View source for Carnegie Hall Tower

{{Short description|Skyscraper in Manhattan, New York}}
{{distinguish|text=[[Carnegie Hill Tower]] on the Upper East Side of Manhattan}}
{{good article}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2022}}
{{Infobox building
| name               = Carnegie Hall Tower
| image              = Carnegie Hall Tower.JPG
| image_size         = 200px
| caption            =
| start_date         = 1988
| completion_date    = 1991
| building_type      =
| location           = 152 West 57th Street<br>[[Manhattan]], New York
| mapframe-wikidata = yes
| coordinates        = {{coord|40.7648|-73.9797|region:US-NY|display=inline,title|format=dms}}
| roof               = {{convert|757|ft|m|abbr=on}}
| top_floor          =
| antenna_spire      =
| floor_count        = 60
| floor_area         =
| elevator_count     = 
| architect          = [[César Pelli]]
| structural_engineer= Rosenwasser/Grossman<br>[[Cosentini Associates]]
| owner              = TF Cornerstone
}}

'''Carnegie Hall Tower''' is a [[skyscraper]] at 152 West [[57th Street (Manhattan)|57th Street]] in the [[Midtown Manhattan]] neighborhood of [[New York City]]. Completed in 1990 and designed by [[César Pelli]], the building measures {{Convert|757|ft}} tall with 60 stories. Due to the presence of [[Carnegie Hall]] and the [[Russian Tea Room]] on adjacent sites, the tower is only {{Convert|50|ft}} wide on 57th Street, making it among the world's most slender skyscrapers at its completion.

Carnegie Hall Tower is designed with a red-and-orange brick [[facade]] and cast-concrete decorations, both inspired by the older structure. The tower rises above a six-story base, which contains a [[Setback (architecture)|setback]] from 57th Street. The structure has an L-shaped plan through the 42nd floor and a rectangular plan above that story. The [[superstructure]] is made of concrete, with a core made of two connected concrete tubes. The building was designed with {{Convert|485000|ft2}} for offices and {{Convert|25000|ft2}} for Carnegie Hall's offstage facilities. Each of the upper floors contains between {{Convert|8000|and|14000|ft2}}. The design was largely praised by architectural critics upon its completion.

The site of Carnegie Hall Tower was occupied by the Rembrandt Apartments until 1963, after which it served as a parking lot. In late 1980, the corporation and the New York City government signed a [[memorandum of understanding]], which allowed the potential development of a skyscraper on the lot. Following a failed proposal to combine the lot with another site to the east, [[Rockrose Development Corporation]] was selected as the developer in May 1985. Construction began in late 1987 after approvals from various city agencies. After the building opened, the upper floors were marketed to small tenants, and the tower had some of New York City's most expensive office space by the 21st century.

== Site ==
Carnegie Hall Tower is at 152 West [[57th Street (Manhattan)|57th Street]], between [[Sixth Avenue]] and [[Seventh Avenue (Manhattan)|Seventh Avenue]] two blocks south of [[Central Park]], in the [[Midtown Manhattan]] neighborhood of [[New York City]]. The building's [[land lot]] covers {{Convert|12,552|ft2}}, has a [[frontage]] of {{Convert|50|ft||abbr=}} along 57th Street, and is {{Convert|200|ft||abbr=}} deep.<ref name="ZoLa">{{Cite web|title=152 West 57 Street, 10019|url=https://zola.planning.nyc.gov/l/lot/1/1009/5|url-status=live|access-date=September 8, 2020|publisher=[[New York City Department of City Planning]]|archive-date=August 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819224129/https://zola.planning.nyc.gov/l/lot/1/1009/5}}</ref> The rear of the building, on 56th Street, is {{Convert|75|ft}} deep.<ref name="AR 1990-10">{{cite magazine|last=Russell|first=James A.|date=Oct 1990|title=Designing the Super-Thin New Buildings|url=https://usmodernist.org/AR/AR-1990-10.pdf|journal=Architectural Record|volume=178|pages=106|access-date=August 21, 2021|archive-date=July 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184953/https://usmodernist.org/AR/AR-1990-10.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

The building abuts [[Carnegie Hall]] to the west and the [[Russian Tea Room]] to the east. Other nearby buildings include [[Metropolitan Tower (Manhattan)|Metropolitan Tower]], [[140 West 57th Street]], and [[130 West 57th Street]] to the east; [[The Briarcliffe]] to the northwest; the [[165 West 57th Street|Louis H. Chalif Normal School of Dancing]] and [[One57]] to the north; the [[Nippon Club (Manhattan)|Nippon Club Tower]] and [[Calvary Baptist Church (Manhattan)|Calvary Baptist Church]] to the northeast; and [[CitySpire]] and [[New York City Center]] to the south.<ref name="ZoLa" /><ref>{{cite aia5|page=305}}</ref> Metropolitan Tower and Carnegie Hall Tower are only separated by the Russian Tea Room, which is {{Convert|20|ft}} wide. When both buildings were developed in the 1980s, the Russian Tea Room's owner Faith Stewart-Gordon had refused to sell her land.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Roberts|first=Sam|date=October 14, 2020|title=Faith Stewart-Gordon, Doyenne of the Russian Tea Room, Dies at 88|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/14/obituaries/faith-stewart-gordon-dead.html|access-date=August 21, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=May 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210529025419/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/14/obituaries/faith-stewart-gordon-dead.html/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Horsley 2009">{{cite web|last=Horsley|first=Carter B.|date=June 16, 2009|title=Carnegie Hall/Carnegie Hall Tower|url=https://www.thecityreview.com/carnegie.html|access-date=August 21, 2021|website=The Midtown Book|archive-date=August 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821200121/https://www.thecityreview.com/carnegie.html|url-status=live}}</ref> While Carnegie Hall Tower originally had a direct northward view of Central Park, much of the view was blocked when [[One57]] was built in the 2010s.<ref>{{cite news|author=Shaer|first=Matthew|date=October 7, 2012|title=This Is What $90 Million Looks Like|work=[[New York (magazine)|New York Magazine]]|url=https://nymag.com/homedesign/urbanliving/2012/one-57/index4.html|access-date=November 19, 2020|archive-date=September 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210903213818/https://nymag.com/homedesign/urbanliving/2012/one-57/index4.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

