215 East 68th Street, New York

The grand character of this dazzling white building right in the heart of Manhattan has been restored thanks to a comprehensive refurbishment project that has only just been completed on the aging high rise. Extensive renovation work and restoration of the façade has given the giant building constructed in 1962 an attractive and immaculate new face.
White terracotta and ceramic strips in light grey and dark grey highlight the window areas and complement each other, combining into a clear, fresh overall appearance. The white panels between the windows have additional profiling that reinforces the line-based structure. All of the terracotta panels are finished with single-fired glazing. The façade elements of the 108-m high, 33-storey building were constructed from the top down and do not require any mortar joints that would otherwise spoil the appearance. The effort has undoubtedly been worthwhile: with its new face, the office building and residential block stands out as a shimmering and classy “pearl” among the surrounding skyscrapers.