View source for Times Square Tower

{{Short description|Office skyscraper in Manhattan, New York}}
{{Distinguish|text=the [[Times Tower]] or [[One Times Square]] (formerly the Times Tower)}}
{{good article}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2021}}
{{Infobox building
|name               = Times Square Tower
|image              = TimesSquareTower.jpg
|image_size         = 180px
|caption            =
|location           = 7 [[Times Square]], [[Manhattan]], New York
| mapframe-wikidata = yes  
|coordinates        = {{coord|40.7555|-73.9867|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
|start_date         = 2002
|completion_date    = 2004
|opening            = April 2004
|building_type      = Office
|antenna_spire      =
|roof               = {{convert|724|ft|m|abbr=on}}
|top_floor          = {{convert|685|ft|m|abbr=on}}
|floor_count        = 48
|elevator_count     = 20
|cost               =
|floor_area         = {{convert|1,079,378|ft2|m2|abbr=on}}
|architect          = [[David Childs]] of [[Skidmore, Owings and Merrill]]
|structural_engineer= [[Thornton Tomasetti]]
|main_contractor    = [[Turner Construction]]
|developer          = [[Boston Properties]]
|owner              = [[New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services]]
|management         = [[Boston Properties]]/[[Norges Bank]]
|references         =
}}

'''Times Square Tower''', also known as '''7 Times Square''', is a 48-story office skyscraper at the southern end of [[Times Square]] in the [[Midtown Manhattan]] neighborhood of [[New York City]], New York, U.S. Located on the [[city block]] bounded by [[Broadway (Manhattan)|Broadway]], [[42nd Street (Manhattan)|42nd Street]], [[Seventh Avenue (Manhattan)|Seventh Avenue]], and 41st Street, the building measures {{Convert|724|ft}} tall. The building was designed by [[David Childs]] of [[Skidmore, Owings & Merrill]] and developed by [[Boston Properties]]. The site is owned by the [[New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services]], though Boston Properties and [[Norges Bank]] have a long-term leasehold on the building.

Childs planned the [[facade]] as a glass [[Curtain wall (architecture)|curtain wall]], with large billboards on lower stories as part of the 42nd Street Development Project. The  [[Foundation (engineering)|foundation]] consists of shallow footings under most of the site, though parts of the plot abut [[New York City Subway]] tunnels and are supported by caissons. The steel [[superstructure]] includes a wind-resisting lattice of diagonal beams across the exterior of the tower, as well as a mechanical core. The building contains {{Convert|1.2|e6ft2}} of floor space, much of which is devoted to offices. The lowest three stories contain retail space and an entrance to the [[Times Square–42nd Street station|Times Square subway station]].

During the 1980s and early 1990s, [[Park Tower Realty]] and the [[Prudential Insurance Company of America]] had planned to develop a tower for the site as part of a wide-ranging redevelopment of West 42nd Street. After the successful development of the nearby [[3 Times Square|3]] and [[4 Times Square]], Boston Properties developed both [[5 Times Square]] and Times Square Tower. Work started in 2001 after accounting firm [[Arthur Andersen]] was signed as the anchor tenant. Arthur Andersen's lease was canceled following the [[Enron scandal]], and the building was completed in 2004 as a [[speculative development]]. In 2013, Norges Bank bought a partial stake in the leasehold.

==Site==
Times Square Tower, also known as 7 Times Square, is at the southern end of [[Times Square]] in the [[Midtown Manhattan]] neighborhood of [[New York City]], New York, U.S.  It occupies an entire [[city block]] bounded by [[Seventh Avenue (Manhattan)|Seventh Avenue]] to the west, 41st Street to the south, [[Broadway (Manhattan)|Broadway]] to the east, and [[42nd Street (Manhattan)|42nd Street]] to the north.<ref name="ZoLa">{{Cite web|title=1459 Broadway, 10036|url=https://zola.planning.nyc.gov/l/lot/1/994/1|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929031346/https://zola.planning.nyc.gov/l/lot/1/994/1|archive-date=September 29, 2021|access-date=March 25, 2021|publisher=[[New York City Department of City Planning]]}}</ref><ref name="aia5">{{cite aia5|pages=296}}</ref> The [[land lot]] is trapezoidal and covers {{convert|22,448|ft2}}, with a [[frontage]] of {{Convert|205.41|ft}} on Broadway.<ref name="ZoLa" /> The 42nd Street side measures {{Convert|80|ft}} long and is parallel to the 41st Street side, which is {{Convert|120|ft}} long.<ref name="BG p. 49">{{harvnb|Brazil|Gottlieb|2004|ps=.|p=49}}</ref> Nearby buildings include [[5 Times Square]], the [[New Amsterdam Theatre]], and the [[Candler Building (New York City)|Candler Building]] to the west; the [[New Victory Theater]] and [[3 Times Square]] to the northwest; [[One Times Square]] to the north; [[4 Times Square]] and the [[Bank of America Tower (Manhattan)|Bank of America Tower]] to the northeast; and [[the Knickerbocker Hotel]] and [[Bush Tower]] to the east.<ref name="ZoLa" /><ref name="aia5" />

The site is directly bounded on all sides by [[New York City Subway]] tunnels.<ref name="CKT p. 40">{{harvnb|Canale|Kaufman|Tamaro|2004|ps=.|p=40}}</ref> An entrance to the subway's [[Times Square–42nd Street station]], served by the {{NYCS trains|Times Square}}, is within the base of the building on 42nd Street.<ref>{{cite web|date=2018|title=MTA Neighborhood Maps: Times Sq-42 St (S)|url=https://new.mta.info/document/2711|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829194031/https://new.mta.info/document/2711|archive-date=August 29, 2021|access-date=September 13, 2018|website=[[Metropolitan Transportation Authority|mta.info]]|publisher=[[Metropolitan Transportation Authority]]}}</ref> The entrance was developed by the [[Metropolitan Transportation Authority]] (MTA) as the main entrance for the Times Square station complex.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Lambert|first=Bruce|date=December 10, 1995|title=Neighborhood Report: Midtowm;Times Square Subway Station: Putting a There There|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/12/10/nyregion/neighborhood-report-midtown-times-square-subway-station-putting-a-there-there.html|access-date=September 25, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925223215/https://www.nytimes.com/1995/12/10/nyregion/neighborhood-report-midtown-times-square-subway-station-putting-a-there-there.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The entrance predates Times Square Tower, having opened in July 1997.<ref name="nyt19970716">{{Cite news|last=MacFarquhar|first=Neil|date=July 16, 1997|title=Times Sq. Entrance Opens Up the Underground|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/07/16/nyregion/times-sq-entrance-opens-up-the-underground.html|access-date=September 25, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925223214/https://www.nytimes.com/1997/07/16/nyregion/times-sq-entrance-opens-up-the-underground.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="n86170137">{{Cite news|date=July 17, 1997|title=It's Clean, It's Whimsical: Can This Be Times Square?|pages=46|work=Newsday|issn=2574-5298|via=newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86170137/its-clean-its-whimsical-can-this-be/|access-date=September 29, 2021|archive-date=September 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929031348/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86170137/its-clean-its-whimsical-can-this-be/|url-status=live}}</ref> It features a bright neon and colored glass flashing sign with train route symbols and the word "Subway", as well as escalators.<ref name="nyt19970716" /> There is also an elevator within this entrance.<ref>{{cite web|date=April 5, 2021|title=MTA Accessible Stations|url=https://new.mta.info/accessibility/stations|access-date=September 30, 2021|website=MTA|archive-date=May 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200515112641/https://new.mta.info/accessibility/stations|url-status=live}}</ref>

3, 4, and 5 Times Square, along with Times Square Tower, comprise a grouping of office buildings that were developed at Times Square's southern end in the late 1990s and early 2000s.<ref>{{harvnb|Stern|Fishman|Tilove|2006|ps=.|p=714}}</ref><ref name="nyt20041103">{{Cite news |last=Holusha |first=John |date=November 3, 2004 |title=Sleaze-Free Times Square as a New Financial Center |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/03/business/sleazefree-times-squareas-a-new-financial-center.html |url-status=live |access-date=September 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210913183838/https://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/03/business/sleazefree-times-squareas-a-new-financial-center.html |archive-date=September 13, 2021 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Feiden |first=Douglas |date=November 17, 2014 |title=Vacancy Is Opportunity at 4 Times Square |language=en-US |work=Wall Street Journal |url=https://online.wsj.com/articles/vacancy-is-opportunity-at-4-times-square-1416188200 |url-status=live |access-date=September 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141201185644/http://online.wsj.com/articles/vacancy-is-opportunity-at-4-times-square-1416188200 |archive-date=December 1, 2014 |issn=0099-9660}}</ref> The surrounding area is part of [[Manhattan]]'s [[Theater District, Manhattan|Theater District]] and contains many [[Broadway theatre]]s.<ref name="aia5" />

