Work is moving along steadily on Kohn Pedersen Fox’s One Vanderbilt, number three in YIMBY’s countdown of the tallest buildings under construction in New York City. Developed by SL Green, the 77-story, 1,401-foot-tall commercial office skyscraper is tallest structure in Midtown East and the tallest project realized so far in the Midtown East rezoning initiative. TD Bank is signed on as the anchor tenant of the 1.75-million-square-foot property, which is due to open in August of 2020.
One Vanderbilt before the partial spire removal. Photo by Michael Young
One Vanderbilt seen from the Financial District. Photo by Michael Young
One Vanderbilt after the partial spire removal. Photo by Michael Young
One Vanderbilt seen from Tribeca. Photo by Michael Young
One Vanderbilt seen from Tribeca. Photo by Michael Young
One Vanderbilt rose very rapidly, topping out in September after beginning its vertical ascent a little more than two years earlier. Recently, however, the building was temporarily un-topped as the upper half of its 100-foot-tall spire was disassembled, reportedly to allow the construction crane to more easily swivel about. The spire will likely not be restored to its full form until installation of the curtain wall is complete.
Tenant amenities within One Vanderbilt will include meeting rooms, a lounge, and an outdoor terrace. The project is also due to include an 11,000-square-foot restaurant from Daniel Boulud. The 1,000-foot-high public observatory, which is designed by Snohetta and managed by SL Green, is not scheduled to open until sometime in 2021. Photos from YIMBY’s recent tour of the crown offer an impression of the vistas to be had from the tower.
One Vanderbilt after the partial spire removal. Photo by Michael Young
One Vanderbilt after the partial spire removal. Photo by Michael Young
According to renderings from Visualhouse, One Vanderbilt’s crown will not feature the same terracotta-lined cladding as the rest of the tower, but will instead be encased in a plain glass façade and illuminated from within at night.
One Vanderbilt. Rendering by Visualhouse
One Vanderbilt at dusk. Rendering by Visualhouse
One Vanderbilt is preparing for the fast-approaching opening date of August 4, 2020.
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The worst thing about One Vanderbilt besides being just another boring glass tower is that you can no longer see the Chrysler Building when walking east on west 42cd street. When you saw Chrysler when walking east it was at the end of a long set of other glass buildings that all looked the same, but there was the Chrysler looking like something out of Buck Rogers, and you knew you were in New York City. No one will come to New York to admire One Vanderbilt, what is there to admire? Its glass? But they will pass it and perhaps glance at it on their way to admire and gaze at the Chrysler Building and Grand Central Station. Kevin L Bazur
I like 1Van, but I hate where they constructed it, its taken away from the beauty of our skyline; and has obstructed some of our most iconic buildings!
Temporarily un-topped?..funny/bizarre
I wish the crown and spire were taller. It would dwarf the ESB at around 1600 feet or more, and assume its rightful place as midtown’s new icon.
Alas.
I really hope that within 10 years or so midtown has several 1600 to 1800 foot tall skysrapers.
What a great tower and addition to the skyline!
I’m amazed how fast this tower has gone up! I was in NY for my first time in August 2017, and remember walking by the construction site, when it was below the roof of nearby Grand Central Station,
and you could see all the other buildings enjoying some afternoon “sunlight”! ? What a difference a couple years make!
As for ESB in the photos, yes One Vanderbilt will make a bold statement on the skyline, but one of the highlights of my visit, was going to the top of ESB! At almost 88 years old, SHE was quite impressive and believe will continue to age gracefully towards her 100th birthday celebration!
I can’t imagine how One Vanderbilt will fare in 88 years, in light of the current demo of 270 Park, which is just over half the age of ESB? Most of these glass towers will so common and dated in time.
Classics never go outta style…
Instead of a “spire,” why didn’t they just have the glass facade taper towards the pinnacle?
KLBazur, you are bizarre. The white terracotta banding is very striking and prominent. This is NOT just another glass tower. Its design actually makes many nods and references to Chrysler as well.
What an ugly pile of glass in the midst of all those elegant buildings around it, from the Helmsley and Chrysler, to ESB. Even the old PanAm looks personable and elegant compared to this pile. Just look at those photos posted above to see the monstrous contrast between the beauties and the beast. Ugghhhh.
Amazing that NYC is the only old major city that does not have a board of art to prevent this kind of vandalization of the city skyline and elegance. Paris does, as also London, Amsterdam (the old one!), Rome, Madrid….. No city of the prestige and historic nature of New York would have allowed for this eyesour in the heart of the city. Instead, it would do fine in the outer boros like in Long Island City, or even Jersey.