At 685 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, a dramatic black-glass tower rises along Manhattan’s East Side near the United Nations and East River. Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Richard Meier and developed by Solow Building Company, the approximately 460-foot residential tower combines luxury rental apartments on its lower floors with privately owned condominiums above.
For buyers and renters researching new development Manhattan, luxury apartments Manhattan, or relatively recent new construction NYC, 685 First Avenue offers an unusual opportunity. Residents can experience Richard Meier-designed interiors, expansive East River views, integrated smart-home technology, and a substantial amenity package while remaining close to Midtown East.
685 First Avenue at a Glance
685 First Avenue was developed by Solow Building Company, the firm founded by Sheldon Solow, and designed by Richard Meier & Partners Architects.
Completed in 2018, the project is one of the most visually recognizable newer residential buildings along the East River because of its nearly monolithic black-glass exterior.
Building overview:
Address: 685 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Neighborhood: Murray Hill / Midtown East
Developer: Solow Building Company
Architect: Richard Meier & Partners Architects
Height: Approximately 460 feet
Stories: Approximately 42 to 43, depending on building records
Building type: Luxury rentals and condominiums
Original condominium offering: 148 residences
Rental residences: More than 400 apartments
Completion: 2018
Condo layouts: One to four bedrooms
Amenities: 70-foot lap pool, fitness center, lounges, private dining, screening room, children’s spaces and more
Parking: Underground motor court and garage
The building is also associated with the condominium name One United Nations Park, with the condo component commonly addressed as 695 First Avenue in sales databases.
Richard Meier Goes Black
685 First Avenue represents a striking departure from Richard Meier’s best-known architectural style.
Meier became internationally recognized for white modernist architecture, making the dark reflective facade at 685 First Avenue especially notable.
The building is wrapped in taut black glass, giving it a minimalist appearance when viewed from across the East River or surrounding Midtown streets.
A large architectural cutout near the upper portion of the tower visually separates the rental floors below from the condominium residences above.
Inside, the aesthetic changes dramatically.
Instead of continuing the dark exterior palette, residences use lighter materials and finishes to emphasize natural light. Floor-to-ceiling windows allow the skyline and river to become part of the interior experience.
For architecture-focused buyers comparing luxury apartments Manhattan, that contrast between the dark exterior and bright residences remains one of the property's most distinctive characteristics.
Condos Above, Luxury Rentals Below
685 First Avenue was conceived as a hybrid residential building.
The lower portion contains rental apartments, while the upper floors were developed as condominiums.
The original development plan called for 148 condominium residences, primarily occupying the upper 16 floors, along with more than 400 rental residences below.
This creates two different ways to live in the building.
Renters can access the architecture, amenities, location, and services without purchasing property.
Buyers can own residences positioned on the higher floors, where views become a particularly important part of the value proposition.
For anyone searching for a new condo Midtown East NYC, the building can therefore be worth comparing with newer developments throughout Midtown East, Sutton Place, and Turtle Bay.
Inside the Condominium Residences
The condominium residences were designed to maximize East River and Manhattan skyline views.
Interiors feature white oak floors, high ceilings, large windows, and an intentionally restrained palette.
Kitchens include Calacatta Lincoln marble countertops, custom Italian cabinetry, Dornbracht fixtures, and integrated Gaggenau appliances.
Another major feature is integrated home automation.
The residences were designed with smart-home technology capable of controlling features such as:
Lighting
Motorized window shades
Temperature
Audio and visual systems
Climate settings
This technology was especially notable when the building launched and remains relevant to buyers who prioritize integrated home systems.
Certain duplex residences offer even more dramatic interiors, including ceilings reaching approximately 20 feet and custom staircases.
Amenities at 685 First Avenue
The amenity package reinforces the property's position within the Manhattan luxury market.
Residents have access to approximately 30,000 square feet of private amenities, with spaces focused on wellness, entertaining, recreation, and family life.
Amenities include:
70-foot indoor lap pool
Fitness center
Yoga studio
Private training facilities
Sauna and steam rooms
Residents’ lounge
Private dining room
Catering kitchen
Screening room
Billiards and game spaces
Children’s playroom
Bicycle storage
On-site parking
Underground motor court
Attended lobby and resident services
The indoor pool is particularly noteworthy because of its scale. At approximately 70 feet long, it provides a true lap-swimming experience rather than functioning primarily as a decorative amenity.
What Do 685 First Avenue Condos Cost?
When condominium sales originally launched in 2018, pricing began at approximately $1.495 million for one-bedroom residences.
Two-bedroom homes initially started around $2.875 million, while three-bedroom residences began around $4.86 million. A four-bedroom residence was marketed at approximately $8.1 million during the original sales period.
The market today is different because buyers may encounter resale inventory rather than only sponsor offerings.
As of August 2026, StreetEasy shows a two-bedroom, 2.5-bath residence asking $2.499 million.
That should be viewed as a current listing example rather than a fixed building price range.
Buyers searching for 685 First Avenue condos for sale should evaluate current listings against recorded sales, floor height, apartment size, condition, exposure, common charges, real estate taxes, and view quality.
