Designwire Daily: from the editors of Interior Design magazine

Morris Adjmi’s 837 Washington To Join the High Line Skyline

by Ian Volner | Monday, November 7, 2011 | 1 Comment

The bumper crop of new construction in the area immediately surrounding Manhattan’s High Line—the recently opened park, designed by James Corner and Diller Scofidio + Renfro, atop an old freight railway on the West Side—has been fairly astounding, and it’s made the elevated greenspace one of the best spots in the city for architecture gawking. A veritable open-air gallery of contemporary design, the choice pickings include The Standard Hotel, Frank Gehry’s IAC Headquarters, and Jean Nouvel’s 100 11th Ave.

Soon to join this distinguished collection is 837 Washington, an office building by Morris Adjmi Architects, officially approved by the city’s Landmarks Preservation Commission in August. The architect, a former pupil and partner of late-lamented Italian designer Aldo Rossi, has brought some of his old master’s sensitivity to the project, giving it a firm sense of place and a connection to the peculiar streetscape of the neighborhood: says firm partner Jess Walker, “[The shape] of the addition is generated by the site’s unique location, marking the position where the angular street grid of the Meatpacking District interlocks with the more regular urban grid of upper Manhattan.” But it’s the building’s dark grey, twisted steel beam frame, and its broad, industrial loft-like windows, that will give it a hard-edged profile that’s bound to stand out amidst the glitzy towers of the new West Chelsea.

No word as of press time as to when completion is expected.

Rendering courtesy of Morris Adjmi Architects.