building issues.

Residents complained of leaks, flooding, faulty elevators, and an “intolerable” building noise caused by swaying. During stormy weather, the noise is so loud that it’s nearly impossible to sleep. There was also an electrical explosion that wiped out the building’s power.

According to The New York Times, when the building sways, its elevators stall, trapping residents for hours. Inferior plumbing has caused rampant leaks and flooding, resulting in millions in structural damage. Residents have even complained about the trash chute, as falling garbage “sounds like a bomb.”

Vortex Shedding is Another Issue

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

How tall is 432 Park Avenue?

The residential skyscraper is 1,396 feet tall, with 84 stories and a mezzanine floor.

Where is 432 Park Avenue located?

432 Park Avenue is in Billionaire’s Row, overlooking Central Park, at Park Avenue and 57th Street in Midtown Manhattan.

How much does it cost to live in 432 Park Avenue?

Current listings vary, but condominiums in 432 Park Avenue can be purchased for as little as $5.3 million. The top price reaches $135 million, and rental options range from $32,000 to $70,000 per month.

Who lives in the penthouse at 432 Park Avenue?

The inspiration for the exterior design of 432 Park Avenue was a 1905 waste basket design by Josef Hoffmann. Park Avenue in NYC is special because it is connected with wealth and luxury, hosting iconic buildings such as Grand Central Station, the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, and The MetLife Building (previously called the Pan Am Building). Upon the appearance of the needle towers in Manhattan, critics labeled the modern residences as a manifestation of transnational plutonomy, a society reliant on a small group of super-rich individuals for growth.