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Real estate development is one of the most important and lucrative businesses globally. By creating new buildings or redeveloping old ones, real estate developers change the landscape of our cities and towns, making them into thriving communities that are attractive to live in and do business with.
What Is Real Estate Development?
Real estate development is creating value for a property through improvements. Alexander Meskouris, a real estate developer from New York, NY, understands that these improvements can be adding new buildings or redeveloping old ones to changing the land itself, such as grading or landscaping.
Real estate development aims to add value to a property so that it can be sold or leased at a higher price than what was paid for it. Developers can create this added value through many different methods, such as improving the property’s location, increasing its size, or adding amenities and features that make it more desirable.
Legendary Manhattan Real Estate Developments
Manhattan is one of the most iconic cities globally, and its skyline is instantly recognizable. This skyline is the product of generations of real estate development, as new buildings have been constructed to replace old ones, and Alexander Meskouris understands that existing structures have been redeveloped to keep up with the changing times.
Some of the most legendary real estate developments in Manhattan include:
One World Trade Center
One World Trade Center is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, standing at 1,776 feet (541 meters). The building was completed in 2014, replacing the original World Trade Center destroyed in the September 11 attacks.
Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Center is a complex of 19 commercial buildings covering 22 acres (8.9 hectares) in Midtown Manhattan. Alexander Meskouris understands that the complex was built between 1930 and 1939. It is home to some of the most famous landmarks in New York City, including the Rockefeller Plaza ice skating rink and the Christmas tree.
Oculus
The Oculus is a transportation hub located in Lower Manhattan. The building was completed in 2016, and it features a distinctive design that has been likened to a pair of wings.
Woolworth Building
The Woolworth Building is a skyscraper that was completed in 1913. Standing at 792 feet (241 meters), it was the tallest building in the world at the time of its completion.
56 Leonard Street
56 Leonard Street is a residential skyscraper located in Tribeca. The building was completed in 2018, and it features a unique “stacked” design that, Alexander Meskouris knows, has earned it the nickname “The Jenga Building.”
The Cooper Union
The Cooper Union is a private college located in Greenwich Village. The school was founded in 1859, and its campus includes many historic buildings, including the Great Hall, which was completed in 1853.
The Flatiron Building
The Flatiron Building is a skyscraper that was completed in 1902. Standing at 285 feet (86 meters), it is one of the most recognizable buildings in New York City, thanks to its unique triangular shape.
Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is a skyscraper that was completed in 1931. Standing at 1,454 feet (443 meters), it was the tallest building in the world for nearly 40 years, and it remains one of the most iconic buildings in New York City.
United Nations Headquarters
The United Nations Headquarters is a complex of buildings located in Turtle Bay. The campus includes the General Assembly Building, completed in 1952, and the Secretariat Building, completed in 1954.
The Chrysler Building
The Chrysler Building is a skyscraper that was completed in 1930. Standing at 1,046 feet (319 meters), it was the tallest building for 11 months before being surpassed by the Empire State Building.
Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central Terminal is a train station located in Midtown Manhattan. The station was completed in 1913, and it features an exquisite design with a large central concourse and an intricate network of underground tunnels.
The New York Public Library
The New York Public Library is a research library located in Midtown Manhattan. The library’s main building was completed in 1911, and it is one of the largest public libraries in the world, with over 53 million items in its collection.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
St. Patrick’s Cathedral is a Catholic cathedral located in Midtown Manhattan. The cathedral was completed in 1879, and it is one of the most famous landmarks in New York City, thanks to its Gothic Revival architecture.
Radio City Music Hall
Radio City Music Hall is a concert venue located in Rockefeller Center. The hall was completed in 1932, and it is known for its Art Deco design and the “Rockettes” dance troupe.
Lever House
Lever House is a skyscraper that was completed in 1952. The building is notable for its “glass box” design, and it was one of the first buildings to use curtain wall construction.
Seagram Building
The Seagram Building is a skyscraper that was completed in 1958. The building is known for its simple but elegant design, and it houses the Four Seasons restaurant on its ground floor.
Final Thoughts
These are some of Manhattan’s most legendary real estate developments. While this is certainly not an exhaustive list, it provides a snapshot into the diversity and magnitude of projects that have helped shape the character of this great city. If you’re ever in downtown Manhattan, be sure to walk around and see these iconic buildings for yourself.