Five Times Square
A Beacon of Modernity & Commercialism in New York City’s Times Square!
1:30 min read
Five Times Square is an "ultra-modern, Class-A building" with eighteen passenger elevators. It soars 575ft into the Midtown skyline overlooking New York's iconic Times Square. Constructed in 2002 and designed by world-renowned architect KPF, Five Times Square was part of a series of giant commercial buildings built during Times Square's "Disneyfication" under then-mayor Rudy Giuliani in the late 1990s early 2000s. In August 2020, we were awarded a modernization contract by RXR Realty, the building owner. Alongside Schindler, the contractor, DTM, Inc., the consultant, we modernized all eighteen passenger car interiors that HOK architects designed. As part of a $50 million upgrade by RXR Realty, specifically the lobby and a new elevator connection to the subway line below, this Class-A building ensured no detail was overlooked in any of the upgrades, especially its elevator design.
“Five Times Square is a beacon of modernity and commercialism in New York City's most bustling part.”
Sleek, minimalist, and ultra-modern are perhaps the best way to describe the new elevator design at Five Times Square. As you step inside any of the elevators, it is almost like you are walking into a futuristic capsule because of the applied use of "Ghost Mirror," an opaque, acid-etched mirror manufactured by Depp Glass. These tall, glass wall panels help enhance the futuristic aesthetic. In contrast to these "cold" surfaces, we incorporated an acid-treated bronze within the elevator design, also known as statuary bronze. Its rich brown colors and pronounced nondirectional brush strokes help balance what could otherwise be considered a "sterile" interior. The statutory bronze is used on the fronts, reveals, bases, and doors. A finished interior, however, is nothing without a proper lighting design. Five Times Square features four "Flush" light panels by Backlight. The lights surround the white powder-coated drop ceiling to create a modern halo effect that elegantly reflects against the "Ghost Mirror."
“As you step inside any of the elevators, it is almost like you are walking into a futuristic capsule”
Five Times Square is a beacon of modernity and commercialism in New York City's most bustling part. Our goal was to help manufacture and install these contemporary elevator cab interiors that feel both iconic and futuristic. With the help of top industry experts and architects, we were able to do so!
