The 32-story consulate tower for the Republic of Turkey, years in the making, is moving forward in Midtown East.
Called the Turkevi Center, the 200,000-square-foot building will house the country’s mission, consulate and residences at 821 United Nations Plaza, according to architectural firm Perkins Eastman, which is now designing the project and released renderings.
The curving facade of the glass tower was inspired in part by the Turkish crescent, according to the firm. Perkins Eastman said the building will feature “prominent loggias” — open-roofed galleries that overlook open space — on the upper floors.
Construction will start on the building at the corner of 46th Street and First Avenue later this year and is expected to be completed in 2018, Curbed reported.
The consulate will also have passport and visa branch offices, a fitness center, an auditorium, a multi-purpose prayer room, underground parking and conference rooms, according to the press release.
Perkins Eastman was chosen for the project, first announced in 2012, in October, according to 6sqft.
The Republic of Turkey bought the small five-story rental building at 342 East 46th Street for $5.1 million in September 2011 and owns various buildings on the East Side. [Curbed] — Dusica Sue Malesevic