The neighborhood was historically part of a former artistic hub around a two-block section of West 57th Street between [[Sixth Avenue]] and [[Broadway (Manhattan)|Broadway]]. The hub had been developed during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, following the opening of Carnegie Hall.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Gray|first=Christopher|date=May 9, 1999|title=Streetscapes /57th Street Between Avenue of the Americas and Seventh Avenue; High and Low Notes of a Block With a Musical Bent|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/05/09/realestate/streetscapes-57th-street-between-avenue-americas-seventh-avenue-high-low-notes.html|access-date=November 18, 2020|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=November 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127115151/https://www.nytimes.com/1999/05/09/realestate/streetscapes-57th-street-between-avenue-americas-seventh-avenue-high-low-notes.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=November 13, 2001|title=Steinway Hall|url=http://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/lpc/lp/2100.pdf|access-date=November 12, 2020|publisher=[[New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission]]|pages=6–7|archive-date=November 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109230241/http://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/lpc/lp/2100.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite fednyc|page=232}}</ref> Several buildings in the area were constructed as residences for artists and musicians, such as 130 and 140 West 57th Street, the [[Rodin Studios]], and the [[Osborne Apartments]], as well as the demolished [[Sherwood Studio Building|Sherwood Studios]] and Rembrandt. In addition, the area contained the headquarters of organizations such as the [[American Fine Arts Society]], the [[Lotos Club]], and the [[American Society of Civil Engineers]].<ref>{{cite web|date=December 16, 2008|title=Society House of the American Society of Civil Engineers|url=http://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/lpc/lp/2297.pdf|publisher=[[New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission]]|page=2|access-date=August 21, 2021|archive-date=August 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210823005513/http://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/lpc/lp/2297.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> By the 21st century, the artistic hub had largely been replaced with [[Billionaires' Row]], a series of luxury skyscrapers around the southern end of [[Central Park]].<ref>{{cite web | last=Scher | first=Robin | title='Round 57th Street: New York's First Gallery District Continues (for Now) to Weather Endless Changes in the Art World | website=ARTnews | date=July 19, 2016 | url=https://www.artnews.com/art-news/market/round-57th-street-new-yorks-first-gallery-district-continues-for-now-to-weather-endless-changes-in-the-art-world-6685/ | access-date=June 13, 2024}}</ref> The Rembrandt Apartments, built in 1881 and demolished in 1963, had occupied the site of Carnegie Hall Tower.<ref name="Stern (2006) p. 733">{{harvnb|Stern|Fishman|Tilove|2006|ps=.|p=733}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Gray|first=Christopher|date=April 4, 2013|title=An Innovation, Packed With Artists|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/07/realestate/the-idea-behind-the-co-op-building.html|access-date=August 21, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=August 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821205923/https://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/07/realestate/the-idea-behind-the-co-op-building.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Architecture ==
Carnegie Hall Tower was designed by [[César Pelli]] and developed by the [[Rockrose Development Corporation]].<ref name="Crosbie p. 70">{{harvnb|Crosbie|1991|ps=.|p=70}}</ref><ref name="PA 1989-03">{{cite magazine|date=Mar 1989|title=Correctly Placing Pelli|url=https://usmodernist.org/PA/PA-1989-03.pdf|journal=Progressive Architecture|volume=70|pages=13|access-date=August 21, 2021|archive-date=August 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820225429/https://usmodernist.org/PA/PA-1989-03.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="nyt19900321">{{Cite news|last=Lyons|first=Richard D.|date=March 21, 1990|title=Real Estate; Development Aids Cultural Institutions|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/03/21/business/real-estate-development-aids-cultural-institutions.html|access-date=August 21, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=August 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821004118/https://www.nytimes.com/1990/03/21/business/real-estate-development-aids-cultural-institutions.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Brennan Beer Gorman]] was the architect of record.<ref name="AR 1990-10" /><ref name="Crosbie p. 70" /> The tower was built by construction manager [[HRH Construction]].<ref name="Crosbie p. 70" /><ref>{{Cite news|last=Robbins|first=Tom|date=November 3, 1994|title=Probers rip builder-mob tie|pages=754|work=New York Daily News|via=newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83880364/probers-rip-builder-mob-tie/|access-date=August 21, 2021|archive-date=August 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821205923/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83880364/probers-rip-builder-mob-tie/|url-status=live}}</ref> In addition, Robert Rosenwasser Associates was the structural engineer, Cosentini Associates was the [[mechanical, electrical, and plumbing]], and Mesh & Juul Inc. was the lighting engineer.<ref name="Crosbie p. 70" /> Carnegie Hall Tower is 757&nbsp;feet (231 m) tall and 60 stories high.<ref name="Emporis">{{Cite web|title=Carnegie Hall Tower, New York City|url=https://www.emporis.com/buildings/113831/carnegie-hall-tower-new-york-city-ny-usa|access-date=January 1, 2021|publisher=Emporis|archive-date=April 30, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070430052256/http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/bu/?id=carnegiehalltower-newyorkcity-ny-usa|url-status=usurped}}</ref><ref name="Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat 2020">{{cite web|date=August 24, 2020|title=Carnegie Hall Tower - The Skyscraper Center|url=https://www.skyscrapercenter.com/building/carnegie-hall-tower/1090|access-date=August 20, 2021|website=Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat|archive-date=April 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210421071216/https://www.skyscrapercenter.com/building/carnegie-hall-tower/1090|url-status=live}}</ref> As planned, it was {{Convert|756|ft}} tall with 59 stories.<ref name="AR 1986-06">{{cite magazine|date=Jun 1986|title=News Briefs|url=https://usmodernist.org/AR/AR-1986-06.pdf|journal=Architectural Record|volume=174|pages=71|access-date=August 21, 2021|archive-date=April 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422201254/https://usmodernist.org/AR/AR-1986-06.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Form and facade===
{{multiple image
|align=right
|direction=horizontal
|total_width=400
|image1=W 57th St Aug 2021 43.jpg
|caption1=Facade of the lowest stories on 57th Street
|image2=W 57th St Aug 2021 42.jpg
|caption2=Facade at the 43rd-story setback
}}
Carnegie Hall Tower contains a six-story base, above which rises the main tower.<ref name="nyt19901021" /><ref name="Žaknić Smith Rice Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat p.">{{cite book |last1=Žaknić |first1=Ivan |title=100 of the world's tallest buildings |last2=Smith |first2=Matthew |last3=Rice |first3=Dolores B. |author4=Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat |date=1998 |publisher=Gingko Press |isbn=3-927258-60-1 |publication-place=Corte Madera, CA |page=70 |oclc=40110184}}</ref> On 57th Street, the base of the building is only as tall as the original Carnegie Hall, which is seven stories high.<ref name="PA 1989-03" /><ref name="Crosbie p. 67">{{harvnb|Crosbie|1991|ps=.|p=67}}</ref> The structure has an L-shaped plan through the 42nd floor,<ref name="Crosbie p. 67" /> with a frontage of {{Convert|50|ft}} on the north and {{Convert|75|ft}} on the south.<ref name="AR 1990-10" /> There is a single [[Setback (architecture)|setback]] on the 43rd floor.<ref name="nyt19901021">{{Cite news|last=Goldberger|first=Paul|date=October 21, 1990|title=Architecture View; Skyscrapers Battle It Out Near Carnegie Hall|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/10/21/arts/architecture-view-skyscrapers-battle-it-out-near-carnegie-hall.html|access-date=August 19, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=August 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819233930/https://www.nytimes.com/1990/10/21/arts/architecture-view-skyscrapers-battle-it-out-near-carnegie-hall.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Crosbie p. 67" /> Above that, the tower rises as a rectangular slab measuring {{Convert|50|ft}} wide and {{Convert|140|ft}} long. At the time of its completion, Carnegie Hall Tower was one of the world's most slender skyscrapers.<ref name="Crosbie p. 67" /> As viewed from the west, Carnegie Hall Tower almost completely blocks the view of Metropolitan Tower to the east.<ref name="nyt19860430">{{Cite news|last=Goldberger|first=Paul|date=April 30, 1986|title=Carnegie Hall Details Plans for Office Tower|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/04/30/arts/carnegie-hall-details-plans-for-office-tower.html|access-date=August 19, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=May 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150524194608/http://www.nytimes.com/1986/04/30/arts/carnegie-hall-details-plans-for-office-tower.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Carnegie Hall Tower has a red-and-orange brick [[facade]] and cast-concrete decorations, both inspired by the older structure.<ref name="Crosbie p. 67" /><ref name="nyt19860430" /><ref name="p219129382">{{cite magazine|last=Grant|first=Peter|date=April 3, 1989|title=Contrary Designs Face Off on W. Side|volume=5|issue=14|page=15|id={{ProQuest|219129382}}|magazine=Crain's New York Business}}</ref> This was a contrast to contemporary buildings that were being built with steel or glass facades.<ref name="p219129382" /> [[Douglas Davis (artist)|Douglas Davis]] wrote for ''[[Newsweek]]'': "Unlike the postmoderns, Pelli pushed the new technology of glass, plastic and wafer-thin stone to its limit—part of what he called 'extreme modernism'".<ref name="Stern (2006) p. 734" /><ref>{{cite magazine|last=Davis|first=Douglas|date=August 4, 1986|title=The New Master Builder|journal=Newsweek|volume=108|issue=5|pages=61|id={{ProQuest|214341981}}}}</ref> The brick was used to complement the reddish brown Roman brick used in Carnegie Hall.<ref name="Žaknić Smith Rice Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat p." /><ref name="Crosbie p. 69" /> The tower's developers contemplated using oven-fired brick, similar to that used in Carnegie Hall, but ultimately determined that to be too expensive.<ref name="Crosbie p. 69">{{harvnb|Crosbie|1991|ps=.|p=69}}</ref>

