Renderings Reveal Changes to East Harlem 11-Story Mixed-Use Development

EAST HARLEM, NY — New renderings have been released as construction begins on an 11-story, 233-unit East Harlem residential development.

The Blumenfeld Development Group recently broke ground on its project, called Gotham 126th Residential, and the building's look has been altered. The most dramatic change to the building's design will be to its facade. No longer will the building's exterior be a red-brick color, but instead a metallic shade of charcoal gray.

The development is set to rise 120 feet tall and will be located on East 126th Street between Lexington and Third avenues, according to building plans approved by the city. The development will be mixed-use and contain 191,411 square feet zoned for residential use, 127,678 square feet zoned for commercial use and 26,990 square feet zoned for a community facility, according to the plans.

The residential development on the lot will be an expansion on the existing "Gotham Plaza" on East 125th Street.

The building's developers broke ground on the project on Oct. 26 and were joined by the project's architect Bjarke Ingels. Despite changes to the building's facade, Ingels said that the building fits the neighborhood's existing character.

"The facade of Gotham 126 drapes gently between the building’s two neighbors and leans inward to allow sunlight and air to reach the street while fulfilling the set-back requirements," Ingels said in a statement. "Like a good neighbor, it fits into the existing neighborhood, feeding from the community’s energy to add new sparks while continuing to show where East Harlem is heading."

Additional renderings show some of the building's common spaces and a view of the building from East 125th Street:

Photos: Courtesy of Blumenfeld Development Group