Imagine a new skyscraper transforming the iconic Midtown Manhattan skyline—a towering hotel that promises to redefine luxury and urban living. But here’s where it gets controversial: as New York City continues to grapple with housing shortages and urban density, is adding another high-rise hotel the best use of prime real estate? Let’s dive into the details of 1710 Broadway, the latest addition to the city’s ever-growing skyline, and you decide.
Currently ranking 21st on our year-end countdown of the tallest buildings under construction in New York, 1710 Broadway is a 633-foot-tall hotel skyscraper located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. Designed by Moss Architects and developed by RIU Hotels and Resorts, this 54-story giant will house 673 hotel rooms, two 300-seat restaurants, and a lounge bar. The project sits on an 8,848-square-foot site at the corner of Broadway and West 54th Street, boasting 129 feet of prime frontage.
Construction has been making steady progress since our last update in late September, when the reinforced concrete superstructure had just reached street level. Now, the building has climbed to the sixth story, thanks to a tower crane along Broadway and a concrete pump at the site’s northern end. YIMBY anticipates the structure will surpass the podium levels by year-end and potentially top out in late 2026, with a completion date slated for 2027.
Renderings reveal a striking design: the multistory podium is clad in glass and light gray metal paneling, featuring a three-story billboard at the southwest corner. Above, the tower rises with a series of shallow setbacks, creating a slender southern profile that culminates in a flat roof. The upper floors contrast with darker gray paneling, and illuminated RIU signage crowns the skyscraper. And this is the part most people miss: the site was once home to a six-story commercial building that housed the offices of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Bad Boy Entertainment, adding a layer of cultural history to the project’s narrative.
For those navigating the city, the nearest subway stations are the N, Q, R, and W trains at 57th Street–7th Avenue to the northeast, and the B, D, and E trains at 7th Avenue and West 53rd Street to the south.
As 1710 Broadway continues its ascent, it raises questions about the balance between tourism, residential needs, and urban development. Is this hotel a welcome addition to Midtown’s bustling landscape, or does it symbolize a missed opportunity for more diverse land use? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
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