Meet The Torch: The Thrilling New Skyscraper Changing Manhattan’s Skyline

The Torch - Rendering by ODA New York.

By Colin O'Leary

The Torch is set to become a true game‑changer for the Manhattan skyline, blending bold architecture, entertainment, and hospitality in a way the city has never seen before. Rising at 740 Eighth Avenue on the edge of Times Square and Hell’s Kitchen, this striking 52‑story, 1,067‑foot‑tall mixed‑use tower from developer Extell and visionary architects ODA is already turning heads as construction moves above street level. Once complete, The Torch will feature an 825‑room hotel, ground‑floor retail, an upscale restaurant, VIP lounge, a scenic pool deck, and one of its most headline‑grabbing elements: a public observation deck paired with a thrilling transparent drop ride built right into its vertical core.

Construction reached an exciting milestone this summer as the reinforced‑concrete superstructure began to climb. With subsurface work complete, steel‑reinforced columns and core walls have now risen, and second‑floor formwork is taking shape. A mobile crane currently supports progress from West 47th Street until a full tower crane is in place. While an exact topping‑out timeline hasn’t been announced, the steady pace suggests the building could be delivered around 2027.

The design itself draws inspiration from the Statue of Liberty’s flame, crowned by a striking 500‑foot spiral of pleated glass that will glow as a dramatic beacon after dark. Green walls and sculptural cutouts bring visual depth to the sleek façade, giving the tower an identity that feels both contemporary and iconic. Visitors to the observation deck will ascend a glass‑clad staircase before stepping out into cantilevered glass boxes, offering breathtaking views of Central Park, the Hudson River, and beyond. And for thrill‑seekers, the 300‑foot‑tall transparent drop ride designed by Intamin will deliver a heart‑racing 90‑second plunge right through the center of the building.

More than just another skyscraper, The Torch embodies a new wave of experience‑driven architecture that fuses tourism, entertainment, and design in the heart of Manhattan’s busiest district. Once complete, it will stand as one of the tallest hotel towers in New York City—and one of the most unique, offering locals and visitors a new way to experience the city skyline.

If you’re curious about new projects like The Torch—or need expert guidance on buying, selling, or renting in NYC—contact the Big City Team at 646‑300‑2012. We’re here to help you navigate the ever‑evolving real estate market in Manhattan and beyond!

(Original reporting and construction update source: New York YIMBY)