The transformation of Paramount Plaza in Manhattan reimagines monofunctional office towers as dynamic, mixed-use vertical communities, addressing the housing crisis and decline of traditional spaces.

The vision for the transformation of Paramount Plaza in Manhattan responds to the housing and office space crisis. This design reimagines office towers as mixed-use vertical communities, addressing both the decline of office space and the demand for affordable housing.

The shift to remote work has left New York City’s office vacancy rate at 20.2%, with projections estimating a 39% decline in office building values nationwide. CH+K sees this as an opportunity to convert these towers into hybrid living-working environments.

Built in the early 1970s, 1633 Broadway is a 48-story skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan. CH+K’s approach preserves the tower’s identity, including its dark glass façade, while introducing a loggia with a second glass skin for improved thermal performance. Inside, a reconfiguration replaces office floors with adaptable residential units and shared spaces, merging professional and domestic life.

Versatility defines the project. The core, columns, and façade remain, but internal partitions are designed for easy reconfiguration, ensuring adaptable floorplans. Shared lounges, workspaces, and meeting areas are accessible beyond office hours, fostering a dynamic, 24/7 community.

The design prioritizes circularity by repurposing materials: shredded carpets become acoustic insulation, doors are refinished and reused, and façade elements become kitchen partitions. Intelligent climate systems enhance sustainability while mitigating the urban heat island effect.

The vision for 1633 Broadway introduces a new typology for cities, where office buildings evolve into self-sufficient urban ecosystems.