NEW YORK (AP) — One skyscraper stands out from the rest in the Manhattan skyline. It's not the tallest, but it is the skinniest — the world's skinniest, in fact.
The 84-story residential Steinway Tower, designed by New York architecture firm SHoP Architects, has the title of "most slender skyscraper in the world" thanks to its logic-defying ratio of width to height: 23 1/2-to-1.
"Any time it's 1-to-10 or more that's considered a slender building; 1-to-15 or more is considered exotic and really difficult to do," SHoP Architects founding principal Gregg Pasquarelli said. "The most slender buildings in the world are mostly in Hong Kong, and they're around 17- or 18-to-1."
The 60 apartments in the tower range in cost from $18 million to $66 million per unit, and offer 360-degree views of the city. It's located just south of Central Park, along a stretch of Manhattan's 57th Street known as "Billionaires Row."
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The luxury, residential skyscraper buildings of "Billionaire's Row" in Manhattan are visible from Central Park in New York City on Sunday, February 20, 2022.
At 1,428 feet (435 meters), the building is the second-tallest residential tower in the Western Hemisphere, second to the nearby Central Park Tower at 1,550 feet (470 meters). For comparison, the world's tallest tower is Dubai's Burj Khalifa, which stands at 2,717 feet (828 meters).
Steinway Tower is so skinny at the top that whenever the wind ramps up, the luxury homes on the upper floors sway around by a few feet.
"Every skyscraper has to move," Pasquarelli said. "If it's too stiff, it's actually more dangerous — it has to have flexibility in it."
To prevent the tower from swaying too far, the architects created a counterbalance with tuned steel plates. And while the exterior has the de rigueur reflective glass, it also includes a textured terracotta and bronze facade that creates wind turbulence to slow the acceleration of the building, Pasquarelli said. About 200 rock anchors descend at most 100 feet (30 meters) into the underlying bedrock to provide a deep foundation.
Steinway Tower has a long history as the former location of Steinway Hall, constructed in 1924. JDS Development Group and Property Markets Group bought the building in 2013, and now they're looking to the future.
"What I'm hoping is that 50 years from now, you've only known New York with 111 West 57th St.," Pasquarelli said. "I hope it holds a special place in all future New Yorkers' hearts."
Most unusual skyscrapers around the world
Abraj Al-Bait Towers in Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Standing over the holy mosque of Mecca in western Saudi Arabia, the Abraj Al-Bait Towers complex boasts the world's largest clock face.
Aldar headquarters in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
The first circular building in the Middle East, the headquarters of Aldar Properties is also referred to as "The Coin Building."
Antilia building in Mumbai, India
This 27-story building is actually a private residence. Mukesh Amban, India's richest man, lives in a skyscraper that is rumored to have more floor space than the Palace of Versailles.
Aqua in Chicago
The Radisson Blu Aqua hotel in Chicago occupies the first 18 floors of this residential tower. The 82-story Aqua tower is the tallest building in the world designed by a woman (architect Jeanne Gang). But perhaps the most-talked-about feature is the rippling, water-like design of its balconies.
Elephant Building in Bangkok, Thailand
The three towers of this quirky building pay homage to Thailand's national animal. With 32 stories of offices, shops and luxury apartments, the "ears" feature multi-story balconies while the "tusks" are home to its management company.
Kingdom Centre in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
It's hard not to think this soaring skyscraper looks like a tall bucket with a handle.
Lippo Centre in Hong Kong
Designed by American architect Paul Rudolph, Lippo Centre has been dubbed "The Koala Buildings" for the way the C-shaped extensions cling to the glass towers.
Lloyd's Building in London, England
Also known as "The Inside-Out Building," Lloyd's Building is the home of the insurance institution Lloyd's of London, located in the main financial district.
MahaNakhon Tower in Bangkok, Thailand
This mixed-use skyscraper looks like it was built in a Tetris game.
Marina Bay Sands in Marina Bay, Singapore
Singapore's iconic hotel is said to have the world's largest rooftop infinity pool, and the shape of the building certainly turns heads.
Marina City in Chicago
Nestled along the Chicago River, Marina City was once the tallest residential project in the world. Its unique "corn cob" shape has a strong presence in the world of modern architecture.
Porsche Design Tower in Miami, Fla.
You can drive your car right into your apartment here! A pair of glass elevators carries residents and their rides up to any of the building's 132 units, which feature their own personal garages.
Ryugyong Hotel in Pyongyang, North Korea
The pyramid-shaped Ryugyong Hotel in Pyongyang, North Korea, stands at 105 stories, but it still hasn’t opened. No one seems to know when it will be completed.
Tianzi Hotel in Langfang, China
Colorful depictions of Fu, Lu and Shou (Chinese gods of fortune, prosperity and longevity) make this 10-story hotel stand out among the smaller, more traditional buildings in the skyline.
Torre Velasca in Milan, Italy
The last few stories of this 26-story skyscraper look as though they've created an architectural hat to top off the building. Or maybe it's supposed to be a mushroom. Or maybe we're just hungry.
Umeda Sky Building in Osaka, Japan
The two 40-story towers of this Japanese high-rise are connected by a "floating" garden observatory.
Western City Gate in Belgrade, Serbia
Western City Gate is a 36-story skyscraper formed by two towers connected by a two-story bridge. Also known as the Genex Tower, the building features a revolving restaurant at the top.
AP contributor Aron Ranen contributed to this report.