=== Previous buildings<span class="anchor" id="Historic uses"></span> ===
The site of Times Square Tower had been occupied by hotels since 1885.<ref name="Gottlieb p. 8" /> The site was previously occupied by the 7- and 11-story Heidelberg Building, built in 1909. That building was mostly abandoned for much of its history, without even advertising signage, before being demolished in 1984 for the 42nd Street Redevelopment (see {{Section link|Times Square Tower|Early plans}}).<ref>{{Cite news|last=Gray|first=Christopher|date=April 26, 1998|title=Streetscapes/42d Street and Broadway; The Heidelberg, a Times Sq. Tower That Couldn't|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/04/26/realestate/streetscapes-42d-street-broadway-heidelberg-times-sq-tower-that-couldn-t.html|access-date=September 29, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=September 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929144303/https://www.nytimes.com/1998/04/26/realestate/streetscapes-42d-street-broadway-heidelberg-times-sq-tower-that-couldn-t.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Foundation (engineering)|foundation]] of the building was partially retained in the present tower.<ref name="CKT p. 40" /><ref name="Gottlieb p. 8" /> In 1996, the site became the Hansens Times Square Brewery,<ref name="nyt19960816">{{Cite news|last=Asimov|first=Eric|date=August 16, 1996|title=Times Square a la Mode|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/08/16/arts/times-square-a-la-mode.html|access-date=September 29, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=September 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929144344/https://www.nytimes.com/1996/08/16/arts/times-square-a-la-mode.html|url-status=live}}</ref> a 240-seat [[brewpub]] above the subway entrance, with large windows overlooking 42nd Street.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Mack|first=David|date=July 28, 1997|title=Times Square Brewery: Window on the 'crossroads of the world'|volume=31|issue=30|page=24|id={{ProQuest|229309306}}|magazine=Nation's Restaurant News}}</ref> Its rooftop sign had a [[British Airways]]-branded [[Concorde]] aircraft, measuring {{Convert|102|ft}} long and weighing {{Convert|24000|lb}}.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Weir|first=Richard|date=December 1, 1996|title=Three Days of the Concorde|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/12/01/nyregion/three-days-of-the-concorde.html|access-date=September 26, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=September 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926003406/https://www.nytimes.com/1996/12/01/nyregion/three-days-of-the-concorde.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Architecture==
Times Square Tower was designed by [[David Childs]] of [[Skidmore, Owings & Merrill]] (SOM)<ref name="Emporis">{{Cite web|title=Times Square Tower|url=https://www.emporis.com/buildings/102108/times-square-tower-new-york-city-ny-usa|url-status=usurped|access-date=January 1, 2021|publisher=Emporis|archive-date=October 18, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071018222630/http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/bu/?id=timessquaretower-newyorkcity-ny-usa}}</ref><ref name="The Skyscraper Center 2016">{{cite web|date=April 7, 2016|title=Times Square Tower – The Skyscraper Center|url=http://skyscrapercenter.info/building/times-square-tower/1226|access-date=September 28, 2021|website=The Skyscraper Center}}</ref> and was developed by [[Boston Properties]].<ref name="BG pp. 39-46">{{harvnb|Brazil|Gottlieb|2004|ps=.|pp=39, 46}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=October 23, 2000|title=Columbus Centre & new Penn Station are latest in career of grand design|pages=173|work=New York Daily News|issn=2692-1251|via=newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86184455/columbus-centre-new-penn-station-are/|access-date=September 29, 2021|archive-date=September 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929142846/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86184455/columbus-centre-new-penn-station-are/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''The New York Times'' cites Gordon Smith Corporation as the curtain wall consultant,<ref name="nyt20001213">{{Cite news|last=Bagli|first=Charles V.|date=December 13, 2000|title=Digitally Speaking, Builders Remain on the Ground Floor|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/12/13/business/business-to-business-digitally-speaking-builders-remain-on-the-ground-floor.html|access-date=September 29, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=September 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929145357/https://www.nytimes.com/2000/12/13/business/business-to-business-digitally-speaking-builders-remain-on-the-ground-floor.html|url-status=live}}</ref> though the [[Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat]] states [[Permasteelisa]] worked on the curtain wall.<ref name="The Skyscraper Center 2016" /> [[Thornton Tomasetti]] was the structural engineer,<ref name="The Skyscraper Center 2016" /><ref name="BG pp. 39-46" /><ref name="nyt20020909">{{Cite news|last1=Lipton|first1=Eric|last2=Glanz|first2=James|date=September 9, 2002|title=9/11 Prompts New Caution In Design of U.S. Skyscrapers|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/09/09/nyregion/threats-responses-buildings-9-11-prompts-new-caution-design-us-skyscrapers.html|access-date=September 29, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=September 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929153327/https://www.nytimes.com/2002/09/09/nyregion/threats-responses-buildings-9-11-prompts-new-caution-design-us-skyscrapers.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Jaros, Baum & Bolles]] was the [[mechanical, electrical, and plumbing]] engineer,<ref name="The Skyscraper Center 2016" /><ref name="BG p. 79">{{harvnb|Brazil|Gottlieb|2004|ps=.|p=79}}</ref> Mueser Rutledge Consulting Engineers was the geotechnical engineer, and Vollmer Associates was the site civil engineer.<ref name="CKT p. 45" /> In addition, Grace Construction Products was the fireproofing supplier and Jordahl was the facade supplier.<ref name="The Skyscraper Center 2016" /> Officially, the [[New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services]] owns the structure.<ref name="ZoLa" />

Times Square Tower has 48 usable floors above ground<ref name="ZoLa" /><ref name="BG p. 39">{{harvnb|Brazil|Gottlieb|2004|ps=.|p=39}}</ref>{{efn|The [[New York City Department of City Planning]] cites the building as being 38 stories.<ref name="ZoLa" /> [[Emporis]] and [[The Skyscraper Center]] both cite the building as being 40 stories.<ref name="Emporis" /><ref name="The Skyscraper Center 2016" />}} and measures {{Convert|726|ft}} to its architectural tip.<ref name="Emporis" /><ref name="The Skyscraper Center 2016" /> The roof is {{Convert|696|ft}} above ground.<ref name="Emporis" /> There are also two basement stories measuring up to {{Convert|30|ft}} deep.<ref name="CKT p. 422">{{harvnb|Canale|Kaufman|Tamaro|2004|ps=.|p=42}}</ref>

=== Form and facade ===
[[File:Times Sq Sep 2021 117.jpg|thumb|Top of the 42nd Street facade]]
The building is part of the 42nd Street Development Project and, thus, could bypass many city [[zoning]] rules such as those relating to [[floor area ratio]] (FAR).<ref>{{harvnb|Stern|Fishman|Tilove|2006|ps=.|p=717}}</ref><ref name="Gottlieb p. 8">{{harvnb|ps=.|Gottlieb|2005|p=8}}</ref> The tower follows the 42nd Street Development's zoning rules, which do not require [[Setback (architecture)|setbacks]] or [[Sky exposure|sky exposure planes]] at higher stories, and which also allow a much higher FAR for usable space.<ref name="Gottlieb p. 8" /><ref name="BG p. 46">{{harvnb|Brazil|Gottlieb|2004|ps=.|p=46}}</ref> Consequently, Times Square Tower occupies its entire site,<ref name="BG p. 39" /> with a FAR of 42.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Dunlap|first=David W.|date=January 13, 2005|title=The Sky Is No Longer the Limit on Far West Side Buildings|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/13/nyregion/the-sky-is-no-longer-the-limit-on-far-west-side-buildings.html|access-date=September 30, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=June 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210609201940/https://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/13/nyregion/the-sky-is-no-longer-the-limit-on-far-west-side-buildings.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On average, the building is {{Convert|113|ft}} wide from west to east.<ref name="Gottlieb p. 8" /><ref name="BG p. 48">{{harvnb|Brazil|Gottlieb|2004|ps=.|p=48}}</ref> As a result of the small site, the 42nd Street facade has an [[aspect ratio]] of 9, and the 41st Street facade has an aspect ratio of 4.5.<ref name="Gottlieb p. 8" /> The 42nd Street Development Project also mandated a minimum floor area and a minimum number of stories. Since mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems did not count toward these minimums, they were placed on the roof.<ref name="BG p. 46" />

Times Square Tower contains several electronic [[Billboard (advertising)|billboards]] on its facade, which obscure much of the second through fourth floors.<ref name="Gottlieb p. 8" /><ref name="BG p. 46" /> These billboards are included as part of the 42nd Street Development Project and were intended to evoke Times Square's historical signage.<ref name="BG p. 46" /> Most of the large signs are found near the base, but one 4-story sign is found above the middle of the building. In late 2011, an electronic billboard replaced the static billboard toward the top of the tower.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Times Square Tower |url=http://skyscraperpage.com/cities/?buildingID=5773 |publisher=SkyscraperPage |access-date=2008-01-10 |archive-date=June 9, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120609165647/http://skyscraperpage.com/cities/?buildingID=5773 |url-status=live }}</ref> Times Square Tower's facade itself is composed of eleven separate designs.<ref name="Free Online Library 2015">{{cite web|date=March 22, 2006|title=Times Square, Boston Properties sweep annual competition.|url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Times+Square%2C+Boston+Properties+sweep+annual+competition.-a0144293213|access-date=September 29, 2021|work=Real Estate Weekly|via=Free Online Library|archive-date=September 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929190850/https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Times+Square%2c+Boston+Properties+sweep+annual+competition.-a0144293213|url-status=live}}</ref> The building contains diagonal patterns on its exterior, which form part of the steel [[superstructure]] (see {{Section link|Times Square Tower|Superstructure}}).<ref name="Gottlieb pp. 8-9">{{harvnb|Gottlieb|2005|ps=.|pp=8–9}}</ref> The Gordon H. Smith Corporation provided Building Envelope Consulting services for the project.<ref name="GHSC">{{cite web | title= Partial List of Representative Projects GHSC | publisher=Gordon H. Smith Corporation | url=https://ghsc.com/partial-list-of-representative-projects/ | access-date=May 19, 2023}}</ref>