The facade of the base on 57th Street is made of conventional brick, with three [[Course (architecture)|courses]] of brick corresponding to {{Convert|8|in}} of height. According to the project architect, Malcolm Roberts, the use of conventional brick was intended to make the building "humanly scaled to passersby".<ref name="Crosbie p. 69" /> The base contains horizontal [[Molding (decorative)|moldings]] that match both those of Carnegie Hall and the Russian Tea Room.<ref name="Crosbie p. 67" /><ref name="TIME.com 1990">{{cite magazine|last=Andersen|first=Kurt|date=September 24, 1990|title=Design: Big Yet Still Beautiful|url=http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,971193,00.html|access-date=August 20, 2021|magazine=Time|pages=98–99|archive-date=August 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821000553/http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,971193,00.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Horizontal bands run below and above the second story on 57th Street, matching the third floor of the Russian Tea Room. A decorative band runs near the top of the sixth story, complementing a broad [[terracotta]] frieze at Carnegie Hall; it is interrupted by a set of windows. An aluminum molding, painted to resemble terracotta, runs above Carnegie Hall's sixth floor.<ref>{{harvnb|Crosbie|1991|ps=.|pp=67–69}}</ref>

Above the base, the facade uses larger brick, with two courses corresponding to 8 inches. According to Pelli, "We chose a variety of brick, not only to relate the tower to Carnegie Hall, but to pop this building out on the skyline".<ref name="Crosbie p. 69" /> The brick comes in 11 colors, including bright red and dark green.<ref name="Crosbie p. 69" /><ref name="ENR19910114">{{cite magazine|last=Post|first=Nadine M.|date=January 14, 1991|title=Big Squeeze for Lean Landmark|journal=Engineering News-Record|volume=226|pages=30}}</ref>  There are precast concrete [[lintel]]s above windows, sills, and vertical accents.<ref name="PA 1989-03" /><ref name="Žaknić Smith Rice Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat p." /> Painted metal bands wrap around the building at intervals of six floors.<ref name="Žaknić Smith Rice Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat p." /><ref name="TIME.com 1990" /> The top of the shaft contains a [[frieze]] made of dark green glazed brick.<ref name="Žaknić Smith Rice Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat p." /> The large [[cornice]] above the shaft is an open trellis of wide-flange steel sections.<ref name="AR 1990-10" /><ref name="nyt19901021" /><ref name="Crosbie p. 69" /> This cornice is composed of [[I-beam]]s that project {{Convert|10|ft}} from the top story's facade.<ref name="Crosbie p. 69" />

=== Structural features ===
The [[superstructure]] is made of [[concrete]].<ref name="PA 1989-03" /><ref name="Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat 2020" /> The core consists of two joined tubes of cast-in-place concrete, designed by engineer Jacob Grossman of Robert Rosenwasser Associates.<ref name="AR 1990-10" /><ref name="Crosbie p. 70" /> Grossman had found that concrete was more efficient than steel in reducing sway for such a narrow structure; under the same wind forces, a steel structure of the same size would sway for longer.<ref name="Crosbie p. 70" /><ref name="Žaknić Smith Rice Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat p." /> The tubes connect to each other at the tower's center, and east-west spandrel beams extend from the core, further stiffening the superstructure.<ref name="Crosbie p. 70" /> The roof contains space for a [[tuned mass damper]], which could be installed if it were ever needed.<ref name="Crosbie p. 70" /><ref name="Žaknić Smith Rice Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat p." /> The exterior walls double as wind-resisting elements since the windows are spaced closely and have small dimensions, similar to Carnegie Hall itself.<ref name="AR 1990-10" /> At the time of completion, Carnegie Hall Tower was New York City's second-tallest, and the world's eighth-tallest, concrete building.<ref>{{harvnb|Crosbie|1991|ps=.|pp=69–70}}</ref>

=== Interior ===
[[File:Carnegie Tower hallway from south jeh.jpg|thumb|Lobby]]According to the [[New York City Department of City Planning]], the building has {{Convert|542,584|ft2}} of [[gross floor area]].<ref name="ZoLa" /> The building was designed with {{Convert|485000|ft2}} for offices and {{Convert|25000|ft2}} for Carnegie Hall.<ref name="PA 1989-03" /> The rear of Carnegie Hall Tower contains offstage facilities for Carnegie Hall,<ref name="AR 1986-06" /><ref name="n83810186" /> spanning portions of the second through seventh stories.<ref name="nyt19900321" />

The lobby contains walls and floors made of green, red, and black marble, with brass accents and metal-grille lamps on the walls.<ref name="Horsley 2009" /><ref name="Kayden 2016-2">{{cite web|last=Kayden|first=Jerold S.|date=March 31, 2016|title=899 Seventh Avenue|url=https://apops.mas.org/pops/m050077/|access-date=August 23, 2021|website=Privately Owned Public Space (APOPS)|archive-date=August 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210823035855/https://apops.mas.org/pops/m050077/|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[vaulted ceiling]] is composed of translucent panels separated by metal ribs. There are elevators on either side of the lobby, as well as a guard desk.<ref name="Kayden 2016-2" /> The lobby is one of nine passageways that form [[6½ Avenue]], a set of full-block passageways from [[51st Street (Manhattan)|51st]] to 57th Street between Sixth and Seventh Avenues. It was built as a "through-block connection" under the Special Midtown District, created in 1982.<ref name="Stern (2006) p. 625">{{harvnb|Stern|Fishman|Tilove|2006|ps=.|p=625}}</ref> Carnegie Hall Tower's lobby is one of three parallel passageways on the same block; the others are in Metropolitan Tower and the [[Parker New York]] hotel to the east.<ref name="Stern (2006) p. 636">{{harvnb|ps=.|Stern|Fishman|Tilove|2006|p=636}}</ref><ref name="Kayden 2016">{{cite web|last=Kayden|first=Jerold S.|date=March 31, 2016|title=146 West 57th Street - Metropolitan Tower|url=https://apops.mas.org/pops/m050085/|access-date=August 23, 2021|website=Privately Owned Public Space (APOPS)|archive-date=August 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210823002159/https://apops.mas.org/pops/m050085/|url-status=live}}</ref> While the district no longer allows more than two "through-block connections" on the same block, these passageways all predate the rule modification.<ref name="Kayden 2016" />

