Demolition to Commence at Soho Properties’ 45 Park Place

reprints


45-51 Park Place.
45-51 Park Place.

Soho Properties has received demolition permits for the site at 45 Park Place, according to the city’s Department of Buildings. The permits allow for the the wrecking of a five-story as well as a four-story building.

The firm, run by Sharif El-Gamal, plans to begin removal of the exterior details of the existing building as early as next Monday, a spokeswoman for Mr. El-Gamal said. Full demolition is slated to begin shortly thereafter, paving the way for development of a condominium tower and then the Jean Nouvel-designed museum, Mr. El-Gamal’s spokeswoman indicated.

“The commencement of demolition represents an important milestone for us in the development of 45 Park Place—the first step in the realization of something truly extraordinary and a contribution to the renaissance of Tribeca and Lower Manhattan,” Mr. Sharif said in a prepared statement. Soho Properties filed plans with the city for the project’s construction in May, as Commercial Observer previously reported.

Designed by architect Michel Abboud of SOMA Architects, with Ismael Leyva Architects, the residential building will be a concrete tower with glass curtain wall facade, Mr. El-Gamal’s spokeswoman said. The residential tower will rise 665 feet. Construction is slated to begin this year and occupancy is slated for 2017. The museum will be completed shortly after the residential building.

Park51 officially opened its doors as a cultural and community center at 45-51 Park Place in September 2011, a year after controversy ensued following announcement of plans for a 15-story Muslim institution two blocks from the World Trade Center.