=== Structural features ===

==== Substructure ====
Underneath the site is durable Hartland bedrock, which is covered in some places by soil or weathered rock.<ref name="CKT p. 40" /> Before the tower was constructed, the contractors made nine borings. They found that the Hartland bedrock had been covered by {{Convert|15|to|50|ft}} of manmade fill, with the thickest fill underneath the north end of the site.<ref name="CKT p. 43">{{harvnb|Canale|Kaufman|Tamaro|2004|ps=.|p=43}}</ref> The southern lot line is adjacent to the [[IRT Flushing Line]] subway tunnel (used by the {{NYCS trains|Flushing|time=nolink}}) under 41st Street, which runs about {{Convert|26|ft}} beneath the lowest basement level and {{Convert|55|ft}} below the street level.<ref name="CKT p. 43" /> The site also abuts the [[BMT Broadway Line]] ({{NYCS trains|Broadway|time=nolink}}), which is about {{Convert|38|ft}} under Broadway, and the [[IRT Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line]] ({{NYCS trains|Broadway-Seventh|time=nolink}}), which is about {{Convert|28|ft}} under Seventh Avenue.<ref name="CKT p. 40" />

The foundation had to be excavated in phases because of the small site, and the north end of the foundation could not be excavated mechanically. Some of the foundation footings are reused from the former Heidelberg Building at the north end of the site, where the existing subway entrance could not be closed.<ref name="CKT p. 44">{{harvnb|Canale|Kaufman|Tamaro|2004|ps=.|p=44}}</ref> Rust buildup was sandblasted from some of the preexisting foundations, which were incorporated into Times Square Tower's foundations.<ref name="CKT p. 45">{{harvnb|Canale|Kaufman|Tamaro|2004|ps=.|p=45}}</ref> Most of the building is constructed on shallow foundations.<ref name="CKT p. 43" /><ref name="Gottlieb p. 9" /> Because the underlying rock is weathered, the footing [[subgrade]] has a [[bearing capacity]] of {{convert|380|MPa}}, less than the surrounding area.<ref>{{harvnb|ps=.|Canale|Kaufman|Tamaro|2004|pp=44–45}}</ref> Near the Flushing Line tunnel, the south wall is supported by mini-[[Caisson (engineering)|caissons]] that are about {{Convert|18|in}} in diameter, while the southeast and southwest corners are supported by caissons measuring {{Convert|7|ft}} across. The corner caissons are made of three smaller caissons with steel cores, which are grouted together. The [[New York City Department of Buildings]] granted the builders a waiver to use higher-strength material for the caissons.<ref name="CKT p. 44" /><ref>{{harvnb|Gottlieb|2005|ps=.|pp=9–10}}</ref>

==== Superstructure ====
[[File:Times Sq Sep 2021 129.jpg|thumb|Detail of facade showing the intersection of diagonal beams on the north side]]
The building's steel weighs {{Convert|28|psf}} on average.<ref name="BG p. 79" /> The building contains an exterior-braced structural system on its perimeter. The engineers had initially contemplated using a [[framed tube]] structural system, but they dropped this plan since it would have required extremely-closely-spaced columns at the base, which would have prevented the inclusion of storefronts there. The building instead uses an exterior super-bracing system, which consists of diagonal beams {{Convert|30|ft|0}} apart, spanning multiple stories.<ref name="BG p. 49" /><ref name="Gottlieb p. 9">{{harvnb|Gottlieb|2005|ps=.|p=9}}</ref>

A [[belt truss]] wraps around the building from the second floor to just below the fifth floor; it transfers wind loads from the upper stories to the base. The columns around the base are spaced {{Convert|60|ft}} apart, twice as wide as the upper stories.<ref name="Gottlieb p. 9" /><ref name="BG p. 79" /> The northeast-corner column is omitted at the base, so loads from the northeast corner of the upper stories are transferred to the northern and eastern facades.<ref name="Gottlieb p. 9" /> On upper stories, the diagonal beams on the north and south facades intersect the corner columns at different stories than the diagonal beams on the west and east.<ref name="Gottlieb p. 9" /><ref name="BG p. 79" /> This was done because the developers wanted each corner office to have unobstructed views on at least one side.<ref name="Gottlieb p. 9" /><ref name="BG pp. 49-79">{{harvnb|Brazil|Gottlieb|2004|ps=.|pp=49, 79}}</ref> By contrast, in typical buildings, the diagonal beams intersect the corner columns at the same story on each side, strengthening the tube but blocking views where the diagonal beams intersect.<ref name="BG pp. 49-79" />  For additional structural safety, the structural beams are [[Welding|welded]] at the [[Joint (building)|joints]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Smith|first=Ray A.|date=February 19, 2003|title=Builders Try to Make More Secure Towers That Please the Eye|page=A6|work=Wall Street Journal|issn=0099-9660|id={{ProQuest|308508821}}}}</ref>

Because of the small floor area, the structural engineers minimized the size of the mechanical core to increase the usable space.<ref name="BG p. 48" /><ref name="Gottlieb pp. 8-9" /> The core measures {{Convert|38|by|120|ft}}.<ref name="BG p. 48" /> The structural engineers could not stabilize the superstructure with [[outrigger]] walls, connecting the core and the exterior, because of the lack of mechanical spaces on intermediate stories.<ref name="Gottlieb pp. 8-9" /> The engineers determined that it would not be efficient to build outrigger walls at the base and top.<ref name="BG p. 48" /> Since the core is not braced, it carries only gravity loads.<ref name="BG p. 48" /><ref name="Gottlieb p. 9" /> The floor slabs consist of [[Composite material|composite]] metal decks measuring {{Convert|3|in}} deep. The slabs consist of composite steel beams between the core and exterior, measuring {{Convert|35|to|50|ft}} long. The steel beams can support a live load of {{Convert|50|psf}}, though some framing connections can support greater loads.<ref name="BG p. 46" /> The floor-to-ceiling height of each story is {{convert|9.5|ft}}, while the distance between floor slabs is {{convert|13.5|ft}}.<ref name="Emporis"/>

=== Interior ===
Times Square Tower has a total floor area of about {{Convert|1.2|e6ft2}},<ref name="Gottlieb p. 8" /><ref name="Stern (2006) p. 720">{{harvnb|Stern|Fishman|Tilove|2006|ps=.|p=720}}</ref><ref name="n86185560">{{Cite news|last=Herman|first=Eric|date=January 29, 2003|title=Governors Island Getting New Boss|pages=22|work=New York Daily News|issn=2692-1251|via=newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86185560/governors-island-getting-new-bosseric/|access-date=September 29, 2021|archive-date=September 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929161749/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86185560/governors-island-getting-new-bosseric/|url-status=live}}</ref> though its [[gross floor area]] is {{convert|1,079,378|ft2}}.<ref name="ZoLa" /> The retail space covers about {{Convert|52000|ft2}}.<ref name="Gottlieb p. 8" /> The base has three levels of retail space: the first basement, ground story, and second story.<ref name="nyt20040411">{{Cite news|last=Holusha|first=John|date=April 11, 2004|title=Commercial Property/Midtown; For Retailers, Times Square Has Its Glitter Back|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/04/11/realestate/commercial-property-midtown-for-retailers-times-square-has-its-glitter-back.html|access-date=September 29, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=September 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929155935/https://www.nytimes.com/2004/04/11/realestate/commercial-property-midtown-for-retailers-times-square-has-its-glitter-back.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The office space takes up the approximately {{Convert|1160000|ft2|}} remainder of the building.<ref name="Gottlieb p. 8" /> Due to the small area of the site, each story only has about {{convert|22300|ft2}}.<ref name="Gottlieb p. 8" /> The building is served by 27 elevators.<ref name="Emporis" /><ref name="The Skyscraper Center 2016" /> Elevators from the ground story lead to a "sky lobby" on the fifth floor, where the building's main elevator banks are located.<ref name="nyt20041103" /><ref name="Gottlieb p. 8" /> The elevators contain a [[destination dispatch]] system, wherein passengers request their desired floor before entering the cab. The elevators are grouped into three banks, which serve the lower, middle, and upper office stories.<ref name="nyt20041103" />