Carnegie Hall's operator, Carnegie Hall Corporation, demolished the walls separating the second-story and third-story spaces from the original hall.<ref name="nyt19921011" /> The tower includes the venue's first freight elevator; before the tower's construction, pianos at Carnegie Hall were carried manually on staircases.<ref name="nyt19901021" /> The leased space in the tower includes the East Room, a 200-seat dining room that covers {{Convert|1,972|ft2}}, and the Club Room, which covers {{Convert|725|ft2}}.<ref name="nyt19921011">{{Cite news|last=Deutsch|first=Claudia H.|date=October 11, 1992|title=Commercial Property: Carnegie Hall; What's Playing? Maybe a Rousing Business Meeting|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/10/11/realestate/commercial-property-carnegie-hall-what-s-playing-maybe-rousing-business-meeting.html|access-date=August 20, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=August 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820004703/https://www.nytimes.com/1992/10/11/realestate/commercial-property-carnegie-hall-what-s-playing-maybe-rousing-business-meeting.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The East Room and Club Room were subsequently renamed the Rohatyn Room and Shorin Club Room, respectively.<ref>{{cite web|date=April 3, 2020|title=Rent the Shorin Club Room and Rohatyn Room|url=https://www.carnegiehall.org/About/Rentals/Event-Spaces/Shorin-Club-Room-and-Rohatyn-Room|access-date=August 20, 2021|website=Carnegie Hall|archive-date=August 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820004724/https://www.carnegiehall.org/About/Rentals/Event-Spaces/Shorin-Club-Room-and-Rohatyn-Room|url-status=live}}</ref> On the third floor, next to the Weill Recital Hall in the original building, is a {{Convert|176|ft2|adj=on}} catering lounge.<ref name="nyt19921011" /> A musicians' lounge, rehearsal space, and dressing rooms were also provided.<ref name="n83810186" /><ref>{{Cite news|last=Rockwell|first=John|date=January 11, 1990|title=From Concert Operas to Cliburn, Carnegie Plans a Starry Season|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/01/11/arts/from-concert-operas-to-cliburn-carnegie-plans-a-starry-season.html|access-date=August 21, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=August 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821004118/https://www.nytimes.com/1990/01/11/arts/from-concert-operas-to-cliburn-carnegie-plans-a-starry-season.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The upper floors contain between {{Convert|8000|and|14000|ft2}} on each floor.<ref name="nyt19910828">{{Cite news|last=Garbarine|first=Rachelle|date=August 28, 1991|title=Real Estate; Small Offices Lure Tenants In Midtown|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/08/28/business/real-estate-small-offices-lure-tenants-in-midtown.html|access-date=August 21, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=August 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813020352/https://www.nytimes.com/1991/08/28/business/real-estate-small-offices-lure-tenants-in-midtown.html|url-status=live}}</ref> A freight elevator and ten passenger elevators provide access to the upper floors.<ref>{{cite web|title=New York City Luxury Commercial Office Building|url=http://www.carnegiehalltower.com/building.php|access-date=August 21, 2021|website=Carnegie Hall Tower|archive-date=June 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603090032/http://carnegiehalltower.com/building.php|url-status=live}}</ref>

