The Torch supertall skyscraper to include thrill ride above Manhattan

Construction has been restarted on a New York supertall skyscraper at 740 Eighth Avenue, designed by studios ODA and SLCE with a spiralling torch at its crown that may hold an above-city thrill ride.

Called the Torch, the concept designs for the 740 Eighth Avenue hotel skyscraper, developed by Extell, were released in a book on ODA published by Rizzoli last year.

According to website YIMBY, work has now restarted on the skyscraper on 8th Avenue, in Midtown's Theatre District.

Although official renders have not been released, Wikipedia user CrossingLights has created renders of the skyscraper based on the planning documents.

The skyscraper will feature an art-deco-like base with three intersecting vertical volumes extending and stepped back from a podium that wraps around preexisting mid-rise structures.

At its top it narrows into a thin volume supporting a spiralling crown that gives the upcoming skyscraper its name.

According to ODA the structure's top was informed by the design of the Statue of Liberty and given the relatively low skyline of the Theatre District it will become a landmark on the city's skyline.

"Inspired by the iconic tops of the city's most famous buildings, the Torch makes a bold statement while adding to the city's skyline," said the studio in the Rizzoli book.

The Torch aspect will serve as an observation deck and also hold a ride described by ODA as a "one-of-a-kind experience, amusement park style, giant drop ride that slowly ascends 300 feet in glass tubes before releasing to a free fall".

Observation decks have become a relatively common phenomenon in recent years, as seen in towers like KPF's One Vanderbilt, due to their extreme profitability.

As of May 2025, permits for the 51-storey skyscraper were renewed.

According to a 2022 document, permits for the amusement park ride have passed through the borough commissioner's office, though these have faced opposition from other community members and government personnel.

Dezeen reached out to ODA, which declined to comment at the time of writing.

The Torch follows a slate of new entertainment schemes embedded in the city's skyscraper hotel model. Currently, a series of schemes, including designs by BIG and CetraRuddy, are competing to create casino skyscrapers in the city.

The imagery is by CrossingLights via Wikimedia

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