New York skyscraper plans to be taller than One World Trade Center

The tallest New York building – One World Trade Center – may  face relegation following the decision by a developer to increase the size of his own skyscraper.

The World Trade Centre, currently the tallest building in New York Image by Jean-christophe Bruneau / CC BY 2.0

This new edifice on 57th St.’s so-called Billionaires’ Row, is set to rise to a staggering 1,785ft, making nine feet higher than One World Trade Center in a ‘Lord of the Skies’ battle.

The New York Daily news reports that Gary Barnett of Extell Development, will spearhead the project, at 217 W. 57th St. that will include a massive seven-floor Nordstrom department store on its lower levels.

One World Trade Center has been designated as New York’s tallest building by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat. This body would have to consider awarding the title to the development on 57^th St if that tower goes ahead as planned.

The 57th St. development is only one of a number of super-tall buildings being planned just south of Central Park. This had led to protests from Park advocates who claim such structures would cause long shadows over the park.