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56 Leonard Street

Known as the Jenga Tower, 56 Leonard Street is a striking 821-foot residential skyscraper in Tribeca, designed by Herzog & de Meuron to challenge the uniformity of modern high-rises.

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56 Leonard Street
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What is 56 Leonard Street known for?

It is a luxury residential skyscraper in Tribeca, Manhattan, commonly nicknamed the Jenga Building or Jenga Tower due to its stacked, irregularly offset floors.

Who designed the building?

The building was designed by the Swiss architecture firm Herzog & de Meuron.

How tall is 56 Leonard Street?

The tower is 821 feet (250 meters) tall.

What are the architectural features of the tower?

The building is composed of staggered irregular boxes with cantilevers ranging from 10 to 25 feet. It uses materials such as exposed concrete, window walls, satin-etched glass, and natural solid woods.

What amenities does the building offer?

Amenities include a 75-foot infinity-edge lap pool, a fitness center, yoga studio, library lounge, indoor/outdoor theater, conference center, and an outdoor sundeck with a hot tub.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Standing as the tallest structure in Tribeca, 56 Leonard Street is a masterclass in contemporary architecture. Completed in 2017, this 821-foot skyscraper was designed by the Swiss firm Herzog & de Meuron to serve as a contradiction to the anonymity and repetition often found in residential tower design. The building is composed of a staggered series of irregular boxes, with cantilevers ranging from 10 to 25 feet, which creates the illusion of a giant stack of individual rooms. Colloquially known as the Jenga Building or Jenga Tower, the structure rises 57 to 60 stories high. Its unique facade uses a combination of exposed concrete, window walls, satin-etched glass, and finished concrete columns to emphasize its offset floors. This design approach was intended to make each apartment within the blocks feel unique and identifiable, rather than a uniform unit in a massive complex. Inside, the tower houses approximately 145 to 146 luxury residences. The building's scale is further emphasized by its 482,000 square feet of space. For the residents, the tower provides high-end amenities, including a 75-foot infinity-edge lap pool, a yoga studio, a fitness center, and an indoor/outdoor theater. The project was commissioned by the Alexico Group and developed over several phases between 2006 and 2017. It has since become one of the most recognizable residential towers in Lower Manhattan and a defining piece of modern architecture in the neighborhood.

Visitor tips

  • Look up to appreciate the varying floor slabs and cantilevers that create the 'Jenga' look.
  • The building is located in the heart of Tribeca, so explore the surrounding cobblestone streets.
  • Allow about 15 minutes to walk around the base to see how the offset boxes shift from different angles.

Nearby context

Located on Leonard Street in the Tribeca neighborhood of Manhattan, 56 Leonard Street dominates the local skyline. Its modern, staggered design contrasts sharply with the historic industrial architecture typical of the area.

Sources

Evidence and links