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American Copper Buildings facts for kids

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American Copper Buildings
American Copper Buildings NY1 (cropped).jpg
View from East River, 2017
General information
Status Complete
Type Residential
Location 626 First Avenue
Kips Bay
Completed 2017
Management JDS Development
Largo Investments
Height
Roof 540 feet (160 m)
(West tower)
470 feet (140 m)
(East tower)
Technical details
Floor count 48
Floor area 824,000 square feet (76,600 m2)
Design and construction
Architect SHoP Architects

The American Copper Buildings are two tall residential buildings in New York City. They are located in the Murray Hill area of Manhattan. These buildings were designed by a company called SHoP Architects. They were built by JDS Development and Largo.

These buildings are special because they look like they are "dancing" together. They are also connected by a unique bridge high up in the air.

History of the American Copper Buildings

The land where the American Copper Buildings now stand used to be a large empty lot. It was once home to a power plant. After the plant was taken down, the land was cleaned up.

In 2013, the land was sold to JDS Development and Largo. Construction on the new buildings started in mid-2014. By mid-2015, the special copper outside of the buildings began to be added.

The two towers were almost finished by late 2015. The bridge connecting them started to be built in January 2016. The buildings officially opened for people to rent apartments in April 2017.

Design and Look of the Buildings

American Copper Building 9 October 2016
Under construction, 2016

The outside of the American Copper Buildings is covered in copper. This is a special metal that changes color over time. The copper will slowly turn a greenish-blue color, which is called a patina. This change makes the buildings look even more unique.

The two towers are designed to look like they are swaying or "dancing" with each other. One tower is taller, reaching 540 feet high. The other tower is 470 feet tall.

The Skybridge Connecting the Towers

A very cool feature of these buildings is the skybridge. It connects the two towers about 300 feet above the ground. This bridge has three levels.

The skybridge is not just for looks. It also has fun things for the people who live there. It is said to be the first bridge of its kind built in Manhattan in 80 years!

How the Buildings are Protected from Storms

The American Copper Buildings were built with strong protections against floods and bad weather. This is important because New York City can sometimes have big storms.

For example, if the power goes out during a storm, the buildings have five emergency generators. These generators can keep the elevators working. They can also provide power to refrigerators and one electrical outlet in each apartment for a long time.

Even the design helps protect the buildings. The walls in the lobby are made of stone, not wood, which is better if there's water. The copper covering on the outside starts about 20 feet above the ground. This helps prevent damage from high water levels.

What the Buildings are Used For

The American Copper Buildings are mainly for people to live in. There are 761 apartments available for rent.

Some of these apartments are "affordable units." This means they are offered at a lower price to help more people live in the city. The rest of the apartments are available at the regular market price.

Besides apartments, the buildings also have a small area for shops on the ground floor.

Fun Things to Do Inside: Amenities

The buildings offer many cool features for the people living there. The skybridge itself has a swimming pool and a lounge area.

Other fun things include:

  • A squash court
  • A gym with amazing views of the East River
  • Other special areas for residents to relax and have fun

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: American Copper Buildings para niños

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