NEW YORK—Plans were unveiled this weekend for Swiss architecture firm Herzog & de Meuron's first high-rise tower, at 56 Leonard Street in New York's TriBeCa neighborhood. The 57-story residential building will house 145 condominiums, each with a unique floor plan and private outdoor space.

The design calls for cantilevers, slab edges, a profusion of balconies, and large expanses of glass. The architects have described the building as "houses stacked in the sky."

At the base of the high rise will be a sculpture by London-based artist Anish Kapoor. His first permanent public work in New York, the sculpture will be a large, reflective stainless-steel piece that looks as if it is supporting one corner of the building.

“We are extremely pleased and honored to be able to create a tower of true global character at a moment when great architectural ferment is reshaping New York City,” said developer Izak Senbahar of Alexico Group LLC. “With 56 Leonard we aspire to make a unique contribution to the fabric of our town with a building that relates directly to the city but is also an outstanding international address.”

Condos at 56 Leonard start at $3.5 million. Occupancy is expected in late fall 2010.