731 Lexington Avenue

César Pelli · Midtown Manhattan · 2005

731 Lexington Avenue
Iconic

A shimmering ripple in the sky that transforms stainless steel into the fluidity of silk.

Skyscraper in New York City.

Major PracticeIconic
Architect
César Pelli
Year
2005
Coordinates
40.7618°, -73.9680°
View on Map

Visitor Guide

Visitor Tip

Walk around to the south facade to see the flat face, which Gehry designed to provide a geometric contrast to the undulating ripples.

Best Photo Spot

Nassau Street, looking northeast during the morning to see the sun reflecting off the 'angel hair' finish of the steel.

Access & Hours

Residential floors are private; the ground-level public plazas and the facade are viewable to the public.

Insider Note

The top three floors are not residential; they are 'facade only' to hide the building's massive mechanical systems.

Time Needed

1 hour

Design & Structure

Ruled SurfaceParametric SurfaceFreeform
Computational Process

Gehry Technologies' Digital Project software was used to create nearly 90 design options and rationalize the steel skin into ruled surfaces.

Materiality

Stainless steel panels with a 'honeycomb' internal support and an 'angel hair' finish that prevents harsh solar glare.

Structural Innovation

The facade functions as a complex rain screen; all 2,400 glazed panels are normal to the ground plane to simplify installation.

See Together

Buildings that pair well with 731 Lexington Avenue — they're nearby or share a compelling architectural conversation.

More by César Pelli

View all →

Frequently Asked Questions

Who designed 731 Lexington Avenue?+

731 Lexington Avenue was designed by César Pelli and completed in 2005. It is located in Midtown Manhattan, United States.

Where is 731 Lexington Avenue located?+

731 Lexington Avenue is located in Midtown Manhattan, United States. Its coordinates are 40.7618°, -73.9680°.

When was 731 Lexington Avenue built?+

731 Lexington Avenue was completed in 2005. It was designed by César Pelli.

Can I visit 731 Lexington Avenue?+

731 Lexington Avenue is a real building in Midtown Manhattan that can be viewed from the outside. Check local information for interior access and visiting hours. Use the Parametric Atlas walking tour feature to plan a route that includes this building.