Luxury Rentals at 685 First Avenue
The rental component remains active as well.
As of August 2026, StreetEasy shows available apartments including a studio at approximately $4,400 per month, one-bedroom residences around $4,950 to $5,000, and larger apartments at higher monthly rents.
Recent rental history shows substantial variation based on layout, floor, and size.
That makes 685 First Avenue particularly interesting for someone deciding whether to rent or buy in Midtown East.
Rather than comparing entirely different buildings, a prospective resident can potentially evaluate both ownership and rental options within the same development.
Living Near the United Nations and East River
Location is central to the property's appeal.
685 First Avenue sits close to the United Nations headquarters, Midtown East office district, Grand Central Terminal, and East River waterfront.
The building can be particularly convenient for residents working in Midtown, at the United Nations, or in nearby medical and professional institutions.
Grand Central provides access to the 4, 5, 6, 7, and S subway lines, Metro-North Railroad, and Long Island Rail Road service through Grand Central Madison.
The NYC Ferry at East 34th Street provides another transportation option along the East River.
Residents are also close to Tudor City, Murray Hill, Bryant Park, and the expanding Midtown East commercial district.
How 685 First Avenue Compares With Other Manhattan Neighborhoods
Buyers considering New York Real Estate often compare Midtown East with Chelsea, the West Village, Gramercy, Tribeca, SoHo, Hell's Kitchen, and the Upper West Side.
Each market offers something different.
Chelsea and the West Village provide stronger downtown lifestyle appeal. Tribeca and SoHo offer loft architecture and high-end downtown living. The Upper West Side combines major parks with a deeply established residential environment.
685 First Avenue's strengths are different.
It offers East River views, Midtown proximity, modern architecture, full-service amenities, and access to both rental and ownership opportunities.
For someone whose daily life is centered around Midtown East, Grand Central, or the United Nations, those practical advantages can be significant.
Why Buyers Should Consider 685 First Avenue
There are several reasons 685 First Avenue remains relevant even as newer developments enter the Manhattan market.
First is architecture. Richard Meier's black-glass skyscraper is unlike much of his other New York work.
Second is elevation. Condominium residences occupy the upper floors, allowing many owners to benefit from expansive views.
Third is technology. Integrated home automation gives the residences a feature that was particularly advanced when the project launched.
Fourth is the amenity package. A 70-foot pool, fitness and wellness facilities, entertaining spaces, and resident services create a full-service experience.
Finally, the building is established. Buyers can now evaluate actual resale history, building operations, monthly expenses, and completed amenities rather than purchasing based solely on renderings.
FAQ About 685 First Avenue
Where is 685 First Avenue?
685 First Avenue is located on Manhattan's East Side near the United Nations and East River, within the Murray Hill and Midtown East area.
Is 685 First Avenue a condo or rental building?
It is both. The building combines hundreds of luxury rental apartments on its lower floors with condominium residences on the upper floors.
Is One United Nations Park the same as 685 First Avenue?
The condominium portion is commonly marketed as One United Nations Park and is associated with 695 First Avenue, while the broader mixed rental and condo tower is widely identified as 685 First Avenue.
Who designed 685 First Avenue?
The tower was designed by Richard Meier & Partners Architects.
Who developed 685 First Avenue?
The property was developed by Solow Building Company.
When was 685 First Avenue completed?
The building was completed in 2018. For that reason, it technically predates a strict 2020 to 2025 new-development list, although it remains a relatively recent luxury residential tower.
How many condos are at 685 First Avenue?
The original offering called for 148 condominium residences on the upper floors. Public building databases can show slightly different current unit counts because of combinations or later building records.
Are 685 First Avenue condos for sale?
Yes. Resale inventory periodically becomes available. As of August 2026, StreetEasy shows a two-bedroom residence asking approximately $2.499 million.
What amenities does 685 First Avenue offer?
Amenities include a 70-foot lap pool, fitness and wellness facilities, residents’ lounges, private dining, a screening room, children's play space, bicycle storage, parking, and an underground motor court.
Does 685 First Avenue have East River views?
Yes. East River and Manhattan skyline views are among the building's defining features, particularly from the higher condominium floors.
Are apartments available for rent?
Yes. The lower portion of the building remains an active luxury rental property with studios and larger apartments available depending on current inventory.
A Modernist Landmark on Manhattan's East Side
685 First Avenue combines several unusual characteristics in one building: Richard Meier architecture, a dramatic black-glass facade, luxury rentals, privately owned condominiums, extensive amenities, smart-home technology, and elevated East River views.
Although completed in 2018 rather than during the 2020 to 2025 period, it remains relevant for buyers comparing new development Manhattan and relatively recent new construction NYC with properties in Sutton Place, Turtle Bay, Chelsea, the West Village, Gramercy, Tribeca, SoHo, Hell's Kitchen, and the Upper West Side.
For prospective buyers, the key is understanding how an individual residence compares on price, views, monthly carrying costs, layout, and resale history.
Michael A. Bhagwandin
Licensed Real Estate Salesperson | New York City
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