One of the most architecturally inventive new development Manhattan has seen in Midtown East is now nearing the finish line. Located at 126 East 57th Street, New York, NY 10022, The Malabar Residences is a 28-story, 145-unit condominium tower designed by ODA Architecture and developed by MRR Development. Spanning the full width of a city block between East 56th and East 57th Streets, the building stands out for its pixelated cast-in-place concrete facade, its private outdoor terraces on nearly every unit, and a layered amenity program unlike anything else in new construction NYC on this corridor. As a licensed real estate salesperson serving buyers, investors, and renters across Manhattan, including Chelsea, the West Village, Gramercy, Tribeca, SoHo, Hell's Kitchen, and the Upper West Side, I am breaking down everything you need to know about this fresh arrival to Midtown East.
Building Overview
The Malabar Residences totals approximately 175,000 square feet across 28 stories and 145 condominium homes. The building was designed by ODA Architecture, led by founder and Executive Director Eran Chen, who described the project as bringing "a human scale, playfulness and visual interest to this upscale corridor of 57th Street." That design philosophy is visible throughout: the concrete facade steps in and out in projections and recesses that create a pixelated, almost textural effect from the street, while giving the majority of homes a private outdoor terrace without a conventional glass curtain wall.
The residential entrance on East 57th Street draws residents through a copper mirrored gateway into a six-story atrium with views into a lushly landscaped courtyard. A gallery corridor connects this entry sequence to the main lobby and the 28-story tower above. A second entrance on East 56th Street provides porte-cochere access for car drop-off, giving residents two distinct and private arrival experiences.
Sales are led by Douglas Elliman, and the building is currently nearing completion, with closings anticipated in 2026.
Address and Neighborhood Context
Sitting at 126 East 57th Street, The Malabar occupies one of Midtown East's most transit-rich and culturally active corridors, two blocks south of the Lexington Avenue-59th Street subway station, served by the 4, 5, 6, N, R, and W trains. Fifth Avenue shopping, Bloomingdale's, the Plaza Hotel, Central Park, and some of Manhattan's best restaurants are all within a short walk.
For buyers comparing new condo Midtown East NYC options, The Malabar offers a distinct value proposition relative to the supertall towers further west on Billionaires' Row. Rather than competing on sheer height or penthouse pricing at the stratospheric end of the market, this building targets design-forward buyers and young professionals who want a meaningful architectural address, private outdoor space, and a full amenity building at a price range that opens the conversation at 1.4 million dollars. That accessibility, combined with ODA's design credentials, makes it one of the more interesting luxury apartments Manhattan has produced in Midtown East in recent years.
Developer and Architect
The Malabar was developed by MRR Development, led by Rotem Rosen, who secured a 200 million dollar construction loan for the project in 2026. Architecture is by ODA Architecture, the New York based firm known for its sculptural, community-driven residential designs. ODA's portfolio includes some of the most recognized design-forward residential buildings in Brooklyn and Manhattan, and The Malabar continues that lineage with its distinctive concrete facade and courtyard-centered planning.
Number of Units and Price Range
The Malabar contains 145 residences in studio through three-bedroom configurations. Over two-thirds of all units include private outdoor space, in the form of balconies, loggias, terraces, or penthouse roof decks, which is an unusually high proportion for a new development Manhattan tower of this size.
Pricing breaks down as follows.
Studios averaging 557 square feet: from approximately $1.48M to $2.27M
One-bedrooms averaging 733 square feet: from approximately $1.93M to $2.51M
Two-bedrooms averaging 1,276 square feet: from approximately $3.73M to $4.66M
Three-bedrooms and penthouses: from approximately $5.5M to $12.5M
All residences feature hardwood floors, natural material finishes, kitchens with Taj Mahal quartzite countertops and high-end appliances, bathrooms with luxury fixtures, and in-unit washer/dryers. Buyers interested in The Malabar condos for sale should connect with an agent now, as inventory at this price point in Midtown East attracts strong interest from both end users and investors.
Amenities
ODA designed The Malabar's amenity program to create what the firm describes as an ecosystem of interconnected and intimate spaces throughout the building, giving residents multiple distinct environments to relax and gather rather than one large shared room.
Wellness and Recreation
Indoor swimming pool and spa pool
Fitness center overlooking the pool
Private indoor basketball court
Steam room and sauna
Outdoor Spaces
Lushly landscaped courtyard visible from the six-story atrium
Fourth-floor amenity terrace
Rooftop terrace with grill and garden
Lifestyle and Entertaining
Event lounge with a demonstration kitchen
Multiple resident lounges throughout the building
Children's playroom
Arrival and Convenience
Copper mirrored gateway and six-story atrium entry on East 57th Street
Porte-cochere on East 56th Street for private car drop-off
Bike room and two lower-level retail spaces
This depth of amenity programming across a 28-story building of 145 homes is one of the clearest signals that The Malabar was designed with community in mind, not just square footage.
Why a Buyer Should Consider The Malabar
For buyers and investors evaluating new development Manhattan opportunities in Midtown East, The Malabar Residences stands out for several reasons. First, the pricing is genuinely accessible relative to many of its neighbors on the 57th Street corridor, starting in the low millions rather than the tens of millions. Second, the outdoor terrace offering is exceptional: over two-thirds of all units have private outdoor space, which is rare at this price point and location. Third, ODA's design brings real architectural ambition to a neighborhood that has historically been dominated by glass towers and hotel conversions.
The building also benefits from strong transit connectivity, proximity to some of Manhattan's best shopping and dining, and the ongoing transformation of Midtown East into a true residential destination. For buyers comparing this address against other new construction NYC options in Chelsea, the Upper West Side, or further east, The Malabar makes a strong case for Midtown East as a place to live rather than just work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is The Malabar located? The building is at 126 East 57th Street, New York, NY 10022, in Midtown East Manhattan, spanning the full block between East 56th and East 57th Streets.
Who developed The Malabar? The building was developed by MRR Development, led by Rotem Rosen, with architecture by ODA Architecture.
Who is the architect of The Malabar? ODA Architecture, founded and led by Eran Chen, designed the building. ODA is known for its sculptural, design-forward residential towers across New York City.
How many units does The Malabar have? The building has 145 residences in studio to three-bedroom layouts.
What is the price range at The Malabar? Pricing starts at approximately $1.48M for studios and reaches $12.5M for three-bedroom penthouses, with two-thirds of all units offering private outdoor space.
When will The Malabar be completed? The building is nearing completion as of 2026, with closings anticipated this year.
What amenities does The Malabar offer? Residents have access to an indoor pool, spa, fitness center, indoor basketball court, steam room, sauna, multiple lounges, a demonstration kitchen, rooftop terrace, courtyard, children's playroom, and a private porte-cochere entrance.
Is The Malabar a good investment? Its accessible price entry, private outdoor terraces on most units, strong Midtown East transit access, and ODA's architectural pedigree make it a compelling option for both end users and investors looking at new development Manhattan opportunities in 2025 and 2026.
Work With Michael A. Bhagwandin
If you are exploring new development Manhattan options, including The Malabar Residences or other luxury apartments Manhattan and new condo NYC opportunities in Chelsea, the West Village, Gramercy, Tribeca, SoHo, Hell's Kitchen, or the Upper West Side, I can help you navigate pricing, availability, and the buying process from start to finish.
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