Like neighboring building Astor Place Tower, the black glass building designed by Fumihiko Maki was controversial for its architectural style[1] and nicknamed "The Death Star" by locals.

[2] 51 Astor is a product of permission given to Cooper Union to allow development on its grounds despite being a non-profit.

[3] The developer, Edward J. Minskoff, hoped to gain tenants from the financial and technology sectors.

Others include St. John's University, Mail Online, Intuit, and a subsidiary of The Carlyle Group, Claren Road Asset Management.

[1] Both the style and the high prices the building asks for rent have been seen as eroding the neighborhood's character.