Architect Carlos Zapata's plan for 39-41 West 23rd Street, aka the Pope Hat Building, has long ranked high on our list of favorite unbuilt projects. We're hereby revoking its spot?because the design is coming back to life! The site recently sold to Anbau Enterprises for $18.5 million, according to the Journal (it was asking $22 million in November). Rather than the hotel that was previously in the cards, the new developer plans to build a 38-unit condo (will it sell out before One Madison Park?). But Anbau will be keeping Zapata's design (with a few minor, Landmarks Preservation Commission-approved changes for energy efficiency). That probably ends any chance they had of a warm welcome from Community Board 5, but for bringing the Pope back to New York, Anbau's got a friend in us.
· Project Retains Its Edgy Design [WSJ]
· Carlos Zapata coverage [Curbed]
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