Comprising three occupied floors and approximately 23,000 square feet of above-grade retail with an additional 55,000 square feet of below-grade retail space, The Cubes was conceived as a Jewel Box icon to flank the western edge of the plaza. The glass and steel structure solidifies the plaza’s prominence as an active destination by surrounding the plaza, including below-grade, with spaces for retail, restaurants and rest.
The Cubes incorporates multiple outdoor spaces totaling 4,300 square feet. A palette of rich materials was employed for the plaza including large granite slab pavements and steps, stainless steel edging, and custom designed benches in granite and ipe hardwood. The introduction of moveable tables and chairs and the layout of benches create opportunities for socialization throughout.
The building employs a parti of several distinct rectilinear volumes shifted in relation to one another, which provides a contrast to the monolithic character of adjacent 3 Bryant Park while continuing the uniformity of its rectilinear grid. Positioned as a gateway to Times Square and functioning like an extension of Bryant Park, The Cubes and the plaza at 3 Bryant Park turn this stretch of 42nd Street from a throughway into a destination.
