How a New York pencil tower shrank from a supertall to a slender skyscraper

Cultures · Published 11 October 2026 · Updated 25 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Rising 860 feet above Manhattan, 262 Fifth Avenue is a masterclass in architectural downsizing. Once envisioned as a massive supertall structure, this residential project has undergone significant reductions in height, unit count, and scale, sparking intense debate over New Underserved views and city zoning.

The development of 262 Fifth Avenue is a saga of shifting ambitions and economic recalibration. Originally, plans submitted to the New York City Department of Buildings in 2017 envisioned a supertall skyscraper reaching 1,009 feet (308 m). The project, led by developer Boris Kuzinez, initially proposed up to 41 apartments, including a massive 9,900 square foot three-story penthouse. However, as the project progressed, the scale began to contract significantly.

Between August and December 2022, the building's planned height was reduced from 1,043 feet to its current 860 feet (260 m). This downsizing extended to the residential density; by mid-2023, the number of units was reduced from 41 to just 26 apartments. Despite these reductions, the building remains a 'pencil tower,' characterized by a striking height-to-width ratio of approximately 19:1. The final structure will house 139,168 square feet of residential space, with units averaging roughly 3,200 square feet.

The project has not been without controversy. Critics have pointed to the building's impact on the city's skyline, noting that it obstructs views of the Empire State Building from several locations south of 28th Street, including much of Madison Square Park. Furthermore, the design by the Russian firm Meganom has faced scrutiny, with some commentators even comparing its aesthetic to an Eberhard Faber pencil. These debates have fueled broader discussions regarding New York's zoning laws and the regulation of high-rise construction.

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