== History ==
After the demolition of the Rembrandt Apartments in 1963, the site became a parking lot owned by the [[government of New York City]].<ref name="Stern (2006) p. 733" /> The Carnegie Hall Corporation operated Carnegie Hall and leased both the performance venue and the Rembrandt site from the city.<ref name="nyt19801021">{{Cite news|last=Shipp|first=E. r|date=October 21, 1980|title=Carnegie Hall and City Negotiating On Renovation and Air-Rights Use|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1980/10/21/archives/carnegie-hall-and-city-negotiating-on-renovation-and-airrights-use.html|access-date=August 19, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=August 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819000418/https://www.nytimes.com/1980/10/21/archives/carnegie-hall-and-city-negotiating-on-renovation-and-airrights-use.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In late 1980, the corporation and the New York City government signed a [[memorandum of understanding]] to allow the transfer of unused [[Air rights|development rights]] above Carnegie Hall, as well as the development of the Rembrandt site. The city would receive tax revenue while the corporation would receive money for the hall's maintenance.<ref>{{harvnb|Stern|Fishman|Tilove|2006|ps=.|p=732}}</ref><ref name="nyt19801021" /><ref>{{Cite news|last=Smith|first=Randy|date=October 21, 1980|title=Mull sale of air rights over Carnegie Hall|pages=65|work=New York Daily News|via=newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83767827/mull-sale-of-air-rights-over-carnegie/|access-date=August 19, 2021|archive-date=August 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819224128/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83767827/mull-sale-of-air-rights-over-carnegie/|url-status=live}}</ref> Carnegie Hall's real estate director Lawrence Goldman stated that the lot's development would be the "motor that drives the engine" for the hall's renovation.<ref>{{cite news|date=July 30, 1936|title=I.B.M. Corp. Buys 20-Story Building|page=X18|newspaper=The Washington Post|issn=0190-8286|id={{ProQuest|397853940}}}}</ref> Carnegie Hall's renovation, designed by [[Polshek Partnership]], began in February 1982.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Rockwell|first=John|date=February 21, 1982|title=Carnegie Hall Begins $20 Million Renovation|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1982/02/21/arts/carnegie-hall-begins-20-million-renovation.html|access-date=December 18, 2020|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=August 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819002354/https://www.nytimes.com/1982/02/21/arts/carnegie-hall-begins-20-million-renovation.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Development ===
[[File:New York City, Manhattan, Midtown West, W 57th St. Carnegie Hall Tower.jpg|thumb|The eastern facade as seen from Seventh Avenue; the Metropolitan Tower can be seen to the left]]
In March 1982, the city issued a [[request for proposals]] for the vacant Rembrandt lot.<ref name="nyt19820306">{{Cite news|last=Kihss|first=Peter|date=March 26, 1982|title=Carnegie Hall Planning a Commercial Complex|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1982/03/26/nyregion/carnegie-hall-planning-a-commercial-complex.html|access-date=August 19, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=August 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820000649/https://www.nytimes.com/1982/03/26/nyregion/carnegie-hall-planning-a-commercial-complex.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Shepard|first=Joan|date=March 28, 1982|title=Carnegie notes renovation plans|pages=274|work=New York Daily News|via=newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83770320/carnegie-notes-renovation-plans/|access-date=August 19, 2021|archive-date=August 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820000650/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83770320/carnegie-notes-renovation-plans/|url-status=live}}</ref> All bids were required to include a facade that resembled the existing hall's facade, a seven-story building on 56th Street for offstage uses, and an expansion of Carnegie Hall's facilities in the base.<ref name="Stern (2006) p. 733" /><ref name="nyt19820306" /> Later that year, the Carnegie Hall Corporation began reviewing proposals for the lot.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Goodman|first=Peter|date=July 4, 1982|title=A building boom for the arts|pages=117|work=Newsday|via=newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83763694/a-building-boom-for-the-arts/|access-date=August 19, 2021|archive-date=August 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819213805/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83763694/a-building-boom-for-the-arts/|url-status=live}}</ref>  Three bidders were selected as finalists by mid-1983.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Bennetts|first=Leslie|date=May 31, 1983|title=How Carnegie Hall Has Evolved Into a 'Business'|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/05/31/arts/how-carnegie-hall-has-evolved-into-a-business.html|access-date=August 19, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=August 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820002153/https://www.nytimes.com/1983/05/31/arts/how-carnegie-hall-has-evolved-into-a-business.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{harvnb|Stern|Fishman|Tilove|2006|ps=.|pp=733–734}}</ref> They were Kaufman Realty with a plan by Cesar Pelli; [[Rockrose Development Corporation|Rockrose Development]], with a plan by [[Charles Moore (architect)|Charles Moore]]; and [[Harry B. Macklowe]], with a plan by [[Skidmore, Owings & Merrill]].<ref name="Stern (2006) p. 734">{{harvnb|Stern|Fishman|Tilove|2006|ps=.|p=734}}</ref> Macklowe's bid, which called for a green-glass tower above a masonry base, was really a placeholder for another plan.<ref name="Stern (2006) p. 734" /><ref name="New York Magazine 1985">{{cite magazine|last=Klein|first=Joe|title=Harry Macklowe Wants to Trump Donald Trump|journal=New York Magazine|publisher=New York Media, LLC|volume=19|pages=52–60|issn=0028-7369}}</ref> Macklowe wished to combine the Rembrandt lot with a parcel to the east, which he already owned, but which was separated from the Rembrandt lot by the Russian Tea Room.<ref name="New York Magazine 1985" /><ref name="nyt19840909">{{Cite news|last=Johnson|first=Kirk|date=September 9, 1984|title=Towers Sprouting Near Carnegie Hall|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/09/09/realestate/towers-sprouting-near-carnegie-hall.html|access-date=August 19, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=August 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819224128/https://www.nytimes.com/1984/09/09/realestate/towers-sprouting-near-carnegie-hall.html|url-status=live}}</ref> If the three sites were combined, this could allow a 51-story tower with {{Convert|1|e6ft2}}.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Moritz|first=Owen|date=March 11, 1984|title=Shift would open way for hi-rise|pages=100|work=New York Daily News|via=newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83765221/shift-would-open-way-for-hi-rise/|access-date=August 19, 2021|archive-date=August 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819224129/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83765221/shift-would-open-way-for-hi-rise/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Russian Tea Room's owners refused several offers to acquire their building, so Macklowe withdrew his bid for the Rembrandt site in 1983 and developed Metropolitan Tower on the other parcel.<ref name="nyt19840909" /><ref>{{Cite news|last=Moritz|first=Owen|date=July 12, 1984|title=Duel of 57th St. developers|pages=12|work=New York Daily News|via=newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83764873/duel-of-57th-st-developers/|access-date=August 19, 2021|archive-date=August 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819224128/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83764873/duel-of-57th-st-developers/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Carnegie Hall officials were negotiating with Rockrose and Kaufman by late 1984.<ref name="Stern (2006) p. 734" /><ref name="nyt19840909" /> Rockrose replaced Moore with Pelli on its bid for the site.<ref name="Stern (2006) p. 734" /> Rockrose and Pelli's bid was accepted in May 1985.<ref name="nyt19850517" /><ref>{{cite news|last=Cox|first=Meg|date=May 17, 1985|title=Fabled Carnegie Hall, Often Close to Death, Will Receive Surgery: But the Challenge to Restorers Of New York Auditorium Is to Avoid Harming It Fabled Carnegie Hall in New York Will Soon Receive Major Surgery|page=1|work=Wall Street Journal|issn=0099-9660|id={{ProQuest|135117567}}}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Goodman|first=Peter|date=May 20, 1985|title=Carnegie Hall renovations|pages=118|work=Newsday|via=newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83806992/carnegie-hall-renovations/|access-date=August 20, 2021|archive-date=August 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820173056/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83806992/carnegie-hall-renovations/|url-status=live}}</ref>{{efn|Though [[Robert A. M. Stern]] cites the approval as being in June 1985,<ref name="Stern (2006) p. 734" /> ''[[The New York Times]]'' had reported the news the previous month.<ref name="nyt19850517" />}} The tower was tentatively planned to include {{Convert|4500|ft2}} of public space in the front, offstage areas in the rear, and an addition to Cafe Carnegie at ground level.<ref name="nyt19850517" /><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://usmodernist.org/PA/PA-1985-06.pdf|title=Pencil Points|date=Jun 1985|journal=Progressive Architecture|volume=66|pages=26|access-date=August 21, 2021|archive-date=September 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210902143107/https://usmodernist.org/PA/PA-1985-06.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Two-thirds of the tower would contain luxury residential condominiums, with the rest being office space.<ref name="nyt19850517">{{Cite news|last=Rockwell|first=John|date=May 17, 1985|title=Carnegie Hall to Close for 7 Months Next Year|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1985/05/17/arts/carnegie-hall-to-close-for-7-months-next-year.html|access-date=August 18, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=August 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819000419/https://www.nytimes.com/1985/05/17/arts/carnegie-hall-to-close-for-7-months-next-year.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The development was planned to earn $800,000 a year for the Carnegie Hall Corporation.<ref name="n83810186">{{Cite news|date=November 20, 1987|title=A high note at start of the Carnegie Tower|pages=72|last=Shepard|first=Joan|work=New York Daily News|via=newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83810186/a-high-note-at-start-of-the-carnegie/|access-date=August 20, 2021|archive-date=August 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820183601/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83810186/a-high-note-at-start-of-the-carnegie/|url-status=live}}</ref> In April 1986, Carnegie officials announced their intent to sublease the vacant lot to Rockrose for 99 years.<ref name="nyt19860430" /><ref>{{Cite news|last=Flynn|first=Kevin|date=April 30, 1986|title=Carnegie Plans For Office Tower|pages=21|work=Newsday|via=newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83772420/carnegie-plans-for-office-tower/|access-date=August 19, 2021|archive-date=August 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820000649/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83772420/carnegie-plans-for-office-tower/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="n83772217">{{Cite news|last=Shepard|first=Joan|date=April 30, 1986|title=Deal will make Carnegie tall|pages=103|work=New York Daily News|via=newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83772217/deal-will-make-carnegie-tall/|access-date=August 19, 2021|archive-date=August 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820000649/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83772217/deal-will-make-carnegie-tall/|url-status=live}}</ref> The building was one of several high-rise developments planned for the area at the time. In addition to Macklowe's and Carnegie Hall's developments, [[Bruce Eichner]] was developing CitySpire on a plot adjacent to the New York City Center.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Gottlieb|first=Martin|date=December 4, 1983|title=Developers Looking West of Sixth Avenue|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/12/04/realestate/developers-looking-west-of-sixth-avenue.html|access-date=August 19, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=August 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819224129/https://www.nytimes.com/1983/12/04/realestate/developers-looking-west-of-sixth-avenue.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Moritz|first=Owen|date=May 4, 1986|title=It's a not-so-grand canyon|pages=12|work=New York Daily News|via=newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83948949/its-a-not-so-grand-canyon/|access-date=August 22, 2021|archive-date=August 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210822222333/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83948949/its-a-not-so-grand-canyon/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The tower needed approval from the [[New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission|Landmarks Preservation Commission]] (LPC), which had previously designated Carnegie Hall as a city landmark; the [[New York City Board of Estimate|Board of Estimate]]; the [[New York City Department of City Planning|City Planning Commission]]; and [[Manhattan Community Board 5]], whose community district included Carnegie Hall.<ref name="nyt19860430" /><ref name="n83772217" /> The LPC approved the project in October 1986,<ref name="Stern (2006) p. 734" /> and the Board of Estimate gave final approval in September 1987.<ref>{{cite news|date=September 19, 1987|title=Final Approval Granted For Carnegie Tower|page=1.15|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|id={{ProQuest|426611036}}}}</ref> An official groundbreaking ceremony took place on November 20, 1987, attended by Carnegie Hall president [[Isaac Stern]], Carnegie Hall chairman [[James Wolfensohn]], Rockrose president [[Henry Elghanayan]], and mayor [[Ed Koch]].<ref name="nyt19871121">{{Cite news|last=Kimmelman|first=Michael|date=November 21, 1987|title=Carnegie Hall Tower On Its Way|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/11/21/arts/carnegie-hall-tower-on-its-way.html|access-date=August 20, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=August 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820010635/https://www.nytimes.com/1987/11/21/arts/carnegie-hall-tower-on-its-way.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Mangaliman|first=Jessie|date=November 21, 1987|title=Expanding Carnegie Hall|pages=15|work=Newsday|via=newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83776361/expanding-carnegie-hall/|access-date=August 20, 2021|archive-date=August 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820010635/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83776361/expanding-carnegie-hall/|url-status=live}}</ref> The foundation was excavated over two and a half months; blasting for the foundation was coordinated to avoid interference with dining or concerts.<ref name="ENR19910114" /> The [[cornerstone]] was laid on May 13, 1988, the 98th anniversary of the cornerstone-laying of Carnegie Hall itself.<ref name="Stern (2006) p. 734" /><ref>{{Cite news|last=Shepard|first=Richard F.|date=May 12, 1988|title=Carnegie Hall Marks a Milestone for a Cornerstone|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/05/12/arts/carnegie-hall-marks-a-milestone-for-a-cornerstone.html|access-date=August 20, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=August 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818224625/https://www.nytimes.com/1988/05/12/arts/carnegie-hall-marks-a-milestone-for-a-cornerstone.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The tower's foundations were completed that month, but the Russian Tea Room refused to sell either its building or its air rights.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Gray|first=Christopher|date=September 11, 1988|title=Streetscapes: The Russian Tea Room; Sweet Deals Fail to Tempt|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/09/11/realestate/streetscapes-the-russian-tea-room-sweet-deals-fail-to-tempt.html|access-date=August 21, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=August 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821215157/https://www.nytimes.com/1988/09/11/realestate/streetscapes-the-russian-tea-room-sweet-deals-fail-to-tempt.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In mid-1989, [[Fuji Bank]] Ltd loaned $125 million to Rockrose for the development of Carnegie Hall Tower.<ref>{{cite news|last=Barsky|first=Neil|date=April 28, 1989|title=Japanese Banks Begin Going It Alone In Lining Up Construction Financing|page=1|work=Wall Street Journal|issn=0099-9660|id={{ProQuest|398080946}}}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Quint|first=Michael|date=March 17, 1990|title=Japan's Latest American Foray|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/03/17/business/japan-s-latest-american-foray.html|access-date=August 21, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=August 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821004122/https://www.nytimes.com/1990/03/17/business/japan-s-latest-american-foray.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Usage ===
[[File:Carnegie Metropolitan Cityspire jeh.jpg|thumb|Carnegie Hall Tower (left) and Metropolitan Tower (right) viewed from 56th Street]]
Newmark & Co. was hired as the leasing agent in February 1990, at which point no leases had been signed.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Selvin|first=Barbara|date=February 15, 1990|title=Hot Properties Auction Off ... Again Philippines Requests Crown Bldg. Delay|pages=66|work=Newsday|via=newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83838026/hot-properties-auction-off-again/|access-date=August 21, 2021|archive-date=August 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821012933/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83838026/hot-properties-auction-off-again/|url-status=live}}</ref> Though the building was nearing completion, it had over {{Convert|460000|ft2}} available for lease that August, representing most of its office space.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Dunlap|first=David W.|date=August 26, 1990|title=Commercial Property: Vacancy Rates; Black Monday's Fallout: An Emptiness Downtown|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/08/26/realestate/commercial-property-vacancy-rates-black-monday-s-fallout-an-emptiness-downtown.html|access-date=August 21, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=August 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821004118/https://www.nytimes.com/1990/08/26/realestate/commercial-property-vacancy-rates-black-monday-s-fallout-an-emptiness-downtown.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The building opened the following month,<ref name="Stern (2006) p. 736">{{harvnb|Stern|Fishman|Tilove|2006|ps=.|p=736}}</ref> despite a weak office market.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Dunlap|first=David W.|date=September 30, 1990|title=Commercial Property: 57th Street; A New Glitter Added to a Premier Retail Boulevard|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/09/30/realestate/commercial-property-57th-street-new-glitter-added-premier-retail-boulevard.html|access-date=August 21, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=August 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821004120/https://www.nytimes.com/1990/09/30/realestate/commercial-property-57th-street-new-glitter-added-premier-retail-boulevard.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Because of the recession at the time, Carnegie Hall Tower was viewed in the real-estate industry as a "see-through office building", with no tenants and a low probability of attracting tenants.<ref>{{cite web|last=Marks|first=Andrew|date=April 30, 2009|title=Broadway tower's 22-year wild ride|url=https://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20090503/SUB/305039995/broadway-tower-s-22-year-wild-ride|access-date=August 21, 2021|website=Crain's New York Business|archive-date=August 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821205921/https://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20090503/SUB/305039995/broadway-tower-s-22-year-wild-ride|url-status=live}}</ref> Rockrose began negotiating with businesses in the fashion, law, and entertainment industries.<ref name="nyt19900321" /> Part of the appeal to small firms was the tax abatements offered to tenants in exchange for Rockrose providing space at the tower's base for Carnegie Hall.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Oser|first=Alan S.|date=December 16, 1990|title=Perspectives: New Midtown Offices; Midsized Firms Get Floors of Their Own|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/12/16/realestate/perspectives-new-midtown-offices-midsized-firms-get-floors-of-their-own.html|access-date=August 21, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=August 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821012932/https://www.nytimes.com/1990/12/16/realestate/perspectives-new-midtown-offices-midsized-firms-get-floors-of-their-own.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The venue's expansion into the tower's base opened in April 1991 with an exhibit of memorabilia from [[Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Koenenn|first=Joseph C.|date=April 23, 1991|title=History From the Pockets of Tchiakovsky|pages=60|work=Newsday|via=newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83839111/history-from-the-pockets-of-tchiakovsky/|access-date=August 21, 2021|archive-date=August 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821012930/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83839111/history-from-the-pockets-of-tchiakovsky/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Zakariasen|first=Bill|date=April 23, 1991|title=Carnegie halls out its history|pages=31|work=New York Daily News|via=newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83839140/carnegie-halls-out-its-history/|access-date=August 21, 2021|archive-date=August 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821012930/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83839140/carnegie-halls-out-its-history/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In May 1991, Rockrose launched a "small-space program" for tenants requiring as little as {{Convert|2000|ft2}}.<ref name="nyt19910828" /> A Newmark agent said at the time that fourteen of the building's twenty tenants were expanding compared to their previous spaces.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Selvin|first=Barbara W.|date=May 31, 1991|title=Real Estate Shows Signs of Life Commercial and residential business in city looking up|pages=53, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83838658/real-estate-shows-signs-of-life/ 54]|work=Newsday|via=newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83838692/real-estate-shows-signs-of-life/|access-date=August 21, 2021|archive-date=August 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821012934/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83838692/real-estate-shows-signs-of-life/|url-status=live}}</ref> The offices, with asking rents of {{Convert|33|to|60|$/ft2}},<ref name="nyt19910828" /> attracted small tenants such as [[Capitol-EMI]]<ref name="nyt19910828" /><ref>{{Cite news|last=Grant|first=Peter|date=June 17, 1996|title=Flatiron district offers Enclave for EMI Records|pages=22|work=New York Daily News|via=newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83880308/flatiron-district-offers-enclave-for/|access-date=August 21, 2021|archive-date=August 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821205916/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83880308/flatiron-district-offers-enclave-for/|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Kenneth Cole Productions]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Holusha|first=John|date=September 19, 1999|title=Commercial Property; In a Tight Market, New Areas Bloom|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/09/19/realestate/commercial-property-in-a-tight-market-new-areas-bloom.html|access-date=August 21, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=August 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821205921/https://www.nytimes.com/1999/09/19/realestate/commercial-property-in-a-tight-market-new-areas-bloom.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Hedge funds, as well as financial and law companies, also found the small floor areas to be useful. The building also benefited from a shift in office demand from [[Sixth Avenue]] and [[Park Avenue]].<ref name="wsj20170411">{{Cite news|last=Grant|first=Peter|date=April 11, 2017|title=Office Tower on Billionaires' Row Snags a Low-Rate Loan|language=en-US|work=Wall Street Journal|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/office-tower-on-billionaires-row-snags-a-low-rate-loan-1491929990|access-date=August 21, 2021|issn=0099-9660|archive-date=August 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821004118/https://www.wsj.com/articles/office-tower-on-billionaires-row-snags-a-low-rate-loan-1491929990|url-status=live}}</ref> A commercial space was leased to [[coffeehouse|coffee shop]] Philip's Coffee in 1992.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Fabricant|first=Florence|date=July 29, 1992|title=Food Notes|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/07/29/garden/food-notes-974692.html|access-date=August 21, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=August 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821012930/https://www.nytimes.com/1992/07/29/garden/food-notes-974692.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Rockrose furnished some "prebuilt" office space at the base and middle floors. The prebuilt units were expensive but, after they were rented successfully, Rockrose furnished some prebuilt space on the 52nd floor.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Deutsch|first=Claudia H.|date=February 28, 1993|title=Commercial Property: Prebuilding; Small Space in Move-In Shape Rents in Slow Market|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/02/28/realestate/commercial-property-prebuilding-small-space-move-shape-rents-slow-market.html|access-date=August 21, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=August 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821004120/https://www.nytimes.com/1993/02/28/realestate/commercial-property-prebuilding-small-space-move-shape-rents-slow-market.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

