Proposals to construct a new observation deck on the upper floors of the Chrysler Building have arrived for review by the Landmarks Preservation Commission. As promised by Aby Rosen, co-founder of RFR Holding and part-owner of the Midtown East icon, these plans comprise just one phase of his vision to invigorate interior spaces of the landmark at 405 Lexington Avenue with new restaurants, a food hall, and retail spaces.
Designed by Gensler, the observation deck would be constructed on the 61st floor. The existing terraces at this level are located on both the north- and south-facing elevations. Proposed modifications include replacement of existing terrace doors with new power-operated entryways with widened frames to accommodate wheelchair access. The illustrations also reveal the installation of 13 glass panels spanning just over 51 feet wide at the edge of the terraces. Described as a glass screen, the panels will stand approximately seven feet tall and will align with the top of the terrace windows.
East-West View of existing terrace (left) and proposed glass screen (right) – RFR Holding; Gensler
North-South view of existing terrace (left) and proposed glass screen (right) – RFR Holding; Gensler
Existing double-hung windows on the 61st and 62nd floors will be replaced with single-lite hinged windows. The existing exterior trim, however, will not be altered.
Renderings of the proposed structure from several vantage points depict minimum visibility of the observation deck from street level.
Street view from third avenue, one block east – RFR Holding; Gensler
Street view from East 46th Street, three blocks north – RFR Holding; Gensler
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The structure will stand on its height for the ages, when you look into territorial sky; that brand on famous skyscrapers: Thank you.
What a nice surprise!
With all the observation decks, this one should have a swanky bar. Too bad you can’t go to the top.
Bravo!
Looking forward to my next NYC visit (when SAFE), and will add to must do list! Hope they do add a bar or cafe to this floor?
Looking up at the Chrysler Building will always beat looking out from the Chrysler Building.
I agree completely
Wait a minute. On the street view looking east right photo) what is that “piece” pushing out from the building’s wall? The other image (right photo) reveals vertical “silver walls” – changing the fenestration patterns, what are these? The Chrysler should be allowed to grow old gracefully and without these planned “tourist traps”.
Yeah, what is that sticking out??
It maybe supports for future scaffolding. The new owner may be planning to clean the stainless steel crown. It could use a bit of a clean and polish.
I was hoping they were going to restore the “Cloud Room” inside of the spire with the celestial murals and light fixtures, but at least this will bring a new vantage point which was previously inaccessible to the public.
Is that also going to be done non union. All work being done by RFR in the building and in other RFR buildings is being done non union.
Interested in seeing one day. I believe this job will take skill, imagination to make this work.
Van Alen was a genius! The Chrysler tower is a masterpiece of engineering and a pinnacle of Art Deco; a mysterious science fiction Oz -like Temple reflecting chakras in the 7 arcs.
It’s fantastic to hear of the opening! I might suggest a couple of things. A CloudClub upscale restaurant like Bar65/Rainbow room. An “observatory 72”, higher than the Rock for premium tour if not rented.