Excavation work is actively underway at 555 West 45th Street, marking the site of a new seven-story residential building in Manhattan’s vibrant Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood. This development, envisioned by S. Wieder Architect and brought to life by Chess Builders LLC, the same team behind the nearby 622 Eleventh Avenue project, is set to introduce 56 residential units to West 45th Street. The 53,307-square-foot structure will also feature a range of amenities located on the cellar level, enhancing the living experience for будущие residents. Positioned on an interior lot, the building sits conveniently between Tenth and Eleventh Avenues, placing it in the heart of this dynamic area.
Recent on-site photographs capture the current state of excavation at 555 West 45th Street. Sidewalk fencing encloses the property as crews continue to dig down, with the construction activity at Chess Builders’ 622 Eleventh Avenue project visible in the background, highlighting the developer’s ongoing investment in the neighborhood. Temporary wooden walls have been erected to retain the soil around the perimeter of the site, particularly along the southern edge. This preparation indicates that foundation work is on the cusp of commencing. Industry observers anticipate that below-grade construction will continue throughout the winter months, paving the way for the superstructure to begin its ascent in the spring of next year.
The image shows the excavation site at 555 West 45th Street, with temporary wooden supports and construction equipment visible, indicating ongoing progress on the new residential building.
A wider view of the 555 West 45th Street construction site, capturing the excavated area and surrounding urban context of Hell’s Kitchen, Manhattan.
Excavation work at the future 555 West 45th Street residential building, highlighting the depth of the dig and preparations for foundation laying.
Close-up of the excavated ground at 555 West 45th Street, showing the textures of the earth and the scale of the construction project in Hell’s Kitchen.
Construction site of 555 West 45th Street, with focus on the fencing and excavated area, set against the backdrop of other buildings in the West 45th Street vicinity.
The architectural rendering reveals a design that echoes the aesthetic of its sister project at 622 Eleventh Avenue. Notably, it employs a similar contrasting paneling scheme using both light and dark materials. The fenestration pattern is also reminiscent, featuring windows with chamfered upper corners. These design elements are strategically placed at the top story ends, down the central column, and along the ground floor, creating visual harmony between the two buildings. The entrance to 555 West 45th Street is designed as a striking two-story glass wall, centrally located within the main elevation. The building will be topped with a flat parapet, lined with glass and metal railings, suggesting the inclusion of a rooftop deck for residents to enjoy the cityscape.
Future residents of 555 West 45th Street can look forward to a selection of residential amenities, including convenient bicycle parking and recreational spaces within the building. For transportation, the development is well-situated for access to the subway system, with the A, C, and E trains reachable at the 42nd Street-Port Authority Bus Terminal station, located to the east of West 45th Street.
Property records indicate that Chess Builders LLC acquired the site for 555 West 45th Street from Extell Development in a transaction valued at $33.2 million. The anticipated completion date for 555 West 45th Street is currently projected for the winter of 2026, as indicated by on-site notices. This new development promises to be a significant addition to the residential landscape of West 45th Street and Hell’s Kitchen, offering modern living spaces in a prime Manhattan location.