By the late 1990s, Carnegie Hall Tower had enough tenants that it was no longer in debt.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Deutsch|first=Claudia H.|date=March 24, 1996|title=Veterans of the 80's Return to the Wars|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/03/24/realestate/veterans-of-the-80-s-return-to-the-wars.html|access-date=August 21, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=August 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821225922/https://www.nytimes.com/1996/03/24/realestate/veterans-of-the-80-s-return-to-the-wars.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Daryl Roth|Daryl Roth Productions]] and [[CNBC]] were among the building's tenants at this time.<ref>{{Cite news|date=June 30, 1995|title=Commercial Tenants Getting Fussy|pages=165|work=Newsday|via=newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83880560/commercial-tenants-getting-fussy/|access-date=August 21, 2021|archive-date=August 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821205921/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83880560/commercial-tenants-getting-fussy/|url-status=live}}</ref> Outgoing U.S. President [[Bill Clinton]] had planned to move his office to the tower's 56th floor in 2001,<ref>{{Cite news|last=Standora|first=Leo|date=January 13, 2001|title=Prez Trading Oval Office for Carnegie Hall Tower|pages=4|work=New York Daily News|via=newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83878120/prez-trading-oval-office-for-carnegie/|access-date=August 21, 2021|archive-date=August 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821205914/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83878120/prez-trading-oval-office-for-carnegie/|url-status=live}}</ref> but he instead chose office space in [[Harlem]] after controversy over the costs of space in the tower, estimated at {{Convert|98|$/ft2}}.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Bagli|first=Charles V.|date=February 13, 2001|title=Criticized on Office Rent, Clinton Looks to Harlem|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/02/13/nyregion/criticized-on-office-rent-clinton-looks-to-harlem.html|access-date=August 21, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=August 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210817220344/https://www.nytimes.com/2001/02/13/nyregion/criticized-on-office-rent-clinton-looks-to-harlem.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last1=Bazinet|first1=Kenneth R.|last2=Herman|first2=Eric|date=February 13, 2001|title=Go to Harlem|pages=5|work=New York Daily News|via=newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83878181/go-to-harlem/|access-date=August 21, 2021|archive-date=August 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821205914/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83878181/go-to-harlem/|url-status=live}}</ref> By 2007, Carnegie Hall Tower was marketing its 40th and 41st floors at {{Convert|175|$/ft2||abbr=}} per year, although its lowest floors were advertised at only {{Convert|65|$/ft2||abbr=}} per year. By contrast, the average annual rent for "premium" Midtown office space was {{Convert|85|$/ft2||abbr=}} per year. Nearby buildings such as [[712 Fifth Avenue]], the [[Solow Building]], the [[General Motors Building (Manhattan)|General Motors Building]], and [[888 Seventh Avenue]] also had high asking rates.<ref>{{cite web|last=Wilson|first=Claire|date=March 14, 2007|title=Paying Up to See a Long, Long Way|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/14/realestate/commercial/14view.html|access-date=July 8, 2021|website=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=July 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710031844/https://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/14/realestate/commercial/14view.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2017, the building was refinanced with a $325 million loan from [[MetLife]].<ref name="wsj20170411" /><ref name="Commercial Property Executives">{{cite web|last=Kalinoski|first=Gail|date=April 19, 2017|title=Carnegie Hall Tower Lands $325M Refi|url=https://www.commercialsearch.com/news/carnegie-hall-tower-lands-325m-refi/|access-date=August 21, 2021|website=Commercial Property Executives|archive-date=August 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821004119/https://www.commercialsearch.com/news/carnegie-hall-tower-lands-325m-refi/|url-status=live}}</ref> This was the fifth refinancing for the property since it opened.<ref name="Commercial Property Executives" /> Among the building's tenants in the 2010s were Naftali Group<ref>{{cite web|last1=Staropoli|first1=Anna|last2=Loria|first2=Keith|last3=Cornfield|first3=Greg|date=February 8, 2019|title=Naftali Group Relocating Offices to Carnegie Hall Tower|url=https://commercialobserver.com/2019/02/naftali-group-lease-carnegie-hall-tower-152-west-57th-street-tf-cornerstone/|access-date=August 21, 2021|website=Commercial Observer|archive-date=August 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821200120/https://commercialobserver.com/2019/02/naftali-group-lease-carnegie-hall-tower-152-west-57th-street-tf-cornerstone/|url-status=live}}</ref> and Fairstead Capital.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Staropoli|first1=Anna|last2=Loria|first2=Keith|last3=Cornfield|first3=Greg|date=January 27, 2017|title=Fairstead Capital Relocating Its Offices to 250 West 55th Street|url=https://commercialobserver.com/2017/01/fairstead-capital-relocating-its-offices-to-250-west-55th-street/|access-date=August 21, 2021|website=Commercial Observer|archive-date=August 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821200121/https://commercialobserver.com/2017/01/fairstead-capital-relocating-its-offices-to-250-west-55th-street/|url-status=live}}</ref> Other tenants moved into the building in the 2020s, including Melius Research,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Staropoli |first1=Anna |last2=Loria |first2=Keith |last3=Cornfield |first3=Greg |date=November 17, 2020 |title=Melius Research Leaving WeWork for Offices at Carnegie Hall Tower |url=https://commercialobserver.com/2020/11/melius-research-leaving-wework-for-offices-at-carnegie-hall-tower/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821200119/https://commercialobserver.com/2020/11/melius-research-leaving-wework-for-offices-at-carnegie-hall-tower/ |archive-date=August 21, 2021 |access-date=August 21, 2021 |website=Commercial Observer}}</ref> Secunda Family Foundation, and Pearl World.<ref>{{cite web |last=Hallum |first=Mark |date=March 21, 2024 |title=Secunda Foundation, Pearl World sign Deals in Carnegie Hall Tower |url=https://commercialobserver.com/2024/03/secunda-family-foundation-pearl-world-sign-deals-in-carnegie-hall-tower/ |access-date=October 24, 2024 |website=Commercial Observer}}</ref>

