Gary Barnett Unveils 86-Story Supertall Vision for Manhattan’s Upper West Side

Gary Barnett’s Extell Development proposes a 1,198-foot supertall on the former ABC/Disney campus, featuring 430 apartments and 25K SF of commercial space.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 27, 2026, 6:48 AM EDT

Source: Bisnow

Project Scope: Residential Density and Commercial Integration

The proposed 86-story tower is set to deliver 430 apartments to a high-demand neighborhood known for its limited new development pipeline. According to the DOB Now portal, the development will include 25,000 SF of commercial space, primarily allocated for ground-floor restaurant and retail units, along with an integrated parking garage. Standing over 400 feet taller than any existing building in the immediate vicinity, the project leverages Extell's significant air rights holdings in the area to maximize vertical density on the Upper West Side.

Navigating Community Resistance and Celebrity Protests

The project has encountered stiff opposition from local residents and celebrity activists. Actor Tony Danza has emerged as a prominent voice against the development, leading protests centered on the potential five-year construction timeline and the shadows the tower will cast over Central Park. Community Board 7 and City Council Member Gale Brewer have also pressured Extell to increase its affordable housing commitment from the proposed 20% (121 units) to 30%, specifically requesting two-bedroom family units rather than the senior-focused studios Barnett has prioritized.

As-Right Zoning and Developer Leverage

Despite local friction, Extell maintains a strong legal position due to "as-right" zoning. These regulations would technically permit a tower as tall as 1,500 feet without requiring any affordable housing units or public approvals. Gary Barnett has used this leverage in community meetings, indicating that his proposal to include affordable senior housing is a voluntary compromise rather than a legal necessity. This "as-right" status effectively insulates the project from the city's complex Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP), allowing construction plans to move forward based on standard technical compliance.