Dive Brief:

• The “world’s skinniest skyscraper” is on track to also become the tallest residential structure in the Western Hemisphere.

• JDS Development Group has begun work on the foundation of a 1,421-foot tower at 111 W. 57th St. in Manhattan, which will be 25 feet taller than 432 Park, which currently holds the tallest tower title.

• The 45-apartment “supertall” soon will be joined by a new 1,479-foot-tall Nordstrom Tower on the next block.

Dive Insight:

The 60-foot-wide tower is of great interest to industry observers, who are watching it for more than its stature. The developer has reportedly made the unprecedented decision to use an open shop for the 80-story structure, which would make it the tallest residential tower in the U.S. to be built without union labor. Union members have picketed the job site on and off for weeks in protest.