[6] The lot was one of three parcels purchased by Sheldon Solow (along with the former Consolidated Edison Waterside power plant on the east side of First Avenue from 38th to 41st streets) and was planned to be redeveloped as part of a seven-tower, $4 billion complex designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill.

[7] Solow sold the southwest corner of the lot in 2010 to the New York City School Construction Authority for $33.25 million, which was used to build P.S.

JDS executives were attracted to the lot in part due to the waterfront location and proximity to the United Nations and Langone Medical Center.

[11][12] The official name of the towers – The American Copper Buildings – was released in April 2016 as the property launched initial leasing efforts.

[16] JDS and Baupost entered into a contract to sell the property to investors Black Spruce Management and Orbach Affordable Housing Solutions in December 2021 for about $850 million.

[17][18] The high price has been interpreted as indicative of broader investor confidence in the recovery of New York City despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Pure copper exposed to rain grows a thin, dark-brown film that densens over time and lightens to a pale gray with blue-green hues, called verdigris (meaning green-grey in French), similar in color to celadon.

[23] The architect used the copper facade for texture and added variation by staggering the panels in patterns that emanate from the skybridge.

[24] The two towers are connected by a three-story skybridge on floors 27, 28, and 29, which includes a portion of the project's 60,000 square feet of amenities such as a 75-foot lap pool, and lounge for residents.

[28] Measuring 100 feet long, the skybridge is clad in glass that contains an aluminum mesh interlayer that reduces solar gain and gives the appearance from the exterior as an opaque material.

[29][30] Nearly twenty percent of the units in the two towers, or 160 apartments in total, are designated as affordable, with the remainder rented at market rate.

Lobby walls utilize stone instead of wood, and the buildings' copper covering begins approximately 20 feet (6.1 m) above the ground, preventing potential damage from high waters.