740 Eighth Avenue

The Torch
740 Eighth Avenue
Artist's impression
Interactive map of the The Torch
740 Eighth Avenue area
General information
StatusUnder construction
TypeHotel
Location740 8th Avenue, New York, NY 10036, U.S.
Coordinates40°45′34″N 73°59′16″W / 40.75944°N 73.98778°W / 40.75944; -73.98778
Construction started2022 (2022)
Estimated completion2027 (2027) (revised timeline pending)
Height
Height1,067 feet (325 m)
Technical details
Floor count52
Design and construction
ArchitectODA Architecture
DeveloperExtell Development Company
Other information
Number of rooms825

740 Eighth Avenue, also known as The Torch,[1] is a supertall hotel skyscraper under construction in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, designed by ODA Architecture. It is planned to reach a height of 1,067 feet (325.1 meters) and originally expected to be completed in 2027. Construction stalled as of March 2024,[2] but restarted in June 2025.[3]

Design and features

The 52-story, 1,067 ft (325 m)[4] building will incorporate a 260-foot drop tower and a 360 degree observation deck. The Torch's design, featuring a 500-foot spiraling glass structure at the top, is inspired by the Statue of Liberty's torch. Additional amenities include retail space, a restaurant, a VIP lounge, and a pool deck for hotel guests. Renderings showcase its prominent position in the Midtown skyline.[5]

Construction history

Initial proposals and construction work

The site of 740 Eighth Avenue has had several development proposals, including a moderately tall glass tower, and a slim, cylindrical supertall tower, both in the 2010s. The cylindrical tower was a concept named 265 West 45th Street and would have risen 1,312 feet (400 m) had it been built. [6][7]

The site underwent excavation starting in 2022, while foundation work commenced by 2023. Full-color renderings of The Torch were revealed in March 2024 by Extell.[8]

Construction stalls

Construction stalled in March 2024, and the New York City Department of Buildings confirmed no activity at the site during inspections in May 2024. While no official stop-work orders have been issued, the site faced legal and logistical issues, including lawsuits over unsafe conditions and unpaid services owed to subcontractors.[9] The project has also been embroiled in financial disputes, with Extell and its contractors reportedly owing over $2 million to Bronx-based CFS Steel Company for unpaid services. Despite the challenges, the foundation had been completed, and diagonal beams buttressed the retaining walls in preparation for resumed activity.[9]

Residents and businesses near the site, including the Playwright Celtic Pub, welcomed the pause in construction, citing relief from excessive noise and disruption. However, the incomplete state of the project continued to negatively impact the area's economy.[2]

Construction resumes

Construction restarted in June 2025.[3] The Torch rose above street level by July 2025 and has been rising steadily ever since.[10][11][12]

See also

References

  1. ^ Young, Michael; Pruznick, Matt (March 15, 2024). "Renderings Revealed For The Torch At 740 Eighth Avenue In Midtown, Manhattan". New York YIMBY. Retrieved June 6, 2024.
  2. ^ a b Allen, Dashiell (May 30, 2024). "Intermission at The Torch: Mega Hotel Construction Site Goes Quiet in Heart of Theater District". W42ST. Retrieved December 30, 2024.
  3. ^ a b Young, Michael; Pruznick, Matt (June 2, 2025). "The Torch Resumes Construction at 740 Eighth Avenue in Times Square, Manhattan". New York YIMBY. Retrieved June 2, 2025.
  4. ^ "740 8th Avenue - The Skyscraper Center". Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat – CTBUH. December 27, 2022. Retrieved April 18, 2025.
  5. ^ Jacobs, Karrie (July 18, 2023). "Times Square's New Thrill Ride Looks Like It Came From Las Vegas". Curbed. Retrieved March 30, 2024.
  6. ^ Wilson, Reid (August 27, 2014). "YIMBY Today: One57 Sibling Coming to 740 8th Avenue". New York YIMBY. Retrieved December 25, 2025.
  7. ^ Nelson, Andrew (March 5, 2018). "Conceptual Supertall Design Revealed For 265 West 45th Street, Midtown West". New York YIMBY. Retrieved December 25, 2025.
  8. ^ Savage, Catie (March 18, 2024). "The Torch: 1,067-Foot NYC Supertall with Hotel and Drop Ride Will Rise Above 8th Avenue". W42ST. Retrieved December 25, 2025.
  9. ^ a b Young, Michael; Pruznick, Matt (November 24, 2024). "Work Stalls on The Torch at 740 Eighth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan". New York YIMBY. Retrieved December 30, 2024.
  10. ^ Young, Michael; Pruznick, Matt (July 13, 2025). "The Torch Rises Above Street Level at 740 Eighth Avenue in Times Square, Manhattan". New York YIMBY. Retrieved December 25, 2025.
  11. ^ Young, Michael; Pruznick, Matt (August 18, 2025). "The Torch Begins Its Ascent at 740 Eighth Avenue in Times Square, Manhattan". New York YIMBY. Retrieved December 25, 2025.
  12. ^ Young, Michael; Pruznick, Matt (December 25, 2025). "The Torch Continues to Rise at 740 Eight Avenue in Times Square". New York YIMBY. Retrieved December 25, 2025.

Further reading

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