540 Sixth Avenue broke ground back in December 2019, but the building's design has been pretty much hush up until now (h/t 6sqft). Developers Landsea Homes and DNA Development finally launched a teaser site, offering up a full view of the building's exterior and a hint at the lobby interiors.

The development now also has a name, Förena, the Swedish word for “unite.” The moniker signals the building’s location at the intersection of Greenwich Village, Union Square, and Chelsea.

Google Streetview October 2016

Those who are familiar with this prominent 14th Street and 6th Avenue corner will likely recall it by its bright yellow Moscot signage. The previous building housed not only one of the spectacles maker's retail outposts, but at different points in history, it was Merce Cunningham's first dance studio and a meeting place for the Gay Liberation Front.

Brdar / Morris Adjmi Architects

At 12 stories tall, the new building is relatively modest in height and its material palette is quite subdued. Stepped setbacks ("a modern crown,” the architect calls it) at the top of the structure add visual interest and provide outdoor terraces for a handful of residents.  

In all, Forena will offer 50 luxury condos, and retail at its base; the total square footage roughly 80,000, according to DNA Development's website.

The building topped out in October of 2020 and is on pace to wrap construction this year. Sales will launch soon with prices starting at $1.3 million for a one-bedroom. 

Down the line, residents will benefit from a number of transformations, including the Union Square Vision Plan, which should see some beautification and treatments spill onto the outer avenues. The condo also neighbors another shiny new build from ODA New York at 101 West 14th Street.