The office spaces contain air conditioning that can be controlled by tenants.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Croghan|first=Lore|date=November 4, 2002|title=Vacant Times Sq. Tower to be saved by law firms|volume=18|issue=44|page=35|id={{ProQuest|219200483}}|magazine=Crain's New York Business}}</ref> Some of the office space has been customized. For example, [[Gensler]] designed two stories for law firm [[Brown Rudnick Berlack Israels|Brown Rudnick]] with materials such as marble floors, wooden ceilings, and metal-and-glass partitions.<ref>{{cite book|last=Yee|first=Roger|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_mdS7eY0XOAC&pg=PA94|title=Corporate Interiors 7 INTL|publisher=HarperCollins|year=2006|isbn=978-1-58471-092-9|series=Corporate Interiors Series|page=94}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|last=Hagberg|first=Eva|date=Nov 2005|title=a circle squared|journal=Interior Design|volume=76|issue=14|page=S30-S32, S34|id={{ProQuest|234940832}}}}</ref> Law firm [[Manatt, Phelps & Phillips]], which occupied three stories, designed its space with a conference center and glass walls.<ref name="Kim 2018">{{cite web|last=|first=|date=June 13, 2018|title=LA law firm inks 80,000 s/f renewal at 7 Times Square, plans office upgrade|url=https://rew-online.com/la-law-firm-inks-80000-s-f-renewal-at-7-times-square-plans-office-upgrade/|url-status=live|access-date=September 29, 2021|website=Real Estate Weekly|archive-date=September 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929194902/https://rew-online.com/la-law-firm-inks-80000-s-f-renewal-at-7-times-square-plans-office-upgrade/}}</ref> Clothing retailer [[Ann Taylor (clothing retailer)|Ann Taylor]]'s twelve stories were designed by [[HOK (firm)|HOK]], which arranged private offices at the center of each floor, surrounded by workstations. Most of Ann Taylor's private offices were designed in two sizes, while Ann Taylor's workstations were arranged in groups of four and came in 15 layouts. Ann Taylor's offices also had a bar and cafeteria, as well as storage space for clothing.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Rogers|first=Teri Karush|date=June 1, 2005|title=Ann Taylor Fabricates Its New Headquarters|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/01/business/ann-taylor-fabricates-its-new-headquarters.html|access-date=September 30, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=November 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171109162547/http://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/01/business/ann-taylor-fabricates-its-new-headquarters.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

== History ==

=== Development ===

==== Early plans ====
[[File:At New York City 2023 111.jpg|thumb|The building seen from ground level]]
The [[Empire State Development Corporation]] (ESDC), an agency of the New York state government, had proposed redeveloping the area around a portion of West 42nd Street in 1981.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Lueck|first=Thomas J.|date=February 14, 1988|title=The Region: Redevelopment; Times Square Plan Takes A Shaky Step Forward|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/02/14/weekinreview/the-region-redevelopment-times-square-plan-takes-a-shaky-step-forward.html|url-status=live|access-date=September 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210917225606/https://www.nytimes.com/1988/02/14/weekinreview/the-region-redevelopment-times-square-plan-takes-a-shaky-step-forward.html|archive-date=September 17, 2021|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Four towers designed by [[Philip Johnson]] and [[John Burgee]] were to be built around 42nd Street's intersections with [[Broadway (Manhattan)|Broadway]] and Seventh Avenue.<ref name="Stephens p. 92">{{cite magazine|last=Stephens|first=Suzanne|date=Mar 2000|title=Four Times Square|url=https://usmodernist.org/AR/AR-2000-03.pdf|journal=Architectural Record|volume=188|pages=92|access-date=October 1, 2021|archive-date=September 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929213251/https://usmodernist.org/AR/AR-2000-03.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="nyt19920803">{{Cite news|last=Dunlap|first=David W.|date=August 3, 1992|title=Long Delay Likely in Rebuilding Plan for Times Square|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/08/03/nyregion/long-delay-likely-in-rebuilding-plan-for-times-square.html|url-status=live|access-date=September 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210917183927/https://www.nytimes.com/1992/08/03/nyregion/long-delay-likely-in-rebuilding-plan-for-times-square.html|archive-date=September 17, 2021|issn=0362-4331}}</ref>{{efn|The sites were:<ref name="nyt19920803" />
* Northwest corner of 42nd Street and Seventh Avenue: now [[3 Times Square]]
* Northeast corner of 42nd Street and Broadway: now [[4 Times Square]]
* Southwest corner of 42nd Street and Seventh Avenue: now [[5 Times Square]]
* South side of 42nd Street between Seventh Avenue and Broadway: now 7 Times Square (Times Square Tower)}} These towers would have been redeveloped by George Klein of [[Park Tower Realty]], though the [[Prudential Insurance Company of America]] joined the project in 1986.<ref>{{harvnb|Stern|Fishman|Tilove|2006|ps=.|pp=690–691}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=October 8, 1986|title=Metro Datelines; Times Sq. Gets New Partner|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/10/08/nyregion/metro-datelines-times-sq-gets-new-partner.html|url-status=live|access-date=September 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210917185159/https://www.nytimes.com/1986/10/08/nyregion/metro-datelines-times-sq-gets-new-partner.html|archive-date=September 17, 2021|issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Polsky|first=Carol|date=October 8, 1986|title=Prudential Company Joins Times Square|pages=20|work=Newsday|issn=2574-5298|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85494241/prudential-company-joins-times/|url-status=live|access-date=September 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210917183921/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85494241/prudential-company-joins-times/|archive-date=September 17, 2021|via=newspapers.com}}</ref> Furthermore, as part of the West Midtown special zoning district created in 1982, the New York City government had allowed new buildings in Times Square to be developed with an increased floor area ratio. To ensure the area would not be darkened at nightfall, the city passed zoning regulations that encouraged developers to add large, bright signs on their buildings.<ref name="Stephens p. 92" /><ref>{{harvnb|Stern|Fishman|Tilove|2006|ps=.|p=645}}</ref>

Opposition from the [[Durst Organization]], along with Prudential and Park Tower's inability to secure tenants for the proposed buildings,<ref>{{Cite news|last=Dunlap|first=David W.|date=November 9, 1991|title=Times Square Redevelopers Seek Delay in Project|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/11/09/nyregion/times-square-redevelopers-seek-delay-in-project.html|url-status=live|access-date=September 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210917183929/https://www.nytimes.com/1991/11/09/nyregion/times-square-redevelopers-seek-delay-in-project.html|archive-date=September 17, 2021|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> led government officials to allow Prudential and Park Tower to postpone the project in 1992.<ref name="nyt19920803" /><ref>{{Cite news|last=Henry|first=David|date=August 4, 1992|title=Remodeling Times Square, Part IV|pages=27|work=Newsday|issn=2574-5298|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85494516/remodeling-times-square-part-ivdavid/|url-status=live|access-date=September 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210917183923/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85494516/remodeling-times-square-part-ivdavid/|archive-date=September 17, 2021|via=newspapers.com}}</ref> By then, Prudential had spent $300 million on condemning the sites through [[eminent domain]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Pulley|first=Brett|date=November 21, 1995|title=Key Developer Seeks a Role In Times Sq.|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/11/21/nyregion/key-developer-seeks-a-role-in-times-sq.html|url-status=live|access-date=September 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210917185157/https://www.nytimes.com/1995/11/21/nyregion/key-developer-seeks-a-role-in-times-sq.html|archive-date=September 17, 2021|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The partners retained the right to develop the sites in the future,<ref>{{Cite news|last=Dunlap|first=David W.|date=September 16, 1993|title=Choreographing Times Sq. Into 21st Century|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/09/16/nyregion/choreographing-times-sq-into-21st-century.html|url-status=live|access-date=September 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210917183925/https://www.nytimes.com/1993/09/16/nyregion/choreographing-times-sq-into-21st-century.html|archive-date=September 17, 2021|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> and the ESDC's zoning guidelines remained in effect.<ref name="Stephens p. 92" /> In exchange for being permitted to delay construction of the sites until 2002, Prudential and Park Tower were compelled to add stores and install large signage on the existing buildings.<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Bagli|first1=Charles V.|last2=Kennedy|first2=Randy|date=April 5, 1998|title=Disney Wished Upon Times Sq. And Rescued a Stalled Dream|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/04/05/nyregion/disney-wished-upon-times-sq-and-rescued-a-stalled-dream.html|access-date=September 25, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925215237/https://www.nytimes.com/1998/04/05/nyregion/disney-wished-upon-times-sq-and-rescued-a-stalled-dream.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Hansens Times Square Brewery, with its Concorde rooftop sign, opened on the site in 1996.<ref name="nyt19960816" /> The subway entrance below the brewery opened the following year.<ref name="nyt19970716" /><ref name="n86170137" />

