Art & Architecture + USA

REX: REDEVELOPMENT of FIVE MANHATTAN WEST by REX
Redevelopment of Five Manhattan West by REX

The $200-million redevelopment of the adjacent 450 W 33rd St. office building, to be known as Five Manhattan West, will modernize and fully integrate the 1.8-million-square-foot building through an exterior recladding and interior renovation program.

Redevelopment of Five Manhattan West by REX

Originally designed by Davis, Brody & Associates, the 1.8-million-square-foot building—formerly named the Westyard Distribution Center—has long been criticized for its imposing form and heavy materials.

Redevelopment of Five Manhattan West by REX

The architectural firm REX designed the redevelopment of Five Manhattan West, including a new pleated glass facade, which will create floor-to-ceiling windows on every floor, maximizing daylight penetration while reducing solar gain through geometric self-shading.

Redevelopment of Five Manhattan West by REX

The interior program includes a redesigned lobby, upgraded and expanded elevators, and enhanced HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) and other mechanical systems. New retail storefronts will provide a welcoming streetscape. The renovation is expected to be completed in 2016.

Redevelopment of Five Manhattan West by REX

The 450 W 33rd St. building was acquired by Brookfield in 2011. It is one of only eight office buildings in Manhattan to offer more than 100,000 square feet of contiguous space on a single floor. The property's footprint stretches from W 31st St. to W 33rd St., taking up a half block between Dyer Avenue and 10th Avenue.

Redevelopment of Five Manhattan West by REX

In addition, the numerous loading bays provide the opportunity to create a private entrance for tenants. The five-acre Manhattan West campus will also include two new premium-grade office towers, a luxury residential tower, retail and a two-acre park.

Redevelopment of Five Manhattan West by REX

Located steps away from the High Line, it also will feature a boutique six-star hotel, health and fitness facilities, rooftop gardens, and multiple restaurants and cafes.

Redevelopment of Five Manhattan West by REX

A team led by Bruce Mosler and Josh Kuriloff of Cushman & Wakefield is the exclusive leasing agent for office space at Manhattan West, including 450 W 33rd St. Brookfield kicked off development at Manhattan West in January, 2013,with the construction of a platform scheduled to be completed in late 2014.