The Lexington (Liverpool)

The Lexington is a 35-storey residential building under construction at Princes Dock in Liverpool, England. Part of the larger Liverpool Waters re-generation project, it is expected to be completed in 2021. Estimated to cost £90 million, the "New York style" building will include 325 apartments, a sky lounge, gym and rooftop garden.[2] Upon completion, it will become the third tallest building in Liverpool at 112.5 m (369 ft).[3]

Concept image
General information
StatusUnder Construction
TypeResidential
Architectural styleInternational
LocationLiverpool, England
Coordinates53.4100463°N 2.9986001°W / 53.4100463; -2.9986001
Construction startedNovember 2018
Topped-outAugust 2020
Completed2021
Cost£90,000,000
Height
Roof112.5 m (369 ft)
Technical details
Floor count35
Floor area27,430 m2 (295,300 sq ft)[1]
Design and construction
ArchitectFalconer Chester Hall
DeveloperMODA
Main contractorBeijing Construction Engineering Group

Timeline

In 2015, Peel Holdings (owners of Prince's Dock) and developers MODA Living, agreed a deal for the latter to build a 40-storey residential tower at the site, as part of the Liverpool Waters development. It was to be known as "Princes Reach".[4]

In April 2016, the design proposal, by architects Falconer Chester Hall,[5] was revealed, now as a 34-storey building comprising 304 residential units; a public exhibition was held.[6] In September, planning permission was granted, with the scheme now under the name of "The Lexington".[7] However, in July 2017, amendments to the approved plans were submitted, most notably proposing to add an extra storey and an additional 21 units, raising the building height from 109 m to 112.5 m.[1] These changes were approved in February 2018.[8]

Chinese construction firm Beijing Construction Engineering Group (BCEG) were subsequently selected as the main contractor.[2] Construction ultimately began in November 2018.[9] The tower topped out in August 2020.[10]

Design

The shape of the Empire State Building and a Cunard Cruise Liner influenced the design.

The design was inspired by the historic transatlantic ties between Liverpool and New York City.[6] In recognition of this legacy, the emerging vision for the project was to create a building "paying homage to the slim stylish skyscrapers of New York."[1]

Buildings from both cities influenced the form of The Lexington; elevations of the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center and Liver Building as well as an old, iconic transportation link between the cities, a Cunard Cruise Liner, all contributed towards the architectural approach.[11] The proportionality and elegance of the Empire State Building was considered particularly appealing.

The architects' main observation was the commonality of a protrusion or "beacon" arising from the top and middle of the main body of each elevation referenced.[11] Thus it was decided such a feature would be the main design element of The Lexington, including a specific "lighting strategy" to "accentuate the presence of the beacon".[1]

The New York based modernist works of Mies van der Rohe, such as Lever House and the Seagram Building were also studied to determine the attributes needed for The Lexington to successfully echo the city's high-rises.[1]

Conclusions included the need for strong vertical lines in order to accentuate the elegance and slenderness of The Lexington, with a much weaker emphasis on horizontal elements. An "unfussy form" was also seen necessary to stress the building's vertically. Consequently, it was decided to use an aesthetic illusion to emphasise The Lexington's slimness by splitting the building, visually, into three distinct, narrower vertical sections with articulation of the bounding edges.[1]

New York influences also contributed to the final Americanised name for the building.[7]

Internally, the residential units are a mix of studio, 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom and 3 bedroom apartments. The main building is abutted by a car park which is topped by a roof terrace, forming part of the 15,000 sq ft of amenity space; also included is a gym, cinema room, 17th floor sky lounge, community dining and kitchen, cycle parking, and work space.[5][11]

Under construction:

References

  1. The Lexington S73 Amendments Supplementary Statement. Ove Arup & Partners Ltd. 17 July 2017. Retrieved 27 July 2020.
  2. Chinese firm to build £90m Liverpool rental tower. Construction Manager. 8 November 2018. Retrieved 26 July 2020.
  3. "Parameter Plan 006 Liverpool Waters Building Heights". Peel Holdings; Planit I.E. Limited. 25 April 2019. Retrieved 23 July 2020.
  4. ‘Exclusive’ residential tower to kick start Liverpool Waters scheme. YM Liverpool. 10 March 2015. Retrieved 26 July 2020.
  5. The Lexington to bring New York style living to Liverpool waterfront. Liverpool Express. 20 September 2016. 26 July 2020.
  6. Proposals unveiled for 34-storey waterfront tower. YM Liverpool. 11 April 2016. Retrieved 26 July 2020.
  7. New Princes Dock skyscraper could kickstart Liverpool Waters scheme. Liverpool Echo. 21 September 2016. Retrieved 26 July 2020.
  8. Details Page for Planning Application - 17F/2056. Liverpool City Council. Retrieved 27 July 2020.
  9. MODA BREAKS GROUND ON LANDMARK LIVERPOOL SCHEME. Insider Media Ltd. 8 November 2018. Retrieved 26 July 2020.
  10. The tallest tower on Liverpool’s waterfront. Moda Living. 25 August 2020. Retrieved 27 August 2020.
  11. PRINCES REACH PUBLIC EXHIBITION. Moda Living. April 2016. Retrieved 26 July 2020.
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