56 Leonard (Connie Zhou for New York)

This week’s New York magazine looks at nine ambitious buildings that now look like they won’t get built—including two in Tribeca. One is 56 Leonard: Herzog & de Meuron had designed an off-kilter, 56-story column for the corner of Leonard and Church that got initial raves from The New York Times. Says New York, “Louise Sunshine, a real-estate consultant working with Alexico [the developer], says the project ‘is awaiting the completion of its financing.’ Meanwhile, construction is stalled and the developer admits the timeline has been changed.” The other is Five Franklin Place, designed by UNStudio/Ben van Berkel for Sleepy Hudson; the plans called for 20 stories on the one-block street that runs between Franklin and White, west of Broadway. “In December, the project was reported in default

Five Franklin Place

on its $28.3 million acquisition loan, and in March, the sales office closed.” Other downtown projects that are off the drawing board are WTC Tower 5 and 50 West Street. It’s an interesting article—the kind of thing New York does better than anyone else—but it’s a sad read. These buildings would’ve added real character.