== Reception ==
When Carnegie Hall Tower was being planned, [[Paul Goldberger]] of ''[[The New York Times]]'' wrote that Pelli "has responded admirably" to the presence of several skyscrapers in the vicinity, including Metropolitan Tower several feet east.<ref name="nyt19860430" /> He wrote that Carnegie Hall Tower "is far from neutral, but it is a masterwork of respectful, responsible urbanism".<ref name="nyt19860430" /> Goldberger did express concerns that the building's height made it "entirely out of scale with the landmark beside it".<ref>{{Cite news|last=Goldberger|first=Paul|date=March 29, 1987|title=Architecture View; Good Design, Bad Site-and Poor Timing|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/03/29/arts/architecture-view-good-design-bad-site-and-poor-timing.html|access-date=August 20, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=August 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820183601/https://www.nytimes.com/1987/03/29/arts/architecture-view-good-design-bad-site-and-poor-timing.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Similarly, ''[[Architectural Record]]'' magazine said the ornamentation and the facade were "thoughtful references" to the design of Carnegie Hall, but the tower's height "will render such relational gestures meaningless".<ref name="AR 1986-06" /> ''[[Progressive Architecture]]'' said Carnegie Hall Tower, as well as nearby skyscrapers being designed on side streets, "break Manhattan's pattern of high-rise on the avenues, low-rise at midblock".<ref>{{cite magazine|date=Jul 1986|title=Carnegie Tower|url=https://usmodernist.org/PA/PA-1986-07.pdf|journal=Progressive Architecture|volume=67|pages=30|access-date=August 21, 2021|archive-date=August 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820183601/https://usmodernist.org/PA/PA-1986-07.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

