July 24, 2020
Morris Adjmi: Becoming NoMad with 30 East 31st Street Tower
Architect Morris Adjmi is helping to further define New York’s skyline, in particular in NoMad. Known for tasteful, uniquely appropriate structures that fit into the fabric and architectural vocabulary of New York’s distinct neighborhoods, Adjmi brings his philosophy and talent to NoMad at 30 East 31st Street.
Adjmi’s aim is to create buildings that are simultaneously contextual and contemporary. This is clear in his latest work, 30E31 (30 East 31st Street, between Madison Avenue and Park Avenue South). Of note, this is one of Adjmi’s tallest towers in Manhattan.
In an interview with 6sqft, he shares that other Neo-Gothic buildings in and around NoMad inspired the tower. It is also meant to connect with the Empire State Building and Chrysler Building in context of New York’s skyline.
The new tower leaves behind the idea of a typical glass box, which has become less and less exciting, if not cliché in today’s cities. In this skyscraper, the vertical details rise up, then curve across each other, echoing curves like those at the top of the Chrysler Building. In his book, A Grid and a Conversation, Adjmi discusses his aim to stand out architecturally, while at the same time fitting into the neighborhood. His respect and understanding of an area’s history always inform his choices, but he is never confined by the past. It’s this philosophy and approach that help to keep neighborhoods and their skylines evolving organically.
Also in NoMad, Morris Adjmi Architects has plans in review at the Landmarks Preservation Commission for 1162 Broadway, which recently changed its usage intent from hotel to office use (for details, see YIMBY).
Other notable work by Adjmi in New York City include the remarkable 837 Washington (a gem of the Meatpacking District), the Wythe Hotel, Front & York, and 520 West 20th Street, to name a few. 30E31, developed by EDG and The Pinnacle Group with 42 residential condominiums, adds yet another distinguished edifice to Adjmi’s portfolio.
Hellenic American states it well: Adjmi creates “buildings that may not feel like they’ve always been there, but feel like they should have always been there.” Next time you’re in NoMad visit the building or look to the skyline and see for yourself.