Klein ceded decision-making power for the sites to Prudential, which decided to exit the real-estate market altogether, selling off all four sites.<ref>{{cite news|last=Pacelle|first=Mitchell|date=October 1, 1997|title=George Klein Out in the Cold: Once Dreamed of Rebuilding Times Square, Now Glory Goes to Others|page=B16|work=Wall Street Journal|issn=0099-9660|id={{ProQuest|1646401632}}}}</ref> Prudential and Klein dissolved their partnership in 1996.<ref name="Stern (2006) p. 719" /><ref name="nyt19980331" /> The same year, [[Douglas Durst]] acquired the site at the northeast corner of Broadway and 42nd Street,<ref>{{Cite news|last=Lueck|first=Thomas J.|date=April 12, 1996|title=Developer Buys the Rights to Build a Times Square Tower|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/04/12/nyregion/developer-buys-the-rights-to-build-a-times-square-tower.html|url-status=live|access-date=September 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210917183921/https://www.nytimes.com/1996/04/12/nyregion/developer-buys-the-rights-to-build-a-times-square-tower.html|archive-date=September 17, 2021|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> and he developed 4 Times Square there.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Lueck|first=Thomas J.|date=May 8, 1996|title=Conde Nast Is to Move to a New Times Square Tower, Officials Say|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/05/08/nyregion/conde-nast-is-to-move-to-a-new-times-square-tower-officials-say.html|access-date=September 25, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=September 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210918004524/https://www.nytimes.com/1996/05/08/nyregion/conde-nast-is-to-move-to-a-new-times-square-tower-officials-say.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Prudential and Park Tower decided to market the three other sites after the successful development of 4 Times Square.<ref>{{harvnb|Stern|Fishman|Tilove|2006|ps=.|p=718}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Holusha|first=John|date=March 23, 1997|title=Behind the Buzz, Possibilities Waiting to Happen|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/03/23/realestate/behind-the-buzz-possibilities-waiting-to-happen.html|access-date=September 25, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925234847/https://www.nytimes.com/1997/03/23/realestate/behind-the-buzz-possibilities-waiting-to-happen.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In March 1997, Prudential indicated its intent to sell the sites' development rights or lease the sites to developers.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Lueck|first=Thomas J.|date=March 18, 1997|title=3 Prime Sites in Times Square Renewal Plan Go Up for Sale|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/03/18/nyregion/3-prime-sites-in-times-square-renewal-plan-go-up-for-sale.html|access-date=September 25, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925193851/https://www.nytimes.com/1997/03/18/nyregion/3-prime-sites-in-times-square-renewal-plan-go-up-for-sale.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|last=Hartmann|first=T.M.|date=March 21, 1997|title=For Sale: 3 Blocks On Times Square|volume=38|issue=12|pages=3–4|id={{ProQuest|963064908}}|magazine=Back Stage|issn=0005-3635}}</ref> The northwest corner of Seventh Avenue and 42nd Street was taken by [[Reuters]], which enlisted [[Rudin Management]] as its development partner and built 3 Times Square on that corner.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Bagli|first=Charles V.|date=September 6, 1997|title=Reuters to Build 32-Story Headquarters in Times Sq.|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/09/06/nyregion/reuters-to-build-32-story-headquarters-in-times-sq.html|access-date=September 25, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925223209/https://www.nytimes.com/1997/09/06/nyregion/reuters-to-build-32-story-headquarters-in-times-sq.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Grant|first=Peter|date=September 8, 1997|title=Reuters' new tower will get Rudin byline|pages=27|work=New York Daily News|issn=2692-1251|via=newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85975925/reuters-new-tower-will-get-rudin/|access-date=September 25, 2021|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925223210/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85975925/reuters-new-tower-will-get-rudin/|url-status=live}}</ref> In June 1997, [[Marriott International]] proposed a 700-room [[Courtyard by Marriott]] hotel for the south side of 42nd Street between Broadway and Seventh Avenue, on what is now the Times Square Tower's site.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Bagli|first=Charles V.|date=June 6, 1997|title=Marriott Trying to Buy a Site For Another Times Sq. Hotel|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/06/06/nyregion/marriott-trying-to-buy-a-site-for-another-times-sq-hotel.html|access-date=September 25, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925220159/https://www.nytimes.com/1997/06/06/nyregion/marriott-trying-to-buy-a-site-for-another-times-sq-hotel.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Boston Properties plans ====
By the end of 1997, several developers including Durst, [[Burton Resnick]], [[Steven Roth]], and [[Jerry Speyer]] were reportedly bidding for the Disney site at the southwest corner of 42nd Street and Seventh Avenue.<ref name="n85985636">{{Cite news|last=Grant|first=Peter|date=December 18, 1997|title=Big names set to bid big bucks for plum location|pages=217|work=New York Daily News|issn=2692-1251|via=newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85985636/big-names-set-to-bid-big-bucks-for-plum/|access-date=September 26, 2021|archive-date=September 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926003351/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85985636/big-names-set-to-bid-big-bucks-for-plum/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="nyt19980101">{{Cite news|last=Bagli|first=Charles V.|date=January 1, 1998|title=Two Times Square Sites Are Suddenly Much in Demand|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/01/01/nyregion/two-times-square-sites-are-suddenly-much-in-demand.html|access-date=September 26, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=September 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926004452/https://www.nytimes.com/1998/01/01/nyregion/two-times-square-sites-are-suddenly-much-in-demand.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Klein partnered with [[The Blackstone Group]] in his bid.<ref name="nyt19980101" /> Prudential opened bidding for the two remaining sites in March 1998, offering over $200 million in tax breaks for both sites.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Bagli|first=Charles V.|date=March 8, 1998|title=Fierce Bidding Expected on 2 Sites in Times Square|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/03/08/nyregion/fierce-bidding-expected-on-2-sites-in-times-square.html|access-date=September 27, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=September 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927195041/https://www.nytimes.com/1998/03/08/nyregion/fierce-bidding-expected-on-2-sites-in-times-square.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The same month, Philip Johnson and [[Alan Ritchie]] proposed a 40-story structure on the southwest corner and a 49-story structure on the southeast corner.<ref name="A 1998-04">{{cite magazine|last=Amelar|first=Sarah|date=Apr 1998|title=Times Square Tidings|url=https://usmodernist.org/AJ/A-1998-04.pdf|journal=Journal of the American Institute of Architects|volume=87|page=27|access-date=October 1, 2021|archive-date=September 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928002237/https://usmodernist.org/AJ/A-1998-04.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> This plan included a facade system designed by Fernando Vasquez and Sussman/Prejza, which consisted of rectangular panels clipped onto the spandrels, allowing advertisements to be shown directly on the facade.<ref name="A 1998-04" /><ref name="Stern (2006) pp. 719-720">{{harvnb|Stern|Fishman|Tilove|2006|ps=.|pp=719–720}}</ref><ref name="nyt19980305">{{Cite news|last=Muschamp|first=Herbert|date=March 5, 1998|title=Philip Johnson Geometry In an Advertising Wrapper|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/03/05/arts/architecture-review-philip-johnson-geometry-in-an-advertising-wrapper.html|access-date=September 28, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=September 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928002239/https://www.nytimes.com/1998/03/05/arts/architecture-review-philip-johnson-geometry-in-an-advertising-wrapper.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Herbert Muschamp]] of ''The New York Times'' regarded the scheme as having "earned a place in the history of ideas", despite being similar to a previous plan for the site.<ref name="Stern (2006) pp. 719-720" /><ref name="nyt19980305" />

