Detailed architectural renderings have been unveiled for a major expansion and luxury residential conversion of 809 Madison Avenue, a 12-story building located in Manhattan's prestigious Upper East Side. The ambitious project, designed by the renowned Robert A. M. Stern Architects and developed by Harry Macklowe of Macklowe Properties in partnership with SK Development, will transform the existing structure into an exclusive residential tower featuring spacious single-floor condominium units.
The comprehensive renovation plans include adding three additional floors above the current roofline, bringing the total height of the structure to 159 feet and 15 stories. The building will undergo a complete interior renovation to create luxury condominium units averaging 4,000 square feet each. Additionally, the structure will be expanded horizontally on its eastern side and will receive new, larger windows throughout to enhance natural light and modernize its appearance.
The crown jewel of the development will be a spectacular penthouse located on the roof level, featuring a sprawling 1,500-square-foot private terrace that will offer residents exceptional outdoor space in the heart of Manhattan. SLCE Architects serves as the architect of record for this high-profile project, which sits at the prominent corner of Madison Avenue and East 68th Street.
The newly released renderings provide detailed comparisons between the current 12-story structure and the proposed 15-story building upon completion. Street-level perspectives looking north and west showcase the renovated brick facade on the southern elevation, which will be updated to match the street-facing cladding. The eastern horizontal expansion will rise from the building's existing two-story base, while the tiered configuration of the three-story roof addition will feature elegant stone cornices and railings.
Detailed elevation diagrams reveal significant changes to the building's northern facade, including the removal of two water towers and a mechanical bulkhead to accommodate the three new floors. The eastern expansion will feature a distinctive stack of balconies lined with sleek dark metal railings, while the main western profile will showcase a stepped arrangement of the new stories and an enlarged window grid running down the center of the building. The ground-floor retail frontage will remain largely unchanged.
The developers acquired the building, which had been sitting vacant for approximately three years, in a $49 million transaction from Churchill Real Estate. The deal was brokered by Avison Young's Alexandra Marolda, Brent Glodowski, and Eric Karmitz representing the seller. The previous owner had purchased 809 Madison Avenue in 2019 for $55 million and subsequently sold the retail portion of the property to the Jackson Group for $9 million in 2024.
Financing for the project has been secured through multiple sources, with a construction loan provided by Infinite Global Partners, led by former Silverstein Properties CEO Marty Burger, and Related Funds. Sculptor Capital Management and Circle Property Partners are providing preferred equity financing. Michael Campbell of the Carlton Group successfully arranged the comprehensive financing package.
A crucial milestone for the project was achieved when the proposed exterior modifications and expansion received approval from the Landmarks Preservation Commission, a mandatory requirement given the property's location within the Upper East Side Historic District. Harry Macklowe plans to utilize air rights to legally expand the structure while maintaining compliance with historic preservation guidelines.
The building benefits from excellent transportation access, with the closest subway connection being the 6 train at the 68th Street-Hunter College station, located just two avenues to the east. This prime location ensures residents will have convenient access to Manhattan's extensive public transportation network.
While the project has gained significant momentum with approvals and financing in place, developers have not yet announced a specific construction timeline or the total number of residential units that will be created at 809 Madison Avenue. The luxury development represents a significant addition to the Upper East Side's high-end residential market.
