The K Building: New York’s Unusual Copper Towers
From the Empire State Building or the banks of the East River, you'll spot an unusual building shaped like a "K". The K Building is a real curiosity...
An Original Building to See in New York
- Among the many new buildings that have risen in New York in recent years, one complex stands out for architecture lovers: the American Copper Buildings, now simply known as The Copper. These twin towers deserve a visit if you appreciate bold design.
- The two towers opened in 2017 in East Midtown, and their design is striking: one tower rises straight up while the other leans at an angle. A New Yorker I met along the East River told me locals call the complex the “K building” because of its K-shaped silhouette.
- The project was designed by the renowned New York architecture firm Shop Architects.
A Suspended Pool Between the Two Towers
- The American Copper Buildings stand 140 m (459 ft) tall on the East tower and 160 m (525 ft) on the West tower. Both towers contain only residential apartments. You can spot their distinctive silhouette from the Empire State Building observation deck or from the East River waterfront, especially from Gantry Plaza State Park.
- The K building has another unique feature: the bridge connecting the two structures houses a bar and a 23 m (75 ft) swimming pool. Unfortunately, only residents can use the pool. That won’t stop you from photographing this building from every angle, though.
- For the best photos, visit in the morning when sunlight hits the facade.