A joint venture of Klein, Blackstone, and [[Boston Properties]] ultimately won the right to acquire both sites for $330 million.<ref name="nyt19980331">{{Cite news|last=Bagli|first=Charles V.|date=March 31, 1998|title=2 Developers Bid Top Dollar For What's Left in Times Sq.|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/03/31/nyregion/2-developers-bid-top-dollar-for-what-s-left-in-times-sq.html|access-date=September 27, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=September 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927195035/https://www.nytimes.com/1998/03/31/nyregion/2-developers-bid-top-dollar-for-what-s-left-in-times-sq.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="p398611537">{{cite news|date=April 1, 1998|title=Blackstone Partnership To Buy Times Square Sites|page=C22|work=Wall Street Journal|issn=0099-9660|id={{ProQuest|398611537}}}}</ref> Boston Properties, operated by [[Mortimer Zuckerman]], would take majority ownership,<ref name="nyt19980331" /> while Klein's Park Tower would have a small stake.<ref name="p398611537" /> Zuckerman and Klein had been encouraged to bid for the site in part because the ESDC had offered to allow a combined {{Convert|71442|ft2}} across both sites.<ref name="Stern (2006) p. 719">{{harvnb|Stern|Fishman|Tilove|2006|ps=.|p=719}}</ref> Real estate experts had considered the southeast-corner site to be the less valuable of the two sites due to its relatively small area.<ref name="n85985636" /> Nevertheless, after leasing 5 Times Square to [[Ernst & Young]] in mid-1999, Boston Properties began looking for a tenant for the southeast-corner site.<ref>{{Cite news|agency=Bloomberg News|date=October 27, 1999|title=Metro Business; Tenants Are Sought For Times Sq. Site|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/10/27/nyregion/metro-business-tenants-are-sought-for-times-sq-site.html|access-date=September 28, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=September 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928002942/https://www.nytimes.com/1999/10/27/nyregion/metro-business-tenants-are-sought-for-times-sq-site.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Boston Properties did not want to start construction until a major tenant had been secured.<ref name="n86130180">{{Cite news|last=Herman|first=Eric|date=July 21, 2000|title=Bldg. adding major tenant|pages=984|work=New York Daily News|issn=2692-1251|via=newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86130180/bldg-adding-major-tenanteric-herman/|access-date=September 28, 2021|archive-date=September 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928160600/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86130180/bldg-adding-major-tenanteric-herman/|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[The Walt Disney Company]] and [[HBO]] were both reportedly considering offices on either site,<ref name="nyt19980331" /><ref>{{cite magazine|last=Croghan|first=Lore|date=April 20, 1998|title=Big names ignite Rock West plans|volume=14|issue=16|page=1|id={{ProQuest|219131200}}|magazine=Crain's New York Business}}</ref> but HBO reneged in early 1999,<ref>{{cite news|last=Hochstein|first=Marc|date=January 19, 1999|title=Banks Flocking to Fast-Developing Times Square|work=The American Banker|issue=32|id={{ProQuest|249801869}}}}</ref> and Disney would not occupy enough space in the southeast-corner site to be considered an anchor tenant.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Croghan|first=Lore|date=March 6, 2000|title=Dot-com firms hitting space bar|volume=16|issue=10|page=3|id={{ProQuest|219126026}}|magazine=Crain's New York Business}}</ref> Boston Properties was reviewing five proposals for tenants by January 2001,<ref>{{Cite news|last=|first=|date=January 27, 2000|title=Metro Business; Deal on Tower Lease Is Said to Be Near|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/01/27/nyregion/metro-business-deal-on-tower-lease-is-said-to-be-near.html|access-date=September 28, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=September 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928151735/https://www.nytimes.com/2000/01/27/nyregion/metro-business-deal-on-tower-lease-is-said-to-be-near.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and it made an offer to [[Rogers & Wells|Clifford Chance Rogers & Wells]], then the world's largest law firm.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Croghan|first=Lore|date=January 24, 2000|title=Tower developer tries law firm pitch|volume=16|issue=4|page=17|id={{ProQuest|219110104}}|magazine=Crain's New York Business}}</ref> Simultaneously, accounting firm [[Arthur Andersen]] was facing eviction from [[1345 Avenue of the Americas]], where it had fourteen floors. Arthur Andersen began negotiating with Boston Properties since there was little other space that the firm could occupy elsewhere.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Bagli|first=Charles V.|date=July 25, 2000|title=Musical Lease Game Over, Accounting Firm's Rent Soars|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/07/25/nyregion/musical-lease-game-over-accounting-firm-s-rent-soars.html|access-date=September 28, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=September 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928160625/https://www.nytimes.com/2000/07/25/nyregion/musical-lease-game-over-accounting-firm-s-rent-soars.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The company agreed in principle to lease some of the space in July 2000<ref name="n86130180" /> and committed to lease about half the building's space that October.<ref name="nyt20001016">{{Cite news|last=Bagli|first=Charles V.|date=October 16, 2000|title=Lease Deal Helps Pave Way for Fourth New Tower in Times Sq.|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/10/16/nyregion/lease-deal-helps-pave-way-for-fourth-new-tower-in-times-sq.html|access-date=September 28, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=September 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927150021/https://www.nytimes.com/2000/10/16/nyregion/lease-deal-helps-pave-way-for-fourth-new-tower-in-times-sq.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="AR 2000-11">{{cite magazine|date=Nov 2000|title=Arthur Andersen tower for Times Square|url=https://usmodernist.org/AR/AR-2000-11.pdf|journal=Architectural Record|volume=200|issue=11|pages=33|access-date=October 1, 2021|archive-date=July 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200719200224/https://usmodernist.org/AR/AR-2000-11.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Two months later, the lease was finalized<ref>{{Cite news|last=Bagli|first=Charles V.|date=December 5, 2000|title=Metro Business Briefing; Move to Times Square Is Planned|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/12/05/nyregion/metro-business-briefing-move-to-times-square-is-planned.html|access-date=September 28, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=September 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928160602/https://www.nytimes.com/2000/12/05/nyregion/metro-business-briefing-move-to-times-square-is-planned.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|date=Dec 2000|title=News|url=https://usmodernist.org/AJ/A-2000-12.pdf|journal=Journal of the American Institute of Architects|volume=89|page=29|access-date=October 1, 2021|archive-date=August 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804003030/https://usmodernist.org/AJ/A-2000-12.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> and Boston Properties acquired the site.<ref name="p444282823">{{cite news|date=December 4, 2000|title=Boston Properties Completes Site Acquisition for Second Times Square Property|pages=1|work=PR Newswire|id={{ProQuest|444282823}}}}</ref> Arthur Andersen was negotiating to receive $10 million in tax exemptions from the city government.<ref name="AR 2000-11" /> Childs was hired to design Times Square Tower, a 47-story structure on the site, costing $600 million.<ref name="nyt20001016" /><ref name="p444282823" /><ref name="AR 2000-11" />

=== Construction ===
[[File:Times Sq Sep 2021 119.jpg|thumb|Seen from the north]]
Boston Properties solicited demolition bids in December 2000,<ref name="nyt20001213" /> and demolition began in early 2001.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Croghan|first=Lore|date=January 29, 2001|title=Developers under the gun|volume=17|issue=5|page=1|id={{ProQuest|219115316}}|magazine=Crain's New York Business}}</ref> The Concorde above the former Times Square Brewery was removed.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Boland|first=Ed Jr.|date=September 16, 2001|title=F.Y.I.|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/09/16/nyregion/fyi-171336.html|access-date=September 29, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=September 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929144351/https://www.nytimes.com/2001/09/16/nyregion/fyi-171336.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Times Square Tower and its three neighboring developments would collectively add almost {{convert|4|e6ft2}} of office space.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Dent|first=David J.|date=May 16, 1999|title=Times Square Exchanging Its Identity|pages=284|work=Newsday|issn=2574-5298|via=newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86032216/times-square-exchanging-its/|access-date=September 26, 2021|archive-date=September 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926212818/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86032216/times-square-exchanging-its/|url-status=live}}</ref> All four projects were being marketed with a Times Square address, which until the early 1990s had not been popular in the city's real estate market.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Reed|first=Danielle|date=March 16, 2000|title=Hotter Than Hot: Times Sq. Address|pages=165|work=New York Daily News|issn=2692-1251|via=newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86064541/hotter-than-hot-times-sq/|access-date=September 27, 2021|archive-date=September 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927141055/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86064541/hotter-than-hot-times-sq/|url-status=live}}</ref> At the time, rents for commercial space around Times Square were increasing drastically.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Bagli|first=Charles V.|date=February 8, 1999|title=As Rents Soar, Boom Is Slowed in Times Square|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/02/08/nyregion/as-rents-soar-boom-is-slowed-in-times-square.html|access-date=September 26, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=September 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210904010359/https://www.nytimes.com/1999/02/08/nyregion/as-rents-soar-boom-is-slowed-in-times-square.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Excavations began in June 2001<ref name="CKT p. 422" /> and an official groundbreaking ceremony took place on September 5, 2001.<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Herman|first1=Eric|last2=Shin|first2=Paul H.B.|date=September 6, 2001|title=New tower on way up|pages=60|work=New York Daily News|issn=2692-1251|via=newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86131037/new-tower-on-way-uperic-hermanpaul/|access-date=September 28, 2021|archive-date=September 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928160911/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86131037/new-tower-on-way-uperic-hermanpaul/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Stern (2006) p. 720" /> With the [[September 11 attacks]] less than a week afterward, the real estate industry expected increased demand for office space in Times Square Tower and other structures from displaced tenants of the destroyed [[World Trade Center (1973–2001)|World Trade Center]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Starkman|first=Dean|date=September 19, 2001|title=Developers Scramble to Gauge Impact of Attacks – Projects That Once Were In Doubt Now Appear To Be a Lot More Viable|page=B8|work=Wall Street Journal|issn=0099-9660|id={{ProQuest|398842042}}}}</ref> However, the expected demand did not arise.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Rice|first=Andrew|date=Jan 2002|title=Back to the Drawing Board|url=https://usmodernist.org/AJ/A-2002-01.pdf|journal=Journal of the American Institute of Architects|volume=91|page=44|access-date=October 1, 2021|archive-date=August 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801062745/https://usmodernist.org/AJ/A-2002-01.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

