A new proposal aims to transform a 1920s office building at 509 Madison Avenue in Midtown Manhattan into a modern luxury hotel. The project, led by developer Kensico Properties, involves a significant vertical expansion and a complete redesign of the building's exterior, signaling a major shift for the prominent corner property.
The plan includes adding nine stories to the existing 21-story structure, bringing its total height in line with its neighbor at 505 Madison Avenue. This ambitious conversion, dubbed The Lowell Modern, will replace the current Art Deco façade with a contemporary glass curtain wall, dramatically altering the streetscape at the corner of Madison Avenue and East 53rd Street.
Key Takeaways
- The office building at 509 Madison Avenue is set to be converted into a 96-room luxury hotel called The Lowell Modern.
- The project involves adding nine floors to the existing 21-story structure.
- The original 1929 Art Deco façade will be replaced with a modern glass curtain wall.
- The development will span 139,000 square feet and include ground-floor retail space.
- Completion is targeted for early 2028, pending city approvals.
A New Vision for a Historic Corner
The transformation of 509 Madison Avenue represents a significant investment in Midtown's hospitality sector. The project will gut the existing building down to its steel frame, preserving its core structure while completely reimagining its function and appearance. The developer, Kensico Properties, is steering the project through the city's Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP), a process expected to take approximately seven months.
Initial interior demolition is already underway as the project seeks the necessary zoning changes from the Department of City Planning. The application for these changes was filed in August of the previous year. The final hotel is planned to encompass 139,000 square feet, a substantial space dedicated to luxury accommodations and guest services.
Project at a Glance
- Location: 509 Madison Avenue, New York, NY
- Developer: Kensico Properties
- Proposed Height: 30 stories (21 existing + 9 new)
- Total Space: 139,000 square feet
- Guest Rooms: 96
- Retail Space: 3,300 square feet
- Target Completion: Early 2028
Architectural and Design Details
Renderings released for the project reveal a sleek, modern tower designed to stand out. The new structure will feature a tiered massing with setbacks that create space for landscaped terraces, offering private outdoor areas for guests. The building's design is divided into three distinct vertical volumes.
A Modern Façade
The most dramatic change will be the removal of the original 1929 façade, designed by Robert T. Lyons. In its place, a glass curtain wall with vertical fins will wrap the main body of the tower. This reflective surface is contrasted by more transparent glass and rounded columns at the double-height ground floor and the setback levels. The design aims to create a dynamic and contemporary presence on Madison Avenue.
The top of the building will be crowned by a tall mechanical bulkhead, also enclosed in glass, ensuring a cohesive and modern aesthetic from street level to the skyline. This approach reflects a broader trend in New York City architecture, where historic structures are adapted for modern use through bold design interventions.
The Trend of Office-to-Residential/Hotel Conversions
The plan for 509 Madison Avenue is part of a larger movement in major cities like New York. With shifts in remote work policies affecting demand for commercial office space, developers are increasingly looking to convert underutilized office buildings into residential apartments or hotels. These conversions can revitalize older buildings and address housing or hospitality shortages, though they often involve complex zoning and construction challenges.
Impact on the Midtown Landscape
Located at the southeast corner of Madison Avenue and East 53rd Street, the property sits in a bustling commercial and retail corridor. The introduction of a 96-room luxury hotel is expected to bring new energy and foot traffic to the area. The project includes 3,300 square feet of ground-floor retail space, which will further activate the street level.
The location offers excellent access to public transportation, with the E and F subway lines available at the nearby 5th Avenue–53rd Street station. This connectivity makes it an attractive destination for tourists and business travelers alike.
The vertical expansion is specifically designed to align with the height of the adjacent building at 505 Madison Avenue. This careful consideration aims to create a more uniform and visually appealing skyline along this block, integrating the new structure with its surroundings while still making a modern statement.
The Path to Completion
While an architect for the project has not yet been publicly announced, the development team is moving forward with the initial phases. The interior gutting is proceeding in parallel with the ULURP process, a strategy to expedite the construction timeline once all approvals are secured.
The rezoning application submitted to the Department of City Planning is a critical step. The city's review will assess the project's impact on the neighborhood, its adherence to zoning regulations, and its overall benefit to the community. Successful navigation of this process is key to keeping the project on track for its early 2028 completion target.
As Midtown continues to evolve, the transformation of 509 Madison Avenue from a classic office building into The Lowell Modern will be a closely watched example of adaptive reuse, blending the city's architectural past with its future needs.