Manhattan Borough President Scott M. Stringer announced today his conditional approval for a proposed 85-story skyscraper at 53 West 53rd Street.  The residential/hotel structure will also include exhibition space for the Museum of Modern Art.

Borough President Stringer’s favorable recommendation rests on affirmation by the developer, Hines Interests L.P., and MoMA to follow through on promises to limit the number of dwelling units to no more than 300 and the number of hotel rooms to no more than 167; explore methods to limit and accommodate large crowds on public sidewalks, which include adjusting opening hours and waiting areas; and work with neighbors, the community board, government agencies and other local stakeholders to address construction impacts and issues.

Borough President Stringer said:  “The Hines/MoMA tower will offer the city an important economic boost, provide MoMA with badly-needed space, and bring a new signature skyscraper to our skyline.  With the agreements we have reached with MoMA and the developer to reduce sidewalk overcrowding, improve relationships with local residents and mitigate potential construction problems for the neighborhood, I am recommending conditional approval of this project.”

The 1,250-foot tower will be one of the tallest structures in the city. Designed by Jean Nouvel, Pritzker Prize-winning architect, it will include more than 51,000 square feet of additional MoMA exhibition and office space, along with its residential and hotel units and a ground floor restaurant.

Borough President Stringer made his advisory recommendation on the project as part of his Charter role in the city’s Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP). The proposed project must also be approved by the City Planning Commission, which will hold its hearing on Wednesday, July 22, at its offices at 22 Reade Street.  The project must also be approved by the City Council.