Arthur Andersen became involved in the [[Enron scandal]] during late 2001 and early 2002 but initially committed to its space at Times Square Tower.<ref>{{cite news|last=Smith|first=Ray A.|date=January 23, 2002|title=REIT Interest: Andersen's Woes Raise Questions About Boston Properties Tower|page=A10|work=Wall Street Journal|issn=0099-9660|id={{ProQuest|398786694}}}}</ref> By March 2002, the firm was considering abandoning its lease at Times Square Tower.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Bagli|first=Charles V.|date=March 12, 2002|title=Troubles at Arthur Andersen Threaten Times Square Deal|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/03/12/nyregion/troubles-at-arthur-andersen-threaten-times-square-deal.html|access-date=September 28, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=September 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928160612/https://www.nytimes.com/2002/03/12/nyregion/troubles-at-arthur-andersen-threaten-times-square-deal.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="n86129877">{{Cite news|last=Herman|first=Eric|date=March 14, 2002|title=Times Sq. office space interests others|pages=63|work=New York Daily News|issn=2692-1251|via=newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86129877/times-sq-office-space-interests/|access-date=September 28, 2021|archive-date=September 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928160600/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86129877/times-sq-office-space-interests/|url-status=live}}</ref> Boston Properties wished to terminate the firm's lease to avoid prolonged legal issues,<ref name="nyt20020626">{{Cite news|last=Bagli|first=Charles V.|date=June 26, 2002|title=Andersen and Developer Scuttle Times Square Deal|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/06/26/nyregion/andersen-and-developer-scuttle-times-square-deal.html|access-date=September 28, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=September 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928160601/https://www.nytimes.com/2002/06/26/nyregion/andersen-and-developer-scuttle-times-square-deal.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and the developer had already received five offers from other firms to occupy that space.<ref name="n86129877" /> The foundations were substantially completed the next month,<ref name="CKT p. 422" /> when a Boston Properties spokesperson said Arthur Andersen "will not be occupying the space".<ref>{{Cite news|last=Herman|first=Eric|date=April 25, 2002|title=Andersen out of Times Sq.|pages=41|work=New York Daily News|issn=2692-1251|via=newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86130329/andersen-out-of-times-sqeric-herman/|access-date=September 28, 2021|archive-date=September 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928160602/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86130329/andersen-out-of-times-sqeric-herman/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Smith|first=Ray A.|date=April 25, 2002|title=Andersen Lease Deal Is in Question|page=A6|work=Wall Street Journal|issn=0099-9660|id={{ProQuest|2228440350}}}}</ref> Arthur Andersen's lease was formally terminated in June 2002.<ref name="nyt20020626" /><ref>{{cite news|date=June 24, 2000|title=Arthur Andersen Lease Termination Completed at Times Square Tower|pages=1|work=PR Newswire|id={{ProQuest|447022142}}}}</ref> Boston Properties started marketing Times Square Tower to law firms, which took up large amounts of space, making them desirable tenants for the developer.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Croghan|first=Lore|date=June 17, 2000|title=Growing law firms jump to lead in office market|volume=18|issue=24|page=4|id={{ProQuest|219202220}}|magazine=Crain's New York Business}}</ref> Less than a week after Arthur Andersen's lease was canceled, law firm [[Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman|Pillsbury Winthrop]] negotiated to occupy part of the building,<ref>{{Cite news|last=Herman|first=Eric|date=July 25, 2002|title=Times Sq. tower lease for law firm|pages=60|work=New York Daily News|issn=2692-1251|via=newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86130821/times-sq-tower-lease-for-law-firmeric/|access-date=September 28, 2021|archive-date=September 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928160610/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86130821/times-sq-tower-lease-for-law-firmeric/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Bagli|first=Charles V.|date=July 3, 2002|title=Law Firm Plans Move to Times Square Skyscraper|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/07/03/nyregion/law-firm-plans-move-to-times-square-skyscraper.html|access-date=September 28, 2021|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> though Pillsbury instead decided to occupy [[1540 Broadway]], citing lower rents there.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Bagli|first=Charles V.|date=March 27, 2003|title=Insurer Considers Major Move to Downtown's Empty Office Spaces|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/03/27/nyregion/insurer-considers-major-move-to-downtown-s-empty-office-spaces.html|access-date=September 29, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=September 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929155934/https://www.nytimes.com/2003/03/27/nyregion/insurer-considers-major-move-to-downtown-s-empty-office-spaces.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=p219166002>{{cite magazine |id={{ProQuest|219166002}} |title=New Executive: Mitchell S. Steir, High rise for tenant rep |last=Croghan |first=Lore |volume=19 |issue=11 |date=17 Mar 2003 |page=11 |magazine=Crain's New York Business}}</ref>

Despite the lack of a main tenant, Times Square Tower was being built by late 2002.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Limsky|first=Drew|date=November 19, 2002|title=In Midtown Manhattan; Midtown Is the Epicenter of All That Is Manhattan|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/11/19/business/business-travel-ground-midtown-manhattan-midtown-epicenter-all-that-manhattan.html|access-date=September 29, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=September 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929142842/https://www.nytimes.com/2002/11/19/business/business-travel-ground-midtown-manhattan-midtown-epicenter-all-that-manhattan.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Law firm [[O'Melveny & Myers]] became the first tenant to sign a lease at Times Square Tower in January 2003, occupying eight stories.<ref name="n86185560" /><ref>{{Cite news|last=Bagli|first=Charles V.|date=January 29, 2003|title=Metro Briefing {{!}} New York: Manhattan: First Tenant For Tower|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/01/29/nyregion/metro-briefing-new-york-manhattan-first-tenant-for-tower.html|access-date=September 28, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=September 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928160600/https://www.nytimes.com/2003/01/29/nyregion/metro-briefing-new-york-manhattan-first-tenant-for-tower.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|date=Feb 2003|title=Leasing|volume=58|page=22|id={{ProQuest|216569107}}|magazine=Real Estate Forum|number=2}}</ref> O'Melveny & Myers's lease allowed Boston Properties to market the other stories at their official asking rates of {{Convert|50|to|70|$/ft2}}.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Garmhausen|first=Steve|date=May 10, 2004|title=Legal solution to towering woe|volume=20|issue=19|page=28|id={{ProQuest|219148474}}|magazine=Crain's New York Business}}</ref> Meanwhile, the September 11 attacks had prompted Thornton Tomasetti to revise plans for the building's structural system.<ref name="nyt20020909" /> To reduce disruption, the contractors performed material and equipment deliveries during off-peak hours. The work also involved reconstructing the subway entrance at the building's base before the skyscraper itself opened.<ref name="Turner Construction Company">{{cite web|title=Times Square Tower|url=https://www.turnerconstruction.com/experience/project/1238/times-square-tower|access-date=September 29, 2021|website=Turner Construction Company|archive-date=January 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200105043621/http://www.turnerconstruction.com/experience/project/1238/times-square-tower|url-status=live}}</ref> The subway entrance had to remain open during construction.<ref name="CKT p. 44" /><ref name="Turner Construction Company" /> Boston Properties paid for attendants to operate new restrooms in the subway station.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Ramírez|first=Eddy|date=July 22, 2004|title=A Toilet Stop in Times Sq.? Just Ask to Be Buzzed In|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/22/nyregion/a-toilet-stop-in-times-sq-just-ask-to-be-buzzed-in.html|access-date=September 29, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=September 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929155932/https://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/22/nyregion/a-toilet-stop-in-times-sq-just-ask-to-be-buzzed-in.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Usage ===
Times Square Tower opened in April 2004.<ref name="nyt20040701">{{Cite news|last=Elliott|first=Stuart|date=July 1, 2004|title=The Media Business: Advertising; Target is putting its bull's-eyes on Times Square Tower.|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/01/business/media-business-advertising-target-putting-its-bull-s-eyes-times-square-tower.html|access-date=September 29, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=September 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929161750/https://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/01/business/media-business-advertising-target-putting-its-bull-s-eyes-times-square-tower.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Marketing of the retail space began that month following the removal of construction scaffolding.<ref name="nyt20040411" /> At the time of opening, [[Justin Davidson]] of ''Newsday'' wrote that the building "aspires to jazz heat mixed with corporate cool".<ref>{{Cite news|last=Davidson|first=Justin|date=May 2, 2004|title=Jewels on the horizon|pages=115, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86242358/jewels-on-the-horizon/ 116]|work=Newsday|issn=2574-5298|via=newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86242287/jewels-on-the-horizonjustin-davidson/|access-date=September 30, 2021}}</ref> The law firm [[Heller Ehrman|Heller Ehrman White & McAuliffe]], leased about {{Convert|140000|ft2}} that July.<ref>{{cite magazine|date=July 5, 2004|title=Heller Ehrman in Times Sq relocation|page=7|id={{ProQuest|218725346}}|magazine=The Lawyer}}</ref> A month later, clothing retailer [[Ann Taylor (clothing retailer)|Ann Taylor]] leased part of the retail space and twelve office stories, bringing Times Square Tower to three-quarters occupancy.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Weber|first=Lauren|date=August 5, 2004|title=New headquarters for retailer|pages=54|work=Newsday|issn=2574-5298|via=newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86192040/new-headquarters-for-retailerlauren/|access-date=September 29, 2021|archive-date=September 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929175142/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86192040/new-headquarters-for-retailerlauren/|url-status=live}}</ref> With about {{Convert|300000|ft2}},<ref name="p216595294">{{cite magazine|date=Sep 2004|title=Leasing|volume=59|issue=9|page=22|id={{ProQuest|216595294}}|magazine=Real Estate Forum}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Muto|first=Sheila|date=September 8, 2004|title=Plots & Ploys|page=B4|work=Wall Street Journal|issn=0099-9660|id={{ProQuest|398939232}}}}</ref> Ann Taylor was the largest tenant of the tower.<ref name="p216595294" /> [[Target Corporation]] leased nine of the exterior signs in late 2004, while [[Wachovia]] had a sign atop the building.<ref name="nyt20040701" /> Law firm Brown Rudnick leased two of the upper floors that October.<ref>{{Cite news|date=March 14, 2019|title=7 Times Square{{!}}Office Leasing{{!}}October 22, 2004 {{!}} TRD Research|url=https://therealdeal.com/new-research/dealsheet/7-times-squareoffice-leasing10-22-2004/|access-date=September 29, 2021|newspaper=TRD Research {{pipe}} Published by the Real Deal|archive-date=September 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929175141/https://therealdeal.com/new-research/dealsheet/7-times-squareoffice-leasing10-22-2004/|url-status=live}}</ref> According to the magazine ''Real Estate Weekly'', Times Square Tower's completion "sealed the [42nd Street Development] with architectural, financial and operational success".<ref name="Free Online Library 2015" />

