His buildings have risen in Tokyo, Milan, Shanghai and even Butwal, Nepal, but Tadao Ando, the Japanese architect lauded for his artistry and elegance, has never designed one in New York City — until now. At the corner of Elizabeth and Kenmare Streets at the edge of NoLIta, demolition work began in early March to make way for a seven-story condominium, Mr. Ando’s first stand-alone project in the city, although he has designed a restaurant (Morimoto in Chelsea) and residential interiors in Manhattan.
