adjaye associates' first skyscraper '130 william' evokes a fortress ruin in new york

now complete: new york’s modern ruin by adjaye associates

130 William stands completed in New York City‘s financial district, marking Adjaye Associates‘ first skyscraper. Designed as a rejection of the common glass tower, the architecture takes its inspiration from the industrial heritage of the city with its facade of rhythmic, arched windows and its hand-cast concrete skin — this way, the project evokes a ‘ruin’ in the city, proposing an alternative history of New York architecture. The building rises 800 feet and 66 stories above the city, and introduces 242 residences along with a luxurious collection of amenities and a welcoming public plaza at street-level. See designboom’s previous coverage here.

image © Ivane Katamashvili

a hand-cast concrete facade evokes the texture of lava rock

From the street, 130 William’s entrance plaza opens up as a lush public ‘pocket park,’ which Adjaye Associates designed as a quiet retreat from the density of the Financial District. This park is wrapped on three sides by the building’s custom hand-cast facade with its stack of arched windows. From here, visitors can observe the rich texture of the blackened concrete skin, cast to evoke the porous surface of lava rock, which is highlighted by refined bronze accents. The distinctive silhouette of large-scale arched windows are a reminder of the historic lofts that once defined the fabric of lower Manhattan.

‘This idea of making a ‘pocket park’ as an outdoor room for the city was the compelling part of the project for me,’ architect David Adjaye said during an opening celebration at 130 William. ‘Making not just a condo but a piece of public infrastructure, a piece of the city, was really important.’

image © Ivane Katamashvili

inside the airy residences

While Adjaye Associates designs its 130 William tower with a dark, fortress-like exterior, the team curated its interiors with a light and airy ambience. The 242 residences range from studios to four-bedroom units, and take shape with materials gathered from across the globe. With wide-plank white oak flooring and large, bronze-framed arched windows, the each residence is designed with open and spacious interiors and a meticulous attention to detail. The team at Adjaye Associates custom-designed all the residences’ burnished bronze fixtures and hardware — including all faucets, showerheads, accessories, and door handles — along with textiles and textural wallpaper.

image © Ivane Katamashvili

sheltered loggias bring private outdoor space

Within the top ten floors of 130 William, Adjaye Associates fits the Penthouse and Loggia Residences, which feature spacious rooms and high ceilings ranging from 11 to 14 feet. These interiors seamlessly connect to expansive outdoor areas with breathtaking views. The Loggia terraces envelop these residences from one end to the other, offering substantial outdoor space starting at a height of over 600 feet. These distinctive residences are further enriched with exclusive touches, such as sink countertops and soaking tubs crafted from exquisite marble.

a ‘pocket park’ is open for residents and the public alike | image © Dror Baldinger

the luxury amenities of 130 william

130 William presents an extensive range of lifestyle and wellness amenities spanning over 20,000 square feet. These offerings encompass a comprehensive health and wellness club featuring a luxurious infinity-edge spa pool, invigorating cold and hot plunge pools, a rejuvenating dry sauna, and tranquil massage rooms. Additionally, there is a cutting-edge fitness center with a terrace, a serene yoga studio, and a versatile basketball court. Residents can indulge in various entertainment facilities, including a private IMAX theater, one of just two in all of New York City. Indoor and outdoor lounges offer a chef’s catering kitchen, a club room, a golf simulator, and a children’s play space. 

the blackened, textural facade wraps the public park on three sides | image © designboom

For panoramic views across the city and beyond, a private rooftop observation deck crowns 130 William, situated almost 800 feet above ground level. Convenient services include a 24-hour attended lobby, a concierge service catering to personal needs such as reservations and theater tickets, as well as a pet spa. Additional amenities comprise bicycle storage, private storage options, and exclusive rooftop cabanas.

stone sourced from across the world is paired with custom-designed bronze fixtures | image © James Wang
the top ten residential floors are wrapped in private ‘loggia’ terraces | image © James Wang

1/7

image © Dror Baldinger

image © James Wang

penthouse 65 | image © Gael Georges

communal lounge terrace | image © designboom

image © designboom

image © designboom

children's play space | image © James Wang

project info:

project title: 130 William | @130William

architecture: Adjaye Associates | @adjayeassociates

location: 130 William Street, New York NY

developer: Lightstone

executive architect: Hill West

completion: 2023

previous coverage: December 2017, May 2019, February 2020, November 2020, March 2021

photography: © Ivane Katamashvili, Dror Baldinger, Gael Georges, James Wang, designboom