The Metropolitan Museum of Art began planning to rebuild its Modern and contemporary art wing in May 2014, the first comprehensive re-examination of the museum's layout in over 40 years. This acknowledgement from the Met represents a realization that the Modern and contemporary wing needs some attention. “It seemed a logical moment to really step back and think about the needs of the museum in the next 30 years,” said Thomas P. Campbell, the director of the Met. “It’s the Modern’s wing’s turn to get it right.”

For a few years, Houston-based property developer Hines had been working to secure permits and funding for Tower Verre, a residential high-rise designed by Jean Nouvel on 53 West 53rd Street. Today, it looks like the firm's plans are finally being actualized.