Hill West Architects has successfully brought to life the vision for 7 West 57^th Street, a new luxury residential building on one of New York City’s most prestigious blocks—Billionaire’s Row. Designed to complement the towering skyscrapers that surround it, the building stands out with a finely crafted, intimate presence, making an indelible mark on the skyline.

The project’s design faced a unique set of challenges due to the compact size and its proximity to the imposing 9 West 57^th Street. Rather than compete in scale, Hill West focused on creating a building that was whimsical and elegant.

“It made sense to Sheldon Solow because he owned this property directly adjacent to his flagship 9 West 57^th Street,” explains David West, partner at Hill West Architects. “He wanted a special building there to bookend his building, and he took a great deal of personal interest in it. That was a unique opportunity for us as architects to work with such a famous builder on a project that he really took personally.”

7 West 57th, New York, NY by Hill West Architects. Photo by Michael Young.

A standout feature of the building is its west-facing façade, which utilizes a customized glass cladding system. The Lamberts channel glass, provided by Bendheim, not only covers the necessary concrete shear wall but also enhances the structure’s sculptural, elegant qualities. The channel glass installed in this project is light weight but withstands high wind loads, adds texture and is perfect for backlighting.

To achieve the desired aesthetic and functionality, Bendheim worked closely with Hill West, utilizing its extensive design toolbox to create a customized channel glass clip system. This system was specifically developed to ensure both aesthetics and cost efficiency. The clips allow for easy and fast installation, along with field adjustability of up to a half inch in each direction.

“I remember speaking with Bendheim when we discussed the width of the glass channel and how we would achieve that,” adds Senior Associate at Hill West Architects, Mourad Berrouane. “We didn’t want to just put a flat glass cladding over the facade. We wanted a sense of translucency and depth.”

7 West 57th, New York, NY by Hill West Architects. Photo by Michael Young.

The building takes advantage of zoning regulations, which allowed for a subtle curve at the top of the building, further enhancing the visual appeal from every angle. The attention to detail in the design process—ranging from material selection to the building’s distinctive curvature—has resulted in a truly unique silhouette on one of the most coveted streets in New York City.

7 West 57^th Street is a testament to the vision, collaboration and craftsmanship of all involved. While the project faced many challenges, including the site’s small footprint and proximity to larger buildings, Hill West Architects and Bendheim have created a sophisticated, luxurious residence that offers a unique alternative to the surrounding towers of Billionaire’s Row.

As Salt Lake City celebrates its selection to host the 2034 Winter Olympic Games, the iconic Olympic cauldron, which once burned brightly during the 2002 games, has undergone a significant renovation. This revitalized landmark now features our decorative laminated glass, enhancing its beauty and safety.

Standing 72 feet tall and constructed with over 700 glass panels, the cauldron embodies a striking “fire and ice” motif, inspired by the themes of the 2002 Winter Olympics: “Light the Fire Within.” The cool hues of the ice-themed panels are a contrast to the flame ignited within the icicle burning at 900 degrees Fahrenheit. The project was spearheaded by Holdman Studios in coordination with Bendheim’s Mountain West representative, LTS.

Olympic Cauldron, Salt Lake City, UT by Holdman Studios. Photo by Beth Hockett.

“Holdman Studios reached out to us and said they were trying to replicate the glass from the original installation,” said Beth Hockett, lead representative at LTS. The renovation process involved removing the existing glass and structural elements and replacing them with the newly fabricated laminated glass accurately replicating the original pieces. Holdman Studios undertook the meticulous task of measuring, cutting and installing the glass pieces, utilizing advanced water jet technology to achieve precise shapes.

Our glass was selected not only for its beauty but also for its safety. The laminated glass ensures the glass if broken will remain in place rather than shattering and falling out. A crucial consideration for public installations.

“Tempered and annealed glass falls in pieces when broken,” said James Graham, Project Manager for Holdman Studios. “Laminated glass has a plastic inner layer that holds the glass together, so if anything breaks, it won’t fall and hurt somebody. That was the main purpose of using it on this project.”

Olympic Cauldron, Salt Lake City, UT by Holdman Studios. Photo by Holdman Studios.

The significance of the Olympic Cauldron extends beyond its physical presence; the cauldron has become a landmark in Salt Lake City, representing a proud Olympic legacy that continues to inspire community engagement and international tourism.

Although the last Olympic Games in Utah were held in 2002, the cauldron is still lit today during the University of Utah athletic contests at Rice-Eccles Stadium. The 2002 Games were particularly memorable, as they witnessed nine world records in speed skating, thanks to the low air resistance associated with Salt Lake’s high elevation.

As the 2034 Winter Olympics approach, the revitalized cauldron will stand at the heart of Olympic Park, inviting the public to interact with its new features, including an elevated cascading water feature. This iconic structure will remain a cherished part of Salt Lake City’s landscape for years to come.