Originally, Boston Properties had placed 63 precast concrete spheres on the sidewalk to protect the building against car bombs. The spheres were removed in late 2006 after counterterrorism experts said the spheres could turn into projectiles during vehicular attacks.<ref>{{Cite news|date=October 8, 2006|title=Anti-terror barriers are coming down|pages=22|work=The Post-Star|via=newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86071457/anti-terror-barriers-are-coming-down/|access-date=September 27, 2021|archive-date=September 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927162942/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86071457/anti-terror-barriers-are-coming-down/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Buckley|first=Cara|date=October 7, 2006|title=Security Barriers of New York Are Removed|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/07/nyregion/nyregionspecial3/security-barriers-of-new-york-are-removed.html|access-date=September 27, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=September 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927162939/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/07/nyregion/nyregionspecial3/security-barriers-of-new-york-are-removed.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The spheres were donated to the [[New York Hall of Science]], a science museum in [[Queens]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Pollak|first=Michael|date=2007-07-01|title=Worlds Away|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/01/nyregion/thecity/01fyi.html|access-date=2021-09-30|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=January 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126031031/http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/01/nyregion/thecity/01fyi.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Ruby Tuesday (restaurant)|Ruby Tuesday]] leased some retail space in 2007 for a two-story restaurant.<ref>{{cite web|date=September 26, 2006|title=Ruby Tuesday Debuts in Times Square|url=https://www.thestreet.com/investing/stocks/ruby-tuesday-debuts-in-times-square-10311301|access-date=September 30, 2021|website=TheStreet|archive-date=February 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210203170525/https://www.thestreet.com/investing/stocks/ruby-tuesday-debuts-in-times-square-10311301|url-status=live}}</ref> By then, much of the building was occupied. Six tenants, including four law firms, collectively occupied {{Convert|800000|ft2}}.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Stuart|first=Elliott|date=Oct 15, 2007|title=Times Square Tower fills up|url=https://therealdeal.com/issues_articles/times-square-tower-fills-up/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-30|website=The Real Deal New York|language=en-US|archive-date=September 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924115937/http://therealdeal.com/issues_articles/times-square-tower-fills-up/}}</ref> Target continued to run advertising on nine of the building's signs for several years; in 2009, Target changed the billboards so they displayed artwork honoring New York City.<ref>{{cite news|date=September 3, 2009|title=Target Will Recycle Old Ads, Literally|pages=|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|id={{ProQuest|2219857076}}}}</ref> In subsequent years, the space was leased to tenants such as law firms Cohen Rabin Stine Schumann,<ref>{{cite web|last=Kusisto|first=Laura|date=February 16, 2011|title=Splitsville! Divorce Doyenne Takes 8K for New Firm|url=https://observer.com/2011/02/splitsville-divorce-doyenne-takes-8k-for-new-firm/|access-date=September 29, 2021|website=Observer|archive-date=September 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929155935/https://observer.com/2011/02/splitsville-divorce-doyenne-takes-8k-for-new-firm/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Ashurst LLP]],<ref>{{cite web | last=Rubinstein | first=Dana | title=Lease Beat: 8.19.09 | website=Observer | date=August 18, 2009 | url=https://observer.com/2009/08/lease-beat-81909/ | access-date=September 1, 2021}}</ref> [[White and Williams LLP]],<ref>{{cite web | last=Cullen | first=Terence | title=White and Williams Ditching Penn Plaza for Times Square Digs | website=Commercial Observer | date=November 1, 2015 | url=https://commercialobserver.com/2015/12/white-and-williams-ditching-penn-plaza-for-times-square-digs/ | access-date=September 1, 2021}}</ref> and [[Manatt, Phelps & Phillips]].<ref name="Kim 2018" />

In June 2013, Boston Properties placed the building's leasehold for sale with a starting price of $1.6 billion.<ref name="Commercial Property Executive 2013" /><ref>{{Cite web|date=2013-06-06|title=Boston Properties puts Times Square Tower on the market|url=https://therealdeal.com/2013/06/06/boston-properties-puts-times-square-tower-on-the-market/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-30|website=The Real Deal New York|language=en-US|archive-date=October 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024201604/https://therealdeal.com/2013/06/06/boston-properties-puts-times-square-tower-on-the-market/}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=June 5, 2013|title=Boston Properties Puts NYC Times Square Tower Up for Sale|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2013-06-05/boston-properties-puts-nyc-times-square-tower-up-for-sale|access-date=September 30, 2021|website=Bloomberg}}</ref> At the time, Ann Taylor, O'Melveny & Myers, and law firm [[Pryor Cashman]] were among the largest tenants, while Ann Taylor and Ruby Tuesday occupied the retail space.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Weiss|first=Lois|date=2013-06-06|title=Times Sq. Tower price scraping sky at $1.6B|url=https://betweenthebricks.com/2013/06/06/times-sq-tower-price-scraping-sky-at-1-6b/|access-date=2021-09-30|newspaper=Between the Bricks!|language=en-US}}</ref> Boston Properties sold a 45 percent leasehold stake to Norway's central bank [[Norges Bank]] in September 2013 for $684 million.<ref name="Commercial Property Executive 2013">{{cite web|date=September 10, 2013|title=Boston Properties to Sell Ownership Interest in Times Square Tower for $684M|url=https://www.commercialsearch.com/news/boston-properties-to-sell-ownership-interest-in-times-square-tower-for-684m/|access-date=September 29, 2021|website=Commercial Property Executive|archive-date=September 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929190850/https://www.commercialsearch.com/news/boston-properties-to-sell-ownership-interest-in-times-square-tower-for-684m/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=September 9, 2013|title=Boston Properties sells 7 Times Square stake|url=https://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20130909/REAL_ESTATE/130909912/boston-properties-sells-7-times-square-stake|access-date=September 29, 2021|website=Crain's New York Business|archive-date=September 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929193902/https://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20130909/REAL_ESTATE/130909912/boston-properties-sells-7-times-square-stake|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2018, Boston Properties started renovating the sky lobby with a tenants' cafeteria.<ref name="Kim 2018" /> Ann Taylor parent company [[Ascena Retail Group]] continued to be one of the building's largest tenants, extending its lease in 2017.<ref>{{cite web|last=Mashayekhi|first=Rey|date=November 2, 2017|title=Ann Taylor Parent Company Renews Offices at 7 Times Square|url=https://commercialobserver.com/2017/11/ann-inc-renews-nyc-office-7-times-square/|access-date=September 30, 2021|website=Commercial Observer|archive-date=November 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126210746/https://commercialobserver.com/2017/11/ann-inc-renews-nyc-office-7-times-square/|url-status=live}}</ref> After Ascena went bankrupt in 2020, Boston Properties tried to recover millions of dollars in unpaid rent, as it could not lease Ascena's office space to another tenant unless Ascena broke its lease.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-29|title=Retailers Squatting on Prime Real Estate|url=https://therealdeal.com/2020/07/29/major-retailers-are-squatting-on-prime-real-estate/|access-date=2021-09-30|website=The Real Deal New York|language=en-US|archive-date=January 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131120718/https://therealdeal.com/2020/07/29/major-retailers-are-squatting-on-prime-real-estate/|url-status=live}}</ref> A [[Pink Taco]] restaurant opened at Times Square Tower in 2023.<ref name="Davenport 2023 t183">{{cite web | last=Davenport | first=Emily | title=Pink Taco opens new restaurant in Times Square | website=amNewYork | date=May 2, 2023 | url=https://www.amny.com/lifestyle/eat-and-drink/pink-taco-opens-times-square/ | access-date=January 11, 2024}}<br/>{{cite web | last=Hoeffner | first=Melissa Kravitz | title=Pink Taco opens a 10,500-square-foot restaurant in Times Square | website=Time Out New York | date=April 27, 2023 | url=https://www.timeout.com/newyork/news/pink-taco-opens-a-10-500-square-foot-restaurant-in-times-square-042723 | access-date=January 11, 2024}}</ref>

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

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

===Sources===
* {{cite magazine|last1=Brazil|first1=Aine M.|author-link=Áine Brazil|last2=Gottlieb|first2=Eli|date=2004|title=A Tale of Two Towers; The Structures|url=https://structurae.net/en/literature/periodicals/civil-engineering-magazine/5149-74-6|magazine=Civil Engineering Magazine|publisher=[[American Society of Civil Engineers]]|volume=74|issue=6|pages=39, 46–49, 79|issn=2381-0688}}
* {{cite magazine|last1=Canale|first1=Tony D.|last2=Kaufman|first2=James L.|date=2004|title=A Tale of Two Towers; The Foundations|url=https://structurae.net/en/literature/periodicals/civil-engineering-magazine/5149-74-6|magazine=Civil Engineering Magazine|publisher=[[American Society of Civil Engineers]]|volume=74|issue=6|pages=38, 40–45|issn=2381-0688|last3=Tamaro|first3=George J.}}
* {{Cite journal|last=Gottlieb|first=Eli B.|date=February 1, 2005|title=Times Square Tower, New York, NY, USA|url=https://doi.org/10.2749/101686605777963413|journal=Structural Engineering International|volume=15|issue=1|pages=8–1–|doi=10.2749/101686605777963413|s2cid=108454282 |issn=1016-8664|url-access=subscription}}
* {{Cite New York 2000}}

==External links==
* {{commons category-inline|Times Square Tower}}

{{Times Square}}
{{Midtown South, Manhattan}}
{{Broadway (Manhattan)|state=collapsed}}

[[Category:2004 establishments in New York City]]
[[Category:42nd Street (Manhattan)]]
[[Category:Broadway (Manhattan)]]
[[Category:Modernist architecture in New York City]]
[[Category:Office buildings completed in 2004]]
[[Category:Seventh Avenue (Manhattan)]]
[[Category:Skidmore, Owings & Merrill buildings]]
[[Category:Skyscraper office buildings in Manhattan]]
[[Category:Times Square buildings]]
[[Category:Towers in New York City]]
[[Category:2000s architecture in the United States]]