On Monday September 20, 2021, the new Turkevi Center was officially opened by Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the President of Turkey, and António Guterres, the UN Secretary General. The glass and mosaic tower rises 563 feet, creating a new Manhattan landmark overlooking the East River. Located across from the United Nations campus on First Avenue at 46th Street, the striking 35-story structure, designed by global architecture firm Perkins Eastman, features a dramatic six-story base wrapped in perforated stainless-steel evoking Turkish-inspired motifs. Above the platform, the building continues as a curved glass tower with a crescent top, as an homage to the country’s national symbol, a tulip.
The Turkevi Center is the new home to the Permanent Mission to The United Nations from the Republic of Turkey and the Consulate General offices. A massive auditorium and parking area are being constructed below-grade. Floors 20 to 35 provide diplomatic residences for members of the Permanent Mission and Consulate staff.
“Cresa has been proud to be provide the project leadership, from initial concepts to full occupancy,” said Michael Lomax, Cresa Principal. “This exciting building will serve the Turkish state for many years, contributing to the promotion of Turkey in the United States and the friendship of the nations.”
The Cresa project team was led by Michael Lomax and Len Eagle, as well as Phillip Infelise. In addition to Cresa and Perkins Eastman, the global team includes a joint venture of AECOM Tishman and multi-national Turkish-based construction firm IC Ictas.
