BXPs 343 Madison Ave. tower is going up

BXP’s 46-story, 343 Madison Ave.isn’t merely “planned” — it’s going up.Construction has reached the podium level of the KPF-designed tower between East 44th and 45th streets.

Yet coverage elsewhere continues to suggest the $2 billion project is merely on the drawing board, despite having nailed down a $1.2 billion construction loan a month ago.Marquee-name tenants have already been signed for about half of the building’s 930,000 square feet — insurance giant Starr and law firm McDermott Will & Schulte.Rents are said to be in the $200 per square foot range.The tower is due for completion in 2029.

With SL Green preparing to replace the old Brooks Brothers store with a new tower of its own, Madison at East 44th is going to be a busy, noisy corner for years to come.   ...