After the building was completed, Goldberger characterized the tower as "one of the most convincing essays in creative historicism on any urban skyline" and praised the building as "evocative, not derivative".<ref name="nyt19901021" /> [[Kurt Andersen]] wrote for ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' magazine, "This slender, elegant slab is like a dancer among thugs",<ref name="TIME.com 1990" /><ref>{{Cite news|title=César Pelli, celebrated architect of sweep and harmony, dies at 92|language=en-US|newspaper=Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/cesar-pelli-celebrated-architect-of-sweep-and-harmony-dies-at-92/2019/07/19/cfe56d5c-aa95-11e9-86dd-d7f0e60391e9_story.html|access-date=August 21, 2021|issn=0190-8286|archive-date=August 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807170413/https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/cesar-pelli-celebrated-architect-of-sweep-and-harmony-dies-at-92/2019/07/19/cfe56d5c-aa95-11e9-86dd-d7f0e60391e9_story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> praising it as "the finest high-rise to go up in New York City in a generation".<ref name="TIME.com 1990" /><ref name="Stern (2006) p. 736" /> Conversely, [[Carter Wiseman]] of ''[[New York (magazine)|New York]]'' magazine regarded the tower as "much too tall" but also "perilously unsubstantial" as seen from the north or south.<ref name="Stern (2006) p. 736" /><ref>{{cite magazine|last=Wiseman|first=Carter|date=March 11, 1991|title=Two for the Seesaw|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=K-kCAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA68|journal=New York Magazine|language=en|publisher=New York Media, LLC|pages=68, 85|issn=0028-7369|access-date=August 21, 2021|archive-date=August 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821205921/https://books.google.com/books?id=K-kCAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA68|url-status=live}}</ref> Karrie Jacobs of the same magazine described the upper stories as an "afterthought" to the base, which "masquerades as a walk-up, cornice kissing cornice".<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Jacobs|first=Karrie|date=September 23, 1996|title=New Style, No Style|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TuECAAAAMBAJ|journal=New York Magazine|publisher=New York Media, LLC|page=30|issn=0028-7369|access-date=August 21, 2021|archive-date=August 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821205914/https://books.google.com/books?id=TuECAAAAMBAJ|url-status=live}}</ref> CitySpire, Carnegie Hall Tower, and Metropolitan Tower became known as the "Tuning Fork Trio" because of their shape and proximity to each other.<ref name="p233147246"/> [[John McPhee]] of ''[[The New Yorker]]'' wrote in 2003 that the buildings "look like three chopsticks incongruously holding a cocktail blini", as they surrounded the small Russian Tea Room.<ref name="p233147246">{{cite magazine |date=Mar 31, 2003 |title=The Tee Room |last=McPhee |first=John |volume=79 |number=6 |page=49 |magazine=The New Yorker |id={{ProQuest|233147246}}}}</ref>

''Time'' magazine listed the tower among its "Best of" design picks in 1990.<ref>{{cite magazine|date=Feb 1991|title=Pencil Points|url=https://usmodernist.org/PA/PA-1991-02.pdf|journal=Progressive Architecture|volume=72|pages=20|access-date=August 21, 2021|archive-date=August 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821200120/https://usmodernist.org/PA/PA-1991-02.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Carnegie Hall Tower's design won the Honor Award from the [[American Institute of Architects]] in 1994,<ref name="Emporis" /><ref>{{cite web|last=Gunts|first=Edward|date=January 1, 1994|title=American Institute of Architects to honor Oriole Park tonight|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-1994-02-01-1994032173-story.html|access-date=August 21, 2021|website=baltimoresun.com|archive-date=September 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210903213825/https://www.baltimoresun.com/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|date=Feb 1994|title=17 Win AIA Honor Awards|url=https://usmodernist.org/PA/PA-1994-02.pdf|journal=Progressive Architecture|volume=75|pages=28|access-date=August 21, 2021|archive-date=August 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821205914/https://usmodernist.org/PA/PA-1994-02.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> and Pelli himself was awarded the [[AIA Gold Medal]] in 1995.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Forgey|first=Benjamin|date=December 9, 1994|title=Cesar Pelli to Receive Architecture Medal|language=en-US|newspaper=Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1994/12/09/architect-pelli-to-receive-gold-medal/274ed419-c88d-468f-bd95-c3e3d53c18f7/|access-date=August 21, 2021|issn=0190-8286|archive-date=September 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210903213837/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1994/12/09/architect-pelli-to-receive-gold-medal/274ed419-c88d-468f-bd95-c3e3d53c18f7/|url-status=live}}</ref>

== See also ==
* [[List of tallest buildings in New York City]]
* [[List of tallest buildings in the United States]]

==References==

=== Notes ===
{{Notelist}}

=== Citations ===
{{reflist}}

=== Sources ===
* {{cite magazine|last=Crosbie|first=Michael J.|date=June 1991|title=Harmonious Neighbor|url=https://usmodernist.org/AJ/A-1991-06.pdf|journal=Architecture|pages=67–70}}
* {{Cite New York 2000}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Carnegie Hall Tower}}
* {{official website|http://carnegiehalltower.com}}

{{Midtown North, Manhattan}}
{{portal bar|Architecture|New York City}}

[[Category:1991 establishments in New York City]]
[[Category:Carnegie Hall]]
[[Category:César Pelli buildings]]
[[Category:Midtown Manhattan]]
[[Category:Office buildings completed in 1991]]
[[Category:Skyscraper office buildings in Manhattan]]
[[Category:Skyscrapers on 57th Street (Manhattan)]]