The Elusive East West | Options Studio ARC 408

Collaborators: Joao Eduardo Ribeiro & Alicia Colon

Elusive East-West is an awe-inspiring pair of mixed-use buildings designed with the idea of turning one block into two. This approach creates a skyline within the skyline resulting in endless breathtaking views.

In New York City’s SoHo district, the site resides on 6th Ave and Broome St. The block is shaped like a trapezoid tapering from west to east. The block’s angles created an opportunity to embrace the unique shape in the design. The buildings’ footprints occupy most of the site, with a slight setback on 6th Ave. The project is comprised of two buildings with varying heights. As you approach the block looking west from the corner of 6th Ave and Watts Street, there is a tower in the background and a shorter building in the foreground. The tower is Elusive East, and the office building is Elusive West. Between both buildings is carved a pedestrian alleyway. Both buildings share the same structural system on a 24’x24’ grid, with vertical core placements at the center of their plans. Reinforced concrete and steel beams act as the structure, while red terrazzo tile and windows frames made of black aluminum cover the facade.

Elusive West hosts commercial retail businesses on the ground and office spaces on the four levels above. Elusive East’s ground level boasts additional retail spaces and a restaurant. The residential tower’s amenities include a gymnasium on the 1st floor, storage units from the 2nd floor up until the 4th floor, and a communal lounge on the top floor. On the 5th level of the Eastern tower, residences occupy every subsequent floor with ranging apartment sizes from studios to 2 bedroom / 2 bathroom units. Elusive East’s tower stands 420 ft tall, with both buildings topped with glass paneling set back a few feet to give each additional depth.

Elusive East-West acts as a beacon of modernity in SoHo, enhancing the daily life of its residents and passersby. As New York City continues to redefine community these buildings offer a space to